Gazing at the stars (and the planets)

On Saturday, Nov. 5, the troop headed to nearby Columbus, Georgia, for one of the regularly scheduled Astronomy Nights hosted by the Coca-Coca Space Science Center, one of Columbus State University’s educational outreach centers. The evening’s activities gave participating Scouts a starting point—a launchpad if you will—to completing the requirements for Astronomy Merit Badge.

Jake (left) and Rhett stare into the Space Shuttle Main Engine Nozzle on display.

Prior to the official start of the evening’s program, Scouts browsed the center’s exhibit gallery, which features over $17 million in NASA artifacts from the Space Shuttle era—including a Space Shuttle Main Engine Nozzle that has flown to space on nine NASA missions. These items represent the most extensive collection of space shuttle artifacts in Georgia. The gallery also includes four flight simulators and numerous interactive displays, all presenting content directly from state and national science standards.

Dr. Rosa Williams, a professor in Columbus State University’s Department of Earth & Space Sciences and director of the center’s WestRock Observatory, began the evening’s program in the Omnisphere Planetarium. The planetarium’s show highlighted some of the constellations and other celestial objects available for viewing in late fall evenings.

Following the planetarium show, and despite the cloudy evening, Scouts looked up to the night sky on the center’s South Lawn, where they could view the waxing gibbous moon and Jupiter amid the clouds. They even got their own VIP group simulator experience as they flew to the International Space Station aboard the Space Shuttle Odyssey.

Scouts concluded their visit in the center’s WestRock Observatory. Dr. Andrew Puckett, an associate professor in the Department of Earth & Space Sciences, described the functionality of the center’s observatory and research-grade telescope. He also detailed some of the observatory research led by faculty, students and alumni and relating to moon, sun and other celestial body observations.

Established in 1996, the Coca-Cola Space Science Center is Georgia’s only science center and museum facility dedicated to providing experiences for students and public visitors in astronomy and space science. A key teaching and research facility for Columbus State University’s Department of Earth & Space Sciences. the center hosts and maintains the computer server that houses an internationally recognized supernova database for astronomical research.

For more photos, visit the troop’s online photo album.

Will Steiner becomes troop's 30th and first brother-brother duo Eagle Scout

On Tuesday, Sept. 20, Will Steiner became Troop 50's 30th Eagle Scout. He and his older brother Camp (Eagle Class of 2019 and the troop's 21st Eagle Scout) are the troop's first brother-brother Eagle Scout duo!

Jake named the 2022 Baird Honor Scout Award

Scoutmaster Baird presents Jake with the 2022 James J. Baird
Honor Scout Award.

At the troop's Sunday, Aug. 28 Court of Honor, Life Scout Jake received the 2022 James J. Baird Jr. Honor Scout Award. First presented in 2015, the annual award is bestowed on 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 Andrew Baird, a 1945 recipient of the Eagle Scout rank and longtime Rotarian leader.

Luke becomes troop's 29th Eagle Scout

 On Tuesday, July 26, Luke became Troop 50's 29th Eagle Scout. He is an alumnus of Cub Scout Pack 29.

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.

Troop celebrates 27th, 28th Eagle Scouts

On Tuesday, May 24, Troop 50 celebrated its two newest Eagle Scouts: Beck, who is the troop's 27th Eagle Scout, and Tyson, who is the troop's 28th.

Troop celebrates Thurow as its 26th Eagle Scout

This spring, Troop 50 bestowed the Boy Scouts of America’s highest rank during a ceremony honoring new Eagle Scout Hunter Thurow. He is the son of Brian and Jennifer Thurow of Auburn. Thurow is the troop’s 26th Eagle Scout since its founding in 2012. His Eagle Scout ceremony was held on Sunday, Feb. 20 at Auburn United Methodist Church.

Hunter (right) and Miles (left)
accept the "Eagle Scout Charge" and make the
"Eagle Scout Promise."

Hunter’s Eagle Scout ceremony, held at Auburn United Methodist Church was a joint ceremony also honoring Miles Ballard, the troop’s 25th Eagle Scout. The two have been longtime friends both in and outside Scouting. The ceremony on Sunday, Feb. 20 included fellow Scouts, leaders, family and friends. Senior Patrol Leader Connor oversaw the presentation of colors, followed by welcomes from Scoutmaster Andrew Baird. The ceremony included a reading of the “Trail to Eagle” by Miles’ grandfather, John Ballard, as well as the “Eagle Scout Challenge” by fellow Scouts that reminded everyone of the symbolism behind the colors of the Eagle Scout badge, the significance of the Scout Oath and Law in our daily lives, as well as the foundation they have and will provide Hunter.

