June court of honor marks transition to summer, fall activities

The troop’s traditional June court of honor marks the end of the troop’s school-year calendar, its transition to summertime activities, and its break before hitting the ground running with its usual, action-packed fall schedule.

The spring court of honor on Monday, June 6 celebrated the advancement success of 10 of its Scouts who earned new merit badges, advanced in rank, or both. In addition to the 19 merit badges presented Monday evening, six Scouts advanced in rank—including two who attained the Eagle Scout rank in May and will be honored during ceremonies later in the year.

While Eagle-required merit badges like the series of Citizenship merit badges and Cooking Merit Badge frequently top the list of those presented at courts of honor, this spring’s ceremony included the likes of elective merit badges like Aviation and Bird Study merit badges. Tyson was also recognized for earning the World Conservation Award.

The pre-summer camp court of honor also marks the biannual transition of elected and appointed youth leaders. Those Scouts installed in their respective positions and who will serve the troop during the second half of the year included:

Leadership Corp

Senior Patrol Leader: Rhett

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader: Harrison M.
Lead Instructor: James
Lead Troop Guide: Jake
Troop Quartermaster: Johnson

Outdoor Ethics Guide: George

Ice Knights Patrol

Patrol Leader: Jackson

Assistant Patrol Leader: William D.

Quartermaster: Harrison P.

Savage Cabbage Patrol

Patrol Leader: Dillon

Assistant Patrol Leader: Jacob

Quartermaster: Cooper

The June 6 court of honor is the troop’s final Monday-night activity for the summer. Summertime activities will include summer camp at Camp Sequoyah in Delta, Alabama, from June 19-25. Scouts and families will enjoy some social time during the annual “Chill at the Lake” event on Saturday, July 16.

The troop will resume its regular schedule in August in conjunction with the start of the K-12 school year.

‘We all scream for ice cream’ … and awards!

Troop 50 Scouts and their families gathered at the Camden Ridge neighborhood pool on Sunday, Sept. 26 for a fully stocked ice cream sundae bar and swimming—and to celebrate Scouts’ efforts toward earning merit badges and advancing in rank.

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Olen (right) congratulates Harrison (left) for earning the Star rank.

In all, the troop awarded 59 merit badges and recognized four Scouts—including two new Eagle Scouts—who advanced in rank. Most of the advancements presented were a result of work completed over the summer while Scouts attended Camp Sequoyah.

One of the troop’s newest Scouts, Reed (left) earned Art and First Aid merit badges
in addition to completing his Firem’n Chit and Totin’ Chip at summer camp.

As expected, Eagle-required merit badges were popular among those awarded. First Aid Merit Badge topped the list, followed by Environmental Science, Communication and Cooking merit badges. Scouts who attended summer camp took the opportunity to earn popular summertime elective merit badges like Archery, Small-Boat Sailing and Canoeing. Among the less-common ones presented were Metalwork, Painting, Pottery and Sculpture merit badges.

Scoutmaster Andrew Baird celebrated Scouts’ other summertime accomplishments. At summer camp, the troop earned first place in the weekly Campsite Inspection Competition and received the Commissioner’s Spirit Award. It also placed second in the camp’s water carnival. He also singled out Beck and Dillon for completing the Mile Swim. In fact, Dillon was the youngest camper to complete the feat the week the troop attended Camp Sequoyah.

Jake (left) and Rhett (right) with Scoutmaster Baird proudly displaying the 50-miler Awards
they earned canoeing Northern Tier.

He also presented Jake and Rhett, who attended the Northern Tier High Adventure Base with 50-miler Awards. These recognize Scouts and leaders who cover 50 consecutive miles by foot, canoe or boat over a period of five or more days.

For more photos from the court of honor, visit the troop’s online photo album.

Troop kicks off new Scouting year with ‘what-we-did-this-summer’ presentations

Troop 50 gathered at its outdoor meeting location at the Mary Olive Thomas Demonstration Forest on Aug. 23 for its first Monday night meeting of the 2021-22 Scouting year. Updates on how troop members spent the summer in various Scouting activities were the highlight of the evening. 

The majority of the troop attended summer camp at Camp Sequoyah in Delta, Alabama. Among the troop’s frequent summer camping destinations, the camp is a program of Birmingham-based Greater Alabama Council. Summer camp experiences are vital to Scout’s efforts to advance in rank, acquire overnight camping experience, and bond as a troop.

