4 multitools, 3 flashlights, 2 walking sticks and a Darth Vader electronic Bop It toy

Scouts with the Auburn firefighters who received their annual toy drive donations.

With the troop’s upcoming 10th Birthday Celebration and Reunion later in the week, Scouts and leaders turned the troop’s Monday, Dec. 12 weekly meeting into its annual “Dirty Santa” gift exchange and toy donation drive. Typically, the holiday activities are part of its December court of honor, which this year was combined with the troop's Dec. 15 birthday and reunion events.

After unwrapping five gifts, Will finally got
to keep his final one, which was a walking
stick.

The troop first gathered around wrapped gifts for the troop’s customary game of “Dirty Santa,” which, as you would expect, included numerous camping tools and gadgets like flashlights, pocket knives, and first-aid kits. When all was said and done, the final count included (which you must read to the tune of “The 12 Days of Christmas”) four multitools, three flashlights, two walking sticks, and (one of the more uncommon gifts) a Darth Vader electronic Bop It toy. “Dirty Santa” honors go to Will, who with five stolen gifts, earned the title of “Most Stolen From”—not to mention “The Only Scout Whose Brother Stole from Him.”

In honor of the Christmas season, and in keeping with the troop’s tradition established at its first Christmas Party in 2012, troop families donated toys to the City of Auburn’s Department of Public Safety’s annual toy drive. Gifts included sports equipment and children’s games. Scouts and leaders made the one-mile-round-trip trek from First Presbyterian Church to Auburn Fire Station No. 1 to present their donations.

For more photos from the troop’s annual Christmas Party, visit the troop’s online photo album.