Honoring a summer of hard work

On Sunday, Aug. 24, Troop 50 continued the tradition of gathering Scouts, leaders, and families together for its annual summer kick-off-the-Scouting-year court of honor and family picnic at Chewacla State Park. And, of course, no troop event would be complete with some great food! From bratwurst and hot dogs grilled by Assistant Scoutmaster Jason Smith to a full spread coordinated by troop committee member Jill Perry and prepared by the troop's families, there was something for practically any taste bud!

While many Scouts and a few adults took to the lake's floating dock and high-dive, others were content with the chance to catch up after busy summers and to get acquainted better with others in our growing troop family. Once the dinner bell rang and everyone's stomachs were full, Scoutmaster Andrew Baird, assisted by Senior Patrol Leader Will and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Davis, convened the court of honor.

Troop 50's newest Tenderfoot Scouts!

The awards presented included a bevy of merit badges earned by Scouts attending summer camp, as well as the Tenderfoot rank presented to our newest Scouts who participated in Camp Woodruff's "Mountain Man" first-year camper program. Scouts weren't the only ones who won awards — the troop itself won ribbons for participation in programs while at Camp Woodruff.

Recently elected Order of the Arrow candidates (far left) Will
and (far right) John and Mr. Pendleton. Conducting the callout ceremony was
Troop 50 OA members (center, left to right) Robert, Kyle and Davis.

Finally, Order of the Arrow members in the troop — Robert, Kyle, and Davis — conducted an OA callout ceremony to identify those Scouts who were elected during the troop's elections at its June court of honor. The troop elected Senior Patrol Leader William and Turn Up Patrol Leader John for Order of the Arrow membership, and the troop's adult leadership selected Assistant Scoutmaster J.P. Pendleton for membership as well. Each will be eligible to attend the Chattahoochee Lodge's membership induction weekend, also known as an Ordeal, within the next 12 months.


To cap off the event, Scoutmaster Baird accepted the ALS "ice-bucket challenge" issued by Troop 50 parent John Jerome, who has been battling ALS himself for a number of years. While there was a lack of those willing to join him for the ice bath, there didn't seem to be a shortage of Scouts willing to dump the ice bucket on their scoutmaster!

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

What did you do this summer?

At the troop's Aug. 18 Monday-evening meeting, many members of the troop recounted their Scouting adventures from Summer 2014. First on the evening's agenda were Junior Assistant Scoutmaster Ethan and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Davis, who along with Assistant Scoutmaster Jason Smith, headed to North Carolina for the "Five Rivers in Five Days" high-adventure experience at Camp Daniel Boone. Davis and Ethan shared about the various rivers and rafting challenges the three of them enjoyed during the week and recommended the trip to other Scouts for future summers.

The remainder of the evening's presentations focused on the troop's primary summer camp expedition to Camp Woodruff. The troop's senior and newest Scouts alike gave Camp Woodruff high marks for advancement and extracurricular camp activities. From the first-year Mountain Man program to dining hall menus to "bonus" activities like rappelling and whitewater rafting, the overall sentiment was that everyone had a great time. Joe, one of the troop's newest Scouts, had such a great time at the camp's waterfront that he made a special Lego-focused diorama featuring his experiences to include in his presentation.

Following the summer camp presentations, Scouts split up into their respective patrols. The troop will reconvene Sunday at Chewacla State Park for its end-of-summer court of honor and swimming outing. Next Monday's meeting will be a working meeting and will include a reorganization of the troop's trailer to ready for the fall camping season.

Coming home! (Camp Woodruff Day Seven Summary)

Saturday morning, breakfast was delivered to our campsite by the camp staff. It was a variety of danishes and grape juice. Once everyone had their gear packed and placed near the trailer, they policed the campsite for trash, swept out their tents, and cleaned the latrine. Andrew coordinated the loading of the trailer of gear and Mr. Stanford coordinated getting the trailer out of the campsite. After the work was complete, we enjoyed our breakfast, gathered our gear for the car ride, and hiked out to the main parking lot.