Acting Senior Patrol Leader Beck shows off some of the awards the troop earned at Camp Sequoyah.

Acting Senior Patrol Leader Beck led the troop’s summer camp contingent and summarized the weeklong experience for the troop. Among the troop’s accolades at camp was the first-place Campsite Inspection Award and the Commissioner’s Spirit Award. The troop also placed second in the camp’s water carnival. The Friday afternoon camp-wide waterfront competition pits troops against one another through events that include the Water Spaniel Special, Swim by Weight, In and Out Canoe Race, Life 36 Jacket Relay, Pool Noodle Race, Canoe Tug of War, and Scoutmaster Belly-Flop.

Individually, Scouts made progress toward earning merit badges, which will also factor into their upcoming advancement in rank. In addition to Eagle-required merit badges, activities like rappelling, shotgun shooting, and archery were among the most popular for Troop 50 Scouts.

The troop will celebrate those at its upcoming court of honor program. Visit the troop’s online photo album for photos from Camp Sequoyah.

Jake (far left) describes some of the packing strategies the Northern Tier crew relied on
on leading up to their departure during the presentation he, Rhett and Assistant Scoutmaster
Christian Dagg made during the Aug. 23 troop meeting.

Assistant Scoutmasters Christian Dagg and Matt Podemski and Scouts Jake and Rhett summarized their trip to the Charles L. Sommers High Adventure Canoe Base — the flagship base for Northern Tier based in Ely, Minnesota.

The troop spent three days on the road, covering more than 2,700 miles and sightseeing along the way. Road stops included the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Cedar Rock home in Carlton, Minnesota.

The crew spent seven days and six nights canoeing Northern Tier — covering 60 miles of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota and the Quetico Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada, by canoe. The trip was more than a physical exercise of endurance and perseverance. It required Scouts to forecast personal equipment needs and pack as a team to meet the challenges ahead. The group recounted early mornings hitting the water — and calling it a day and seeking the refuge of their tents by 8 p.m. before infamous Northern Tier mosquitos appeared.

The troop's eight newest members of the Order of the Arrow, following the
Chattahoochee Lodge Ordeal weekend Aug. 6-8.

In August, eight Troop 50 Scouts were inducted into the Order of the Arrow after participating in the Aug. 6-8 Chattahoochee Lodge Ordeal weekend. Read more about their experience and the Order of the Arrow organization on the troop blog.

Eight from Troop 50 inducted into the Order of the Arrow

For more than 100 years, the Order of the Arrow, or "OA" — also referred to as Scouting's National Honor Society — has recognized Scouts and leaders who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. Arrowmen, as members of the Order of the Arrow are known, are regarded for maintaining camping traditions and spirit, promoting year-round and long-term resident camping, and providing cheerful service in their troops and beyond.

Order of the Arrow activities occur through a lodge, which is affiliated with a local Scouting council. Scouts elected for Order of the Arrow membership participate in an “Ordeal” weekend, where candidates for membership participate in reflective experiences around leadership and cheerfully complete service projects alongside OA members. This year’s class of Order of the Arrow inductees included eight Troop 50 Scouts who attended the Chattahoochee Lodge’s induction weekend Aug 6-8 at Camp Frank G. Lumpkin in LaGrange.

Pictured above, they were (left to right) Harrison, James, David, Harrison, Jake, Hunter, Connor and Rhett.

Those elected for OA membership are typically informed of their selection during a “callout ceremony” in a summer camp setting. The ceremony, like all Order of the Arrow activities, center around the organization’s preservation of Native American traditions and heritage. Many of the troop’s candidates elected at the troop’s spring court of honor participate in a callout ceremony at Camp Sequoyah. Others learned of their pending OA membership as part of their Northern Tier High Adventure trek.

The Order of the Arrow is a co-ed organization and includes youth and adults from Scouting, Venturing and Sea Scout units. From local lodges to national leadership positions, the OA is considered a youth-led, adult-advised organization. Therefore, youth members must be under the age of 21 to be elected. Scouts must be at least First Class in rank; have at least 15 nights of Scout camping, including one, but no more than one, long-term camping experience consisting of at least five consecutive nights of overnight camping (usually a summer camp); and receive an affirmative vote of a majority of their unit peers (including Scouts who aren’t OA members). Adults (age 21 or older) who meet the camping requirements may be nominated by the troop committee.