Scoutmaster Baird oversaw the official presentation of the Eagle Scout rank to Hunter. This included administering the “Eagle Scout Charge” and the “Eagle Scout Promise.” Hunter’s parents joined in the presentation of the insignia marking his achievement of the Eagle Scout rank, and Hunter in turn presented both of his parents with Eagle Scout mother’s and father’s pins. On behalf of the troop, Troop Committee Chair Rob Stanford presented Hunter with membership in the National Eagle Scout Association — a tradition dating back to the troop’s first Eagle Scout in 2013.

Hunter with some of his Eagle Scout mentors (left to right): project coach and
Assistant Scoutmaster J.P. Pendleton, Scoutmaster Andrew Baird, and
Troop Committee Chair Rob Stanford

Following tradition, Hunter recognized several special leaders and adults with Eagle Scout mentor pins, which signify the special roles they played in his advancement efforts and in completing his Eagle Scout leadership service project. These mentors included former Assistant Scoutmaster and Cub Scout Pack 29 leader Clyde Wikle; assistant scoutmasters Michael Tullier and Wes Williams; Eagle Scout leadership service project coach J.P. Pendleton; Troop Committee Chair Rob Stanford; Scoutmaster Andrew Baird; and his parents Brian and Jen Thurow.

Hunter surrounded by his family following the Eagle Scout ceremony.

Hunter's grandfather, C.T. Thurow, concluded the Eagles Scout ceremony with a closing prayer.

Hunter's "Trail to Eagle"

Hunter joined Troop 50 in April 2015 after earning the Webelos Rank and Arrow of Light in Cub Scout Pack 29, charted by Auburn United Methodist Church. During his tenure in Troop 50, he has served in several leadership positions including instructor, patrol leader, lead troop guide, and assistant senior patrol leader. He earned 26 merit badges, which also later qualified him for a Bronze Palm. During his tenure in Troop 50, he accrued 61 nights of camping, 78 service hours (outside his own Eagle Scout leadership service project), 82 hiking miles and eight paddling miles. In August 2021, he was inducted into the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s national honor society.

For his Eagle Scout leadership service project, Hunter planned and led volunteers to enhance and refurbish the nature trail at Yarbrough Elementary School, where he was a student. In addition to improving the trail bed itself, the project encompassed restoring and replacing species-identification markers for trees on the trail. Family, friends, and fellow Scouts and leaders logged around 90 service hours planning and carrying out the project.

After completing the Eagle Scout rank requirements, which included planning and executing his service project, Hunter appeared before the Saugahatchee District’s Eagle Scout Board on Sept. 12, 2021. He is among four Troop 50 Scouts to earn the Eagle Scout rank during 2021.

Hunter graduated in May from Auburn High School. He begins his studies at Auburn University during the Fall 2022 semester.

About the Eagle Scout Rank

Since the first Eagle Scout was awarded in 1912, more than 2.5 million Boy Scouts have completed the Eagle Scout’s performance-based rank requirements, which currently include serving in progressive leadership positions, demonstrating outdoor and Scouting skill competencies, earning at least 21 merit badges, and planning and executing a seminal Eagle Scout leadership service project.

For more photos from Hunter’s Eagle Scout Ceremony, visit the troop’s online photo album.

Annual Christmas Court of Honor pays tribute to several holiday troop traditions

The troop’s December Court of Honor invokes more than just Christmas-time visions of sugar plums dancing in the heads of Troop 50 Scouts. The annual holiday gathering of Scouts and their families also means visions of a toy drive for the area’s less-fortunate children, a spirited “Dirty Santa” gift exchange, and of course, the new ranks and merit badges Scouts have earned that are the hallmark of any court of honor gathering.

The troop gathered on Monday, Dec. 13 for that very purpose. Senior Patrol Leader Jake and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Olen opened the court of honor by welcoming Scouts and their families.

Before the awards portion of the program, Assistant Scoutmaster Michael Tullier welcomed Chattahoochee Council Scout Executive and CEO Juan Osario. In addition to outlining the council’s annual Friends of Scouting fundraising program, he honored Assistant Scoutmaster Wes Williams as a James E. West Fellow for Mr. Williams’ personal donation to the council’s endowment fund.

Olen (left) presents Will (right) with his Scout rank.

Jake and Olen then began presenting Scouts with their advancement recognitions, which included 15 merit badges and eight ranks, some of which were completed at the troop's Merit Badge Day on Saturday, Dec. 4.

Scoutmaster Baird administers the youth
oath of office for the newly elected leaders.

The December court of honor also marks the transition of youth leadership. As is the troop’s tradition, Scoutmaster Andrew Baird introduced Scouts elected during troop elections the previous week and administered the youth leader oath of office.

The troop’s youth leadership for the