Troop 50 leaving Woodruff behind!

We met up with Mr. Jim Perry, who was gracious enough to take home a group of Scouts, and then we were on our way! We were able to leave camp before 8:30 a.m. to make the trek home to Auburn. We treated ourselves to a more substantial breakfast at Chick-fil-A in Ellijay, Ga., where we got to experience fast food for the first time in more than a week. Everyone was pleased with the restaurant choice. Then, we continued on toward home.

First fast food in more than a week!

After just a few stops for gas and bathroom breaks, we arrived in Auburn around 12:15 p.m. to a large group of families welcoming us back to the Loveliest Village! I'm sure the boys were excited to see that welcome and it was a grand homecoming. We unloaded the gear and everyone said their goodbyes before heading on home. It would be nice to hear the stories that were shared from the different perspectives of the trip. It was a successful trip to Woodruff and it won't be long before our next outing, "Chill at the Lake" on Saturday, Aug. 9. We will provide more details about the daytime outing as that weekend draws near.

We all want to thank our families for supporting this important trip to summer camp. We hope everyone feels the sacrifices and week they loaned their Scouts to us were worth it.

Check out our Day Seven online photo album and relive our Camp Woodruff adventures by reading all the blog entries relating to camp.

Near the end of a long road (Camp Woodruff Day Six Summary)

Scouts seemed particularly chipper as we woke on Friday morning. It's probably because the end of a long week was in view and they were ready to go home and sleep in their own beds. We enjoyed biscuits and gravy along with scrambled eggs, cereal, etc. for breakfast. Then, everyone continued with their routine of attending their classes for the last time.

The first-year scouts finished up at Mountain Man and went through a graduation ceremony. These Scouts did an excellent job all week of attending Mountain Man classes and earning those very important requirements for their initial Scout ranks. Those skills will be put to the test this fall as they become more acclimated camping with us as a troop.

Mountain Man graduates (front row, left to right): Ethan, Rusty, Liam,
Creighton, and Everett; (back row, left to right): Clayton, Jason, Joe and Aiden

After classes ended in the morning, we met up for lunch and enjoyed corn dogs, chips, corn, and peaches.  We had some free time after lunch before making way to the activity field for the camp-wide game. This took much coercion from the leaders to get the Scouts on board to try the activity, which we found out was rubber chicken volleyball. Once the Scouts gave it a try, they embraced participating, and several of us were quite good at it. We ended up a disappointing 1-2 run in the tournament, but won in the long run because it was an activity we enjoyed. This might appear at a later campout or troop event.

Using a towel and a partner to sling a rubber chicken over the rope!

While we were competing for the rubber chicken trophy, Assistant Scoutmaster JP Pendleton went to shoot in the Scoutmaster Shoot at the rifle range. He only required a few shots to earn a "dime." This means that five of his shots are close enough to each other that a dime would cover up the holes in the target. Nice shootin', JP! Thanks for representing our troop well at the range.

Sharp shooter, Mr. Pendleton with his "dime"!

After the tournament, we had some additional free time before dinner and many started packing or hit the snack bar at the trading post one more time. For dinner, we ate outside at a picnic table and enjoyed a barbecue sandwich with chips, coleslaw, and apple cobbler. Many Scouts enjoyed this meal the most. It was excellent. After dinner, we had a quick meeting to discuss the final logistics for our remaining time at camp and we watched a bit of Ultimate Frisbee between Troop 101 and the camp staff. Both teams were very talented.

Closing campfire was impressive as we say goodbye to Woodruff

The evening concluded with the closing campfire, which included entertainment such as skits and the opportunity for folks to be recognized for their camp accomplishments. All three leaders on the trip — Assistant Scoutmaster JP Pendleton, Troop Committee Chair Rob Stanford, and Assistant Scoutmaster Wes Williams — earned the Scoutmaster Merit Badge for being active at camp. This took a bit of work and was well deserved by all. In addition, the troop received recognition from the camp as an Honor Troop, which includes another ribbon for our troop flag. This Honor Troop distinction simply meant that we were active at camp, followed the rules, and went a little above what was expected of us — including several of our Scouts participating in a camp-wide scavenger hunt. Way to go, Troop 50 Scouts!

After the campfire, we all headed back to camp to pack up. The goal was to have everything that we didn't need packed up so we could leave early in the morning. The Scouts all took showers, packed up their gear, and headed to bed. The end of a great week is very near and we have traveled a long road. The Scouts had a great time and it will be nice to wrap up the trip home safely and timely.

For more Day Six pictures, be sure to see our online photo album.

Scouts enjoy activies during free time (Camp Woodruff Day Five Summary)

After a very busy day at camp the day before, the Scouts enjoyed some free time in the afternoon on Thursday. We all awoke at 6:30 a.m. to get ready for the flag raising and breakfast. We enjoyed waffles, sausage, cereal, milk, and juice to get us going for the day.  Several boys got seconds today. The meal started with the troop singing "Happy Birthday" to Mr. Stanford. It was his 39th birthday.

Josh at Archery merit badge

After breakfast, everyone headed in their familiar directions to merit badge classes or Mountain Man. Less things were forgotten today, so it seems the Scouts are learning to bring the important gear with them. After the classes, we met back up for lunch where we enjoyed chicken sandwiches. Very unlike our favorite Chick-Fil-A sandwiches, they were just okay. They were accompanied by french fries, corn, and ice cream.

Several items including some care packages arrived at camp the day before, but while we were out rafting. Those items were delivered to the Scouts today. Then when the mail came in today, many more letters appeared for the Scouts. These letters brought about mixed emotions ranging from sadness because they miss home to happiness because they got something from a loved one.

After lunch, the troop went in several different directions during free time.  Clayton and Jason went fishing and Clayton was successful in catching a few brim. Jason was close many times — including when he almost caught a snapping turtle. Mr. Pendleton took Ethan, Joe, and Mark to the Davis Inn, which is a homestead from the 1920s where there was tomahawk throwing, sling shots, chickens, a garden, a blacksmith that brands leather, and more. This is a neat area and also a really nice hike to get there.  It's a beautiful part of the Appalachian mountains.

Michael showing his master rappelling skills

Mr. Stanford rappelling on his birthday!

 Several other Scouts had to take care of some items for merit badges during this afternoon free time. Mr. Stanford led a group to go climbing and rappelling. Mr. Stanford along with Andrew, John, Robert, and Will had rappelled before and enjoyed getting back on the tower. It's exciting that we now have three more Scouts who can add rappelling to their resume. Creighton, Michael, and Rusty nervously attached themselves to the rope and leaned out over the 65-foot tower. They enjoyed it enough that they each went about two or three more times, if not more!

Aidan climbing on the wall

Andy, Aidan, Liam and others also tried out the rock climbing wall, the chimney climb, and some bouldering. It was nice to see the Scouts challenging themselves to try new things. Speaking of trying new things — Andrew and John decided it would be fun to rappel "Australian style", which is face first. Things like this activity is why moms don't come to Boy Scout camp!

Andrew rappelling "Aussie" style

John rappelling "Aussie" style

After all of this excitement, we all relaxed a bit before heading to the flag lowering and dinner. Scouts ate dinner on their own while Mr. Pendleton and Mr. Stanford went to the Scoutmasters' dinner. The leaders enjoyed a grilled steak, baked potato, salad and roll. And for dessert, there was cheesecake and a few speakers.  The main speaker was Alvin Townley, an acclaimed author and Eagle Scout from Atlanta. He shared some of his Scouting experiences and how he sees the importance of Scouting in society. He also promoted his new book. He also gave out a few books and Mr. Stanford was lucky enough to win Legacy of Honor on his birthday.  He won it by virtue of earning his rank of Eagle closest to his 18th birthday of any other leaders present.

Alvin Townley speaking about the importance of scouting

After dinner, the troop broke up into three main groups. The troop had signed up to go mountain biking, so most of the troop went and did that activity and had a great time! Except for a few equipment issues and some erratic riding, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Another group of Scouts went on a scavenger hunt around camp to help the troop earn an Honor Troop Award. Andy, Liam, Jason, and Mark helped our troop secure enough scavenger hunt items to qualify for that portion of the award!

The final group of Scouts stuck around the dining hall after dinner to help clean up. This has been a common occurrence for several Scouts after meals throughout the week and this time they stayed until after 9:30 p.m.! This is great service by our boys and it's nice to see them giving back to the camp when there is a need.

Before bedtime, we invited the other troop in our campsite (Troop 46 of Turin, Georgia) to join us for a cracker barrel (food, drink, and social time). Some Scouts weren't too interested in meeting others, but there was enough interaction to make this a fun time. Besides, who doesn't enjoy some snacks and drinks?

Scouts got a shower and headed to bed with only one more full day ahead of them! It was a fun day with lots of happenings. I'm sure Friday will have lots of tales to tell.

For more Day Five pictures, be sure to visit our online photo album.

It's hump day (Camp Woodruff Day Four Summary)

After a good night's rest, Wednesday started off just like the rest. Scouts and leaders woke early at 6:30 a.m., brushed teeth, and heading as a troop to the parade grounds for the flag raising. We enjoyed blueberry muffins, cereal, etc. for breakfast this morning before heading out to our usual routine of merit badge classes.  Assistant Scoutmaster Wes Williams packed up so he could return to Auburn around lunch time.

Beautiful morning at the waterfront

After our morning merit badge sessions, we all hopped on a bus headed for North Carolina to brave the cold water and rapids of the Nantahala River ("...of doom" — ask your Scouts about "of doom" when they get back). Many of the boys were surprised and excited to be heading to North Carolina, even though it's only about five miles away from Camp Woodruff. The Nantahala, however, is probably just under an hour drive via bus. We had a sack lunch on the bus consisting of ham and cheese sandwiches, chips, and a granola bar. Before we boarded the bus, the Scouts were reading the waivers that they and their parents signed about the trip. They noticed the word "death" on there, which created a great deal of conversation about how dangerous the river must be since that was mentioned.

Whitewater Express provided the
equipment and transportation for our rafting trip.

Once we arrived at the "put-in" area, we were outfitted for PFDs (personal flotation devices), helmets, and paddles. We were instructed on some river safety measures, which the Scouts paid attention to because of the word "death" on the waiver. We broke up into three groups to go down the river. Each group went down in a raft with a guide. Several Scouts got to "ride the bull" at the front of the raft and a few fell into the 46-degree water. Everyone enjoyed the trip and came back safely. The only negative comment about the river was how cold the water was (in the 40s).

Robert, Joe, and John (l-r) on our way back from the river

Unfortunately, we missed out on being on bus 50, which would've been a nice coincidence. However, maybe we found a troop bus for us!

Future troop bus?

Once arriving at camp, we rushed into the dining hall for dinner and were treated to grilled chicken, rice, and peas. Vanilla pudding was our treat for dessert. After dinner, the first-year Scouts returned to the campsite to change into their hiking boots and some dry clothes for their five-mile hike. Mr. Stanford went with the group and we joined being with other Mountain Man Scouts on the trail. The remaining Scouts stayed in the dining hall to return service to camp by doing some extra cleaning up after dinner. The last mile or so of the hike, a storm came in. It only rained on us for about two to three minutes at the very end, but we saw an impressive display of lighting and thunder.

Storm coming as we finished up our 5-mile hike

It rained for several hours in the late evening hours and as we went to sleep. The Scouts made the best of it by starting a few card games under the tarps at the campsite. Then, they brushed their teeth and headed on to bed, since the next morning would be an early rise once again.  It was a good hump day at camp.

For more Day Four pictures, please see our online photo album.

A little rain never hurt anyone (Camp Woodruff Day Three Summary)

Tuesday morning, we woke to similar weather. Cool and pleasant for some, but a bit chilly for others. After the afternoon heat from the Monday, nobody was complaining. We headed down for the flag-raising ceremony and the troop seemed to be rocking along like we've been doing it for years. Later, we discovered that several of the first-year Scouts had left important items back at camp (swim suits, towels, water bottles, etc). The walk back to camp is what some consider to be a day hike, so we'll see if this lesson is learned on Wednesday.

Each morning camp gathers...

...to honor America by raising the flag.

At breakfast, we enjoyed scrambled eggs, bacon, and biscuits. There is also an option for cereal and fruit. Everyone got a good breakfast and headed out to their daily activities. The merit badge sessions for Tuesday were the same as Monday's. First-year Scouts attended the Mountain Man program along with Swimming and First Aid merit badge classes. Veteran Scouts worked on merit badges like Camping, Kayaking, Archery, Communications, Personal Fitness, and Fishing. Louie finished up his Horsemanship Merit Badge with an exciting off-site trip to ride horses. Andrew and John continued to spend most of the morning at the COPE course.

Michael hydrating himself during a break from Personal Fitness.

Everyone gathered back for lunch consisting of soft tacos, rice, and vanilla pudding. A few opted for PB&J, but most ate the tacos. After lunch, a few Scouts earned Art Merit Badge during a special session scheduled by Assistant Scoutmaster Wes Williams. Later in the afternoon, a few Scouts and leaders headed out to the Davis Inn, which is a former homestead a short hike from camp. At the Davis Inn, you can see how people lived in the mountains in the 1920s. There are several things to see at this former home, such as a blacksmith, a gardener, several chickens, and tomahawk throwing.

Mr. Williams helps lead Art Merit Badge.

Mr. Pendleton with Andrew and Will near the Davis Inn.

The troop gathered again for the closing flag ceremony before dinner after a busy day of classes and free time activities. We enjoyed some type of steak and gravy with carrots, mac and cheese, and rolls. Ice cream was a great treat for dessert. After dinner, we were scheduled to give mountain boarding a try, but a pretty loud and wet thunderstorm prevented this. A few boys were able to do some mountain biking instead.  Mountain boarding was described to us as something similar to a surfboard with large tires that you ride down the mountain. Hopefully, we can check this out later in the week.

Joe mopping the floor for some extra cleaning that was needed.

The storm stuck with us for quite a while, but has now passed and it is quiet for the evening. Some clothes and towels on the line are now wet, but otherwise spirits are high and things are for the most-part dry. During the rainstorm Joe, Ethan, and Jason helped out in the dining hall with some additional cleaning that was needed. They were rewarded with ice cream and cake. What a great example these Scouts are setting! The Scouts spent the evening socializing and playing various card games before getting their daily showers and heading to bed.

Tomorrow, several big items will occur. First, we will be saying goodbye to Assistant Scoutmaster Williams as he heads back to Auburn. We will all miss him, but especially many of the first-year Scouts with which he has spent so much time. About the time of his departure, the troop will leave camp for the first time to raft the Nantahala River. We'll take a bus up to North Carolina and enjoy lunch and rafting the entire afternoon. This should be a great experience for everyone!

To see pictures from Day Three, check out our online photo album.

Learning the routine (Camp Woodruff Day Two Summary)

Morning came very quickly for some of us as we adjust to eastern time and the need to wake up early instead of sleeping in late. Everyone did awake, however, and prepared for the day before heading to the flag raising and breakfast. It was quite cool last night and it was a great temperature (low 60s) for a morning hike to the parade grounds. The Scouts and leaders slept well and nobody has asked to go home as of yet.

For breakfast, we enjoyed french toast and sausage. Right after this, it was off to merit badge classes! The first-year Scouts all headed down to the waterfront to enjoy an early dip in the lake as they worked on Swimming Merit Badge. Other scouts headed in all different directions to attend classes on a variety of areas such as Rifle Shooting, Personal Fitness, Emergency Preparedness, and Movie Making. The weather was nice and spirits were high as the routine of camp life was starting to take shape.

Mountain Man instructors help Ryan, Joe, and Liam build a fire.

First-year Scouts attended the Mountain Man program where they will complete several requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks. Veteran scouts continued their pursuit of some additional merit badges as well. John and Andrew participated in COPE (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience) where you work as a team to climb, swing, rappel, etc. to solve problems. Today, the COPE program involved a good bit of team-building exercises. Most of the climbing, etc. will be done later in the week.

John and Andrew come up with a teamwork game plan at COPE.

During lunch, we enjoyed chicken fingers, french fries, corn, and applesauce. The leaders have noticed that there are several Scouts who claim to be picky eaters. This is changing a bit after some coercion by leadership. Scouts are learning that some food is not all that bad and that it's better than going hungry. By the end of the week, who knows what they'll eat?

Everett, Jason, and Ryan at the First Aid Merit Badge class.

This afternoon was filled with activity. The first-year Scouts attended a merit badge class for First Aid. They should wrap up that merit badge tomorrow. Other Scouts enjoyed a variety of merit badges and some free time. Dinner came quickly for one leader writing the blog summary for Day Two. A quick wrap-up and change into Class A was in order since the rest of the troop was sharp and on time! At dinner, Scouts were less thrilled with the menu. It was a type of pot roast that didn't look too appetizing. However, most agreed that it was very tasty once you tried it. It was accompanied by mashed potatoes, green beans, a roll, and cake.

Scouts clamored to get out of there because a bunch of free time awaited them! Many went to the waterfront for some swimming. Others attended a basic CPR course for Swimming Merit Badge. All scouts returned to the campsite tired but satisfied from the productive day. Each Scout had a shower (with soap and shampoo) and went quietly to bed.

First-year Scouts are getting better at fitting into camp life. There are a few that are homesick, but nothing serious. The troop's veteran Scouts have been very helpful in showing them the ropes and taking them under their wing. It's been nice to see the troop work together. Everyone is doing well outside of a few sore legs and some minor stomachaches. Now that the leadership has got the routine down as well, there should be a blog post every night.

To view more pictures from Day Two, please visit our online photo album.

Troop 50 travels to Woodruff Scout Reservation (Camp Woodruff Day One Summary)

The troop gathers in Auburn before hitting the road to Camp Woodruff!

A total of 19 scouts and four leaders left Auburn around 7:45 a.m. to make the trek to North Georgia.  Woodruff Scout Reservation will be their home for the next week. Travel was quiet for some and a little noisy for others, but safe and timely for all. Everyone enjoyed a lunch at Papa's Pizza in Blue Ridge, Georgia before making the final drive into camp.  We arrived at camp around 1:30 p.m. to begin the adventure.

The flags are displayed...

...and personal gear stowed!

Clockwise from top: Rusty, Louie and Joe enjoy their first
meal in the camp's dining hall.

Scouts and leaders checked in, unloaded the trailer, and changed into their swimsuits for the swim test. The swim test line was a bit long, but everyone did well and we quickly got changed for dinner. One leader was particularly more extended than the others and needed some quality time in the camp on his own. He recovered well, however. Dinner was a scrumptious serving of lasagna, green beans, and rolls. Of course, there was brownies for dessert, which was a favorite for the boys.

After dinner, everyone attended the opening campfire where we got to meet the staff, sing songs, and in general be entertained. The camp performed a very impressive opening ceremony with water skiing, fireworks, state flags for each of the troops at camp, and of course a great bonfire! After the campfire, Scouts were briefed with some rules for the week and advice for camp logistics and everyone headed to bed.

Everyone slept well and there were no requests to go home. Stay tuned for the Day Two blog later.

To view pictures from Day One, please visit our online photo album.

Honoring achievement and leadership

Troop 50 Scouts, parents and leaders gathered on June 2 to honor the achievements of its Scouts — from its newest Scouts who crossed over in March and April, to its senior Scouts who are transitioning to college. With the addition of 10 new families joining the Troop 50 families this spring as part of Webelos crossovers, the court of honor was by far the largest the troop has hosted to date.

Scouts William and John are presented as eligible candidates for
membership in the Order of the Arrow.

Prior to officially opening the court of honor, representatives from the Order of the Arrow's Chattahoochee Lodge #204 conducted an election of potential members, who are also known as "arrowmen." The Order of the Arrow, or "OA," is Scouting's national honor society founded in 1915 and dedicated to recognizing Scouts and leaders who exemplifies the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. The OA elevates the ideals of brotherhood and cheerful service as a means of enhancing a Scout's overall Scouting experience. The troop had two eligible Scouts — William and John — who met the membership eligibility requirements, which include holding the rank of First Class or higher and accruing 15 or more days and nights of camping. Election results are made public during the troop's week at summer camp, when those elected are recognized during an OA "callout" ceremony.

SPL William presents Louie with Family Life Merit Badge.

Following OA elections, SPL William and ASPL John formally opened the court of honor, which included presenting a number of merit badges, again honoring our newest Scouts on earning the Scout rank, and awarding the First Class rank to Louie and Michael, and Life rank to William. Before Scoutmaster Baird presented Eagle Scout recognition certificates to Troop 50 Eagle Scouts who were unable to attend Saugahatchee District's March District Banquet, Air Force Captain Perr recognized Junior Assistant Scoutmaster Jake Jerome who, after graduating from Auburn High School in May, will report to the United States Air Force Academy at the end of June.

Scoutmaster Baird installing the troop's recently
elected and appointed troop leadership

Scoutmaster Baird complimented the leadership provided by SPL William and ASPL John during the first half of the year. He then proceeded to recognize the incoming youth leadership for the latter half of 2014 and installed them in their elected and appointed positions. The troop's senior leadership will include (pictured right to left) Senior Patrol Leader William (serving a second term), patrol leaders John and Robert, Assistant Patrol Leader Josh, Troop Guide Louie, and Quartermaster Andrew (not pictured is Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Davis and Assistant Patrol Leader Mark).

Scoutmaster Andrew Baird conveys appreciation on behalf of
Saugahatchee District to Troop Committee Chair Rob Stanford.

Final presentations included a recap of some of the adult leader recognitions made by Saugahatchee District at its March District Banquet. These included appreciation of Troop Committee Chair Rob Stanford's district-level contributions as Activities Chair and coordinator of several district events, and presentation of one of two District Awards of Merit to Charter Organization Representative Michael Tullier.

View additional photos from the court of honor in the troop's online photo album.

Summer is upon us!

With just a few days of school left for our Scouts, the troop also set its sights on the summer during Monday night's meeting by discussing summer camp and holding the troop's mid-year elections.

The troop first handled several advancement-related requirements while giving Scouts the chance to expend a little energy. In an effort to mark improvement in their physical prowess, our newest Scouts — accompanied by the rest of the troop — retested themselves in the various physical fitness tests to show improvement after 30 days as required for the Tenderfoot rank. Back in April, Scouts performed a variety of physical feats — including sit-ups, push-ups, the long jump. Monday night was their chance to prove they were faster and stronger 30 days later.

Scouts racing around
First Presbyterian Church

Ethan outpacing his previous
set of sit-ups!

Scouts returned indoors to discuss youth leadership for the second half of the year. William, who has served as the troop's senior patrol leader since January, ran unopposed for a second term. Upon election, he appointed Davis as his assistant senior patrol leader. The pair, along with patrol leaders for the Turn Up and Buck patrols to be selected soon, will be installed at the troop's June 2 court of honor. The group of youth leaders will serve until the next set of scheduled elections in December.

Assistant Scoutmaster JP Pendleton, with the assistance of SPL Will
and ASPL John, discuss packing and equipment needs for the troop's
upcoming summer camp trip.

The meeting closed with a discussion of summer camp packing tips, led by Assistant Scoutmaster JP Pendleton. Scouts were encouraged to pack in plastic footlockers using a packing list to be provided prior to summer camp. Mr. Pendleton noted that Scouts would need both Class A and Class B uniforms, as well as attire and footwear appropriate for swimming and hiking activities, and a troop whitewater rafting trip. The troop will organize several clothes-washing sessions during the week. More resources to prepare for camp will be provided in the coming weeks. Summer camp activities will include an older-Scout contingent heading to Camp Daniel Boone in Canton, N.C. in June for its "Five Rivers in Five Days" whitewater rafting program, and the majority of the troop heading to Camp Woodruff in Blairsville, Ga. in July for a week of traditional summer camp.

Retreating at the Forest Ecology Preserve

Troop 50 camped this past weekend at the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve as part of its annual planning retreat (first conducted in May 2013).  However, with rains on and off Friday and Saturday, the troop experienced bouts of retreating to dry ground throughout the three-day campout. Fortunately, rain dampened neither the opportunity to plan for the 2014-15 troop year nor our helping the newer Scouts continue their advancement efforts toward the rank of Tenderfoot. The troop camped at a site by the pond, off the Preserve's North Parking Lot, coming full circle since the troop's inaugural campout there in January 2013.

Planning retreat activities began Saturday morning as parents arrived and the troop assembled at the Preserve's amphitheater. After Troop Committee Chair Rob Stanford welcomed everyone, the group of more than 30 Scouts and leaders quickly went to work in two groups. In one group, in a discussion led by Senior Patrol Leader Will, Scouts shared ideas for activities, programs, merit badges and other advancement opportunities. Later, they discussed meeting and campsite etiquette, leadership and any other topics they felt should be examined.

Other leaders and parents, in discussions facilitated by Rob Stanford, identified ideal times each month for campouts and day outings, reviewed opportunities for adult leadership and specific needs the troop had, reviewed the troop's finances, and established the budget for the coming year.

The adult attendees then traveled to the campsite where, after enjoying a hamburger lunch prepared by the Scouts; leaders, Scouts, and parents together tentatively plotted on the troop calendar the ideas Scouts had for campouts and outings. Adults continued their discussions of finances, membership, and other topics while Scouts broke into patrols to participate in an orienteering and geocaching activity as follow up to its recent troop meeting focus on geocaching.

Rain that cropped up Saturday afternoon quickly cleared and gave way to the first sign of sun and blue skies seen since arriving at camp. After a dinner that included grilled chicken prepared by the Scouts, the troop gathered for a campfire emceed by Michael and featuring a variety of planned and impromptu skits and songs offered by Scouts and leaders. At the end, everyone enjoyed cobbler prepared by Scoutmaster Baird.

Hamburgers, grilled chicken, and cobbler weren't the only delicacies Scouts had a hand in preparing during the weekend. Reprising their efforts to bring new, bacon-themed culinary delights to the troop's dining palette, first attempted with the bacon-wrapped Little Debbie Zebra Cake during the Saugahatchee District 2013 Spring Camporee, Scouts Davis and Kyle offered a new creation - the bacon-wrapped Little Debbie Cosmic Brownie, which they said "was good." However, like the bacon-wrapped Zebra Cake, which has not seen the light of day or the inside of a skillet again, we're not sure we'll see bacon-wrapped Cosmic Brownies on the menu in the future!

The troop woke early on Sunday, packed up camp and, in observance of Scouts' "duty to God," held a devotional service before leaving camp to wish their mothers a happy Mother's Day. While a few troop meetings remain before the troop concludes its academic year meeting schedule with its June 2 court of honor, the campout concludes the troop's 2013-14 weekend campout schedule. Summer activities will include an older-Scout contingent heading to Camp Daniel Boone in Canton, N.C. in June for its "Five Rivers in Five Days" whitewater rafting program, and the majority of the troop heading to Camp Woodruff in Blairsville, Ga. in July for a week of traditional summer camp. The troop will gather for tentative day outings during the summer, as discussed during the planning retreat, before resuming its regular troop meeting and camping program in mid-August.

View more photos from the weekend on the troop's online photo album.