Court of Honor celebrates productive spring, active summer calendar

On Monday, June 7, Troop 50 families gathered at Auburn University’s Mary Olive Thomas Demonstration Forest to celebrate Scouts’ advancement efforts during the spring. The troop’s spring court of honor also marked the transfer of responsibility to a new group of youth leaders who will serve in leadership roles during the second half of the year.

The court of honor was the last troop function Will presided over as senior patrol leader. He welcomed families and led a traditional opening that included the Pledge of Allegiance, Scout Oath and Law, and a prayer. Assisted by Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Jake, he also presented advancements earned by Scouts in the spring — which included eight ranks and 20 merit badges.

Senior Patrol Leader Will (left) congratulations Thomas on the merit badges he earned this spring.

After a series of uncontested troop elections, Scoutmaster Andrew Baird installed the troop’s summer/fall youth leadership. Among those serving the troop will be Jake, senior patrol leader; Olen, assistant senior patrol leader; Connor, troop quartermaster; Rhett, troop guide; and outgoing senior patrol leader Will, who will serve as troop instructor.

Scoutmaster Andrew Baird leads the troop's newest youth leaders in the oath of office.
They include (right to left): Rhett, troop guide; Will, troop instructor; Jake, senior patrol leader;
Connor, troop quartermaster; Beck, Gladiators patrol leader; and Johnson, Wizard Lizards patrol leader.

Continuing its tradition, the troop also celebrated Will’s service as senior patrol leader during the spring. Scoutmaster Baird presented Will with a hand-carved neckerchief slide — a recognition item he’s bestowed on outgoing SPL’s since the troop’s founding in 2012, including Will’s older brother and past SPL Camp.

Will accepts a hand-carved neckerchief slide commemorating his term as senior patrol leader
from Scoutmaster Baird.

The spring court of honor represents a pause in weekly troop meetings for the summer, but the troop will still remain active during the summer. Troop Committee Chair Rob Stanford announced that the troop is considering a summertime opportunity to reschedule its annual planning retreat, which was postponed in April due to weather.

A contingent led by assistant scoutmasters Matt Podemski and Christian Dagg will depart June 15 for the Northern Tier High Adventure Base, Scouts BSA’s premier experience for canoeing and winter camping. The five-person crew will spend a week canoeing the biodiverse waterways of the Northern Boreal Forest unique to Northern Minnesota and Canada.

Another group will enjoy a traditional summer camp experience at Camp Sequoyah in north Alabama located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and on the edge of Talladega National Forest; Camp Sequoyah is a wilderness destination steeped in Scouting Spirit and the beauty of Northeast Alabama.

At its weekly meeting prior to the court of honor, the troop hosted elections for membership in the Order of the Arrow. Scouts who were elected will learn of their election either while attending summer camp or through some other manner prior to Chattahoochee Lodge’s Aug. 6-8 Summer OA Induction weekend.

The troop anticipates resuming its weekly meeting schedule in August.

For more photos from the court of honor, visit the troop’s online photo album. Stay up to date on the troop’s Northern Tier and summer camp experiences here on the troop blog.

Court of honor celebrates summer achievements, activities

Summer 2017 was a busy time for Scouts and leaders of Troop 50, evidenced by the wide array of accomplishments recognized at the troop's post-summer court of honor on Monday, Aug. 28. In addition to presenting Scouts with their recently earned merit badges and ranks, the troop celebrated many of the other events and achievements that marked our Scouts' summer experiences.

Summer Camp and Advancement

Senior Patrol Leader Jacob presents Trey with the merit badges he earned at summer camp,
which included Archery, Chess, Citizenship in the World, Environmental Science and Geology.

Scoutmaster Andrew Baird recognizes Samuel
as the troop's newest member.

Thanks to Scouts' hard work, the troop awarded 62 merit badges at the court of honor — the majority of which were earned by Scouts attending summer camp in June at Camp Sequoyah in north Alabama.

Geology and Archery merit badges were by far the most popular, with many of the Eagle-required merit badges like Citizenship in the Nation and Citizenship in the World also being among those presented.

Philmont Scout Ranch

Philmont Crew 620-B, comprised primarily of Troop 50 Scouts and leaders.

Between June 17 to July 2, members of Boy Scout Troop 50, comprising the majority of Philmont Crew 620-B, set out on a two-week excursion traveling to and backpacking the trails of Philmont Scout Ranch, the Boy Scouts of America's largest national high adventure base, located in Cimarron, New Mexico. Check out photos and tweets from the excursion on the troop's blog and Twitter account.

National Boy Scout Jamboree

Troop 50, represented by Creighton, Rusty, Trey, Liam and Wes Williams, were among the other Scouts and leaders from Saugahatchee District who attended the National Jamboree.

Seventeen Scouts and leaders from the Auburn/Opelika area — including Creighton, Rusty, Trey, Liam and Assistant Scoutmaster Wes Williams — attended the 19th National Boy Scout Jamboree, held from July 19 to July 28 at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia. They were among the 68 scouts and leaders divided between two jamboree troops representing the Chattahoochee Council. More than 30,000 Scouts and leaders attended the national gathering, which is hosted every four years at the Summit Bechtel Reserve by the Boy Scouts of America.

Order of the Arrow elections

The troop's newest members of the Order of the Arrow (front row, left to right): Joe, Trey and Michael;
(back row) Paul, Assistant Scoutmaster Christian Dagg, Josh, Rusty and Creighton.

Following the Order of the Arrow election held at the troop's spring court of honor, newly elected OA candidates were recognized, or "called out," in a variety of locations as being elected for Scouting's National Honor Society. During the weekend of Aug. 4-6, the elected Scouts, along with Assistant Scoutmaster Christian Dagg, who had been selected for OA membership by the troop committee, participated in the Order of the Arrow's summer induction weekend, called an Ordeal, at Camp Frank G. Lumpkin in LaGrange. Read more about their OA experience on the troop's blog.

Troop Elections

Scoutmaster Baird administers the oath of office to
Armored Armadillos Assistant Patrol Leader Everett (left) and
Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Nicky (right).

Also at the troop's spring court of honor, the troop held elections for youth leaders who will serve in troop positions through the remainder of the calendar year. Nicky, who was unable to attend the spring court of honor, was sworn in as the troop's newest assistant senior patrol leader. Following the June election, Everett was selected as assistant patrol leader of the Armored Armadillos Patrol, and he too was sworn in at the court of honor.

James J. Baird Jr. Honor Scout Award

Nicky receives the James J. Baird Jr. Honor Scout Award from Scoutmaster Baird

The summer court of honor also allowed the troop to honor its most recent recipient of the James J. Baird Jr. Honor Scout Award, Nicky, who was unable to attend the spring court of honor when this year's honoree was announced. First presented in 2015, this award is given annually to the troop's "top Scout" based on his participation in troop activities, demonstration of Scout skills, continuing advancement success, and a vote of his peers. The award honors the memory of Jim Baird, the uncle of Scoutmaster Baird, a 1945 recipient of the Eagle Scout rank and longtime Rotarian leader.

Additional photos from the troop's summer court of honor are available on the troop's online photo album.

TGIF (Summer Camp Day 6)

Michael, Jason, Beck, Paul, Tyson, and Joe at flag ceremony

Friday morning started off nicely with cool temperatures and lower humidity.  We actually felt the most breeze of the week as well.  The troop was in charge of the flag raising ceremony today and the troop awoke a little earlier to practice and get there in time in Class A uniform.  The color guard led by SPL Jacob did a magnificent job and represented the troop well.  Unfortunately, the American flag we were given to raise had no grommets!  Paul, Beck, and Jacob handled this situation well and just raised the other flags and reverently held the American flag.

Beck and Michael in a "carry" relay

After the ceremony, we went to breakfast and had mixed results.  One table was somewhat pleased with breakfast while the other table was pretty unimpressed.  We were served Eggo pancakes with syrup flavoring and scrambled (folded) eggs.  After breakfast, scouts headed to their final merit badge classes before a busy afternoon at the waterfront.  The Eagle Bound folks (first year scouts) participated in some relay races to reinforce skills.

We all met for lunch after merit badge classes and were treated to hamburgers, chips, and mini moon pies.  It was surprising how many didn't know what a moon pie was!  After lunch there were a few merit badge items that needed to be tended to and then everyone headed down to the waterfront for the water carnival!

Luke, Joe, Trey, Boone, and Hunter before race

The water carnival is a troop competition with seven different events. The events include Water Spaniel Special, Swim by Weight, In and Out Canoe Race, Life Jacket Relay, Fun Noodle Race, Canoe Tug of War, and Scoutmaster Belly-Flop.  Our Water Spaniel Special contained a relay team of Luke, Joe, Trey, Boone, and Hunter.  The scouts had to paddle with their hands and find a specific buoy and bring it back.  The majority of the scouts swam in the Swim by Weight competition and Beck and Joe placed in their divisions!

Canoe Tug of War competition.

The In and Out Canoe Race was led by Hunter and Boone.  This proved a difficult event because of how hard it is to get into a canoe from the lake.  The Life Jacket Relay was led by Michael, Joe, Trey, and Beck.  This is a relay where you swim with the life jacket.  The Fun Noodle Race was won by Tyson!  Mr. Lytle kindly agreed to compete in the Scoutmaster Belly-Flop contest and finished with a very respectable 7 of 10.  There were a few "boos" after he chanted loudly "War Eagle!", but they're just jealous.  The carnival ended with a tough fought Canoe Tug of War battle with Troop 98 of Columbus.  Our contingent of Jacob, Jason, Joey, Joe, and Luke battled hard, but eventually swamped their canoe.

Andrew Stanford before the Iron Man competition

After the water carnival, we had to rush back for the flag ceremony and dinner.   We were treated to pasta, green beans, peaches, and chocolate chip cookies.  After dinner a few headed down to the waterfront again for the triathlon.  This event was rescheduled from the storm the day before.  Assistant Scoutmaster Andrew Stanford participated as an Iron Man and the troop also had a team of Michael, Joey, and Luke competing.

The triathlon consisted in a quarter mile swim, a 2 mile run, and a half mile canoe paddle.  Andrew competed in all events on his own while Michael took the swimming portion, Joey took the running portion, and Luke took the canoeing portion.  Michael really struggled with swimming a quarter mile, but he finished!  His determination is quite impressive.  Joey and Luke picked up the team well by finishing strong on the running and canoeing portion.  All who participated should be proud.

Luke, Joey, and Michael strategize before triathlon

After the triathlon it was time for the closing campfire.  The troop performed the original skit "Most Interesting Scout" written by Assistant Scoutmaster Davis Baird.  They did a fine job and the camp seemed to like it a lot.  There were many other skits and songs and awards given out.  The troop did earn the Commissioner's Spirit Award for demonstrating good scout spirit all week at camp.  This was a well deserved award for the troop that worked hard all week.

Scouts dancing at closing campfire

Everyone went to sleep for one more night at camp.  Several were overheard mentioning how nice it will be to sleep in their own beds! For more pictures from Camp Sequoyah Day 6, check out our troop photo album.

Ice cream delivery day (Summer Camp Day 5)

Aiden, Mr. Lytle, Mr. Stanford, and Michael enjoying ice cream

After a good night sleep from our camp visitors, the troop awoke at the same time to go through the same schedule.  There was much anticipation today because the ice cream delivery was expected today.  You see, the trading post has been without ice cream all week and it has been quite the topic of conversation.  Around 11:00 the Mayfield truck arrived and everyone took notice.  Thankfully, scouts and leaders seeking ice cream got fulfilled on Thursday.

Beck and Michael lashing as Aiden assists

For breakfast we enjoyed scrambled (folded) eggs, bacon, biscuits, and gravy.  It was then off to yet another day of merit badges.  Those taking personal fitness were performing push ups and pull ups.  Those taking handicraft badges were finishing up some of their projects.  All of the folks in shooting sports badges have reached qualification on the shooting portion of their badges.  Those taking environmental science have been observing and taking notes for their homework assignment.  There is a lot of work being put into these merit badges by the troop.

Monty Python has been a theme for the week.  Before meals there is a roll call.  As troop numbers are called, they are to respond with something creative.  The more creative, the better and this is determined by the applause (or lack thereof) of the rest of camp.  The troop started using some Monty Python quotes, songs, and skits for this roll call and other troops have followed suit.

Paul blowing his signal horn

Another theme for the first part of the week has been the signal horn played by Paul.  There have been several sounds coming from troops including a conch shell and Paul's signal horn is the sound of our troop.  It was prevalent at the beginning of the week, but it and other signal sounds diminished as more interesting things have been found to do.

After merit badge classes ended for the morning, it was time to gather for lunch.  For lunch we enjoyed chicken sandwiches, pears, and electrolyte pops.  Then most everyone headed out for free time.  Jason and Joey left to go on a kayaking trip for their merit badge.  Several headed to the trading post for ice cream!  Others hit the ga-ga pit or went to work on homework for classes.  Later in the afternoon, we had another round of troop shooting at the archery, rifle, and shotgun ranges.  A few scouts made it to the waterfront to enjoy swimming and the water slide. And then it happened.

A competetive game in the ga-ga pit

Between 3:30 and 4:00, a severe thunderstorm quickly approached camp.  All the afternoon activities were halted and scouts were sent back to camp.  We secured items in camp from blowing away or getting soaked and we headed to the dining hall for safety.  Outside of a bunch of wind and a bunch of water, there were no issues.  A few are not comfortable with severe weather, but we all stuck together and made it through.  Once the storm passed, we remained in the dining hall for dinner.  We had planned on singing a song before dinner at the flagpole, but this didn't occur due to the storm.  Jason and Joey arrived back at camp later safe and sound.  For dinner we enjoyed pot roast, rice, and some type of "whipped" carrots that tasted more like sweet potatoes (very good).  For desert we enjoyed some apple cobbler.

Desert from leader's dinner

There was scheduled to be several activities during the evening that had to be cancelled.  One of those was the triathlon in which we were to field a team to run, swim, and canoe.  Tentatively this will be rescheduled to Friday.  After the troop got settled back in camp, Mr. Stanford (the elder) and Mr. Lytle headed to the dining hall for the leader's dinner while Mr. Stanford (the younger) remained back at camp with the scouts.  The leader's dinner is a time to fellowship and enjoy a meal and it is also a time to share good and bad experiences at camp.  There is a lot of room for improvement and the camp staff is committed to resolving those problems.  Fortunately, the boys have had an amazing week regardless.

Before retiring for the evening, scouts practiced a flag raising ceremony for the next morning and a skit for the closing campfire.  It was a long day the ended very wet and cool.  Everyone was able to get to sleep quickly as we start thinking about how nice it will be to sleep in our own beds.

For more pictures from Camp Sequoyah Day 5, check out our troop photo album.

We're half way there (Summer Camp Day 4)

Jason, Luke, and Hunter after a merit badge class

There was great anticipation this morning as the scouts awaited visits from their parents (and the food that comes with them).  Each day starts the same with a 5:45 wake up call from SPL Jacob and a preparation for the day ahead.  After the flag raising ceremony, we enjoyed chicken biscuits and scrambled (folded) eggs.  Some scouts treated themselves to a variety of cereal as well.  It was then time to head out for our daily merit badge classes.

Several scouts are starting to knock out some of the more complicated parts of their merit badges now, such as qualifying for shooting sports badges.  The scouts seem intent on getting their merit badges completed at camp and we hope that intent turns into reality.  The weather today was very nice and not too hot for June in Alabama.  The biggest change we would like is more of a breeze.

Aiden leading camp in prayer before lunch

Before lunch our outgoing Chaplain's Aide, Aiden said a prayer for the camp thanking God for all of our blessings, including our meal.  He did a great job representing the troop.  We then went inside and enjoyed "pizza sticks".  There were two types of them - a mozzarella filled bread stick and a pepperoni filled one that was similar to a hot pocket.  We had some marinara sauce for dipping as well.

Jason shooting rifle in troop competition

After lunch, there was some free time and several folks took that time to practice shooting before the annual troop competition.  The troop shooting competition consists of two representatives from each troop for archery, rifle shooting, and shotgun shooting.  Jacob and Trey represented the troop in archery.  Jason and Luke represented the troop in rifle shooting.  Miles and Boone represented the troop shooting skeet with shotguns.  Most scouts didn't perform as well as they'd liked, but they did represent the troop well.  The results of the competition will be revealed at the closing campfire on Friday night.

Hunter displaying his lopping skills

While the boys were preparing for the shooting competition, the rest of the troop worked on a service project to help clear back brush along the waterfront trail.  We worked with another troop using loppers and swing blades for about an hour to make the trail easier to walk on for others who will use the camp later this summer.

Paul's family visiting camp

Several families arrived just before the flag lowering ceremony bearing gifts of both healthy and yummy food!  Lots of drinks were also brought to help us get through the rest of the week.  They were escorted to our campsite and we ate as one big happy family.  We enjoyed fruit, pizza, drinks, and cookies.  Boys took their families and showed them around camp during our free time before the campfire.

Order for the Arrow campfire

The campfire for the evening was for the purpose of calling out candidates elected into the Order of the Arrow (OA) for their troop.  The troop elected OA candidates at our recent Court of Honor and  three of those scouts were called out at the ceremony.  There are other scouts who were elected that are not present at summer camp.  They will find out soon.  Candidates present at summer camp were Joe, Paul, and Trey.  Congratulations to them!

Trey, Joe, and Paul - newest OA candidates

Once the campfire ended, families that remain made their way home and we headed back to camp to enjoy some more chess, card games, and fellowship before heading to bed around 10:30.  Another busy day is in the books.  We all slept well through the night and the weather was uneventful.


For more pictures from Camp Sequoyah Day 4, check out our troop photo album.

Spring Court of Honor highlights leadership, achievement

Senior Patrol Leader Josh calls the court of honor to order with
the Pledge of Allegiance.

Troop 50's spring court of honor was an evening packed with activities marking the end of the troop year and the beginning of an equally busy summer Scouting season. The evening included the introduction of a first-ever court of honor taco bar, Order of the Arrow and youth leadership elections, the distribution of merit badges and ranks, and the announcement of the troop's recipient of the 2017 James J. Baird Jr. Honor Scout Award.

Scouts eligible for election to the Order of the Arrow gathered for consideration.

An election team of Scouts representing the Order of the Arrow's Chattahoochee Lodge conducted the troop's annual OA elections. Scouts who were eligible for election to the BSA's service organization and national honor society must have been under 21, earned First Class, experienced at least 15 days and nights of Boy Scout camping during the previous two-year period, including one long-term camping experience (i.e., summer camp), and received their scoutmaster's approval. Troop 50 Scouts who were elected will find out about their selection at summer camp or at another time during the summer in time to attend the lodge's summer induction weekend (also known as an Ordeal) Aug. 4-6.

SPL Josh congratulates Hunter on earning his Star rank. 

Senior Patrol Leader Josh and Scoutmaster Andrew Baird then awarded merit badges and ranks earned since the troop's last court of honor in December 2016. The spring court of honor included the presentation of eight rank advancements and 40 merit badges. Among the most popular merit badges presented was Fingerprinting Merit Badge, which Scout parent and Auburn Police Officer Bill Schallock taught during a February troop meeting, and Snow Sports Merit Badge, which Scouts earned in conjunction with the troop's annual trip to Gatlinburg in January.

Scoutmaster Baird administers the oath of office to the troop's incoming class of  youth leaders.

Josh displays a handmade neckerchief slide and display box from
Scoutmaster Baird in recognition of his service as
senior patrol leader

At the start of the court of honor, in addition to electing candidates for the Order of the Arrow, Scouts elected the troop's youth leadership who will serve during the summer and the remainder of the calendar year. With the votes cast, Scoutmaster Baird distributed position patches and administered the oath of office to the incoming cohort of youth leaders, which included (group photo above, left to right): Senior Patrol Leader Jacob, Patriots Assistant Patrol Leader Miles, Patriots Patrol Leader Joe, Armored Armadillos Patrol Leader Michael,Troop Quartermaster Paul, Lead Troop Guide and Leadership Corps member Rusty, and Lead Troop Instructor and Leadership Corps member Aiden. Scoutmaster Baird also recognized outgoing Senior Patrol Leader Josh for his service by presenting him with a handmade neckerchief slide and display box.

The final item on the agenda for Scout recognition was the annual presentation of the troop's James J. Baird Jr. Honor Scout Award. First presented in 2015, this award is given annually to the troop's "top Scout" based on his participation in troop activities, demonstration of Scout skills, continuing advancement success, and a vote of his peers. The award honors the memory of Jim Baird, the uncle of Scoutmaster Baird, a 1945 recipient of the Eagle Scout rank and longtime Rotarian leader. The award includes an engraved Eagle statuette, as well as a $100 credit to the honoree's troop activities account. This year's recipient was Nicky, who was completing a term as lead troop instructor and will serve the remainder of the year as assistant senior patrol leader. He was unable to accept his award in person, since he was participating in an out-of-town session of the Boy Scouts' National Youth Leadership Training.

Assistant Scoutmaster Williams (right) receives the
Scout Leader's Training Award from Scoutmaster Baird.

The evening concluded with one additional presentation: the Scout Leader's Training Award, which was earned by Assistant Scoutmaster Wes Williams. The award recognizes adult leaders who complete a number of required volunteer training courses and who provide specific leadership at the unit level and beyond.

The court of honor marks the troop's last Monday-evening gathering until it resumes its regular troop meeting schedule on Aug. 7. Until then, troop activities will include a summer camp contingent to Camp Sequoyah in Delta, Alabama, from June 11 to 17, a backpacking expedition to Philmont National Scout Ranch in New Mexico from June 17 to July 2, and representation at the National Boy Scout Jamboree at The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve in West Virginia from July 18 to 28. The troop also plans its annual "Chill at the Lake" event for July 15.

For more photos from the troop's spring court of honor, visit its online photo album.

Adventure Valley Mud Run (Summer Camp Day 2)

Our breakfast for the day!

After a good night sleep, a 5:30 wake up call was given by SPL Jacob.  Some scouts were a little slow moving, but eventually we made it to the parade grounds to raise the flag and have breakfast.  It was a hearty breakfast of scrambled (or folded) eggs, biscuits and gravy, and sausage links and all scouts are getting enough to eat.

Several scouts and our youngest ASM at class

After breakfast scouts headed to merit badge classes across camp and our two first year scouts attended Eagle Bound.  A few mentioned the classes were boring and those were typically the ones with a lot of classroom type work.  The scouts all agree that the classes with more activity are more fun.  Many scouts enjoyed the shooting sports classes the best.

We all gathered back for lunch and enjoyed taquitos, spanish rice and mandarin oranges.  It was starting to warm up pretty well and we were treated with some electrolyte pops for desert.  At each meal there are scouts that serve in the role of kitchen patrol.  They are responsible for setting the table, bringing the food and drinks to the table, and cleaning up after words.  Each scout has done a good job with this, so be sure to utilize them at home if you are not already!

Michael, Tyson, and Beck cleaning.

During the afternoon, the scouts spent time relaxing and just enjoying camp.  Our scheduled recreational swim did not occur due to a typical afternoon thunderstorm.  The thunderstorm lasted about an hour or so and wasn't too much of an issue other than cancelling our swim.  Some scouts left items on the clothesline, but otherwise the troop just enjoyed some card games or chess at the campsite.

The rain subsided just in time to head to dinner.  At dinner we enjoyed Swedish meatballs, green beans, and macaroni and cheese.  We were treated to a lemon pound cake for dessert.  After dinner, everyone went back to camp to prepare for Adventure Valley Mud Run!!

Adventure Valley is a mud run is a tradition at Camp Sequoyah where scouts and leaders run through the woods on a trail through streams, bogs, and other obstacles.  The main purpose of the mud run is to get dirty!  About 60 campers participated in the run and 8 of them were from our troop.  The boys (and one Assistant Scoutmaster) did well and the other adult leaders and some of the other scouts enjoyed rooting them on.

The mud run participants - before!

After the mud run a complete hosing off was required before a shower by the participants.  While there were many bumps and bruises by several boys, the troop made it through the event with only a sprained ankle by Michael.  The evening was capped off with several games of chess and a rousing game of Uno.  It was much easier to fall asleep due to the cooler temperatures that the rain brought.

Luke and Andrew in the mud with Hunter next!

Michael healing up with the help of Aiden.

Jacob, Paul, Beck, and Hunter enjoying chess.

For more pictures from Camp Sequoyah Day 2, check out our troop photo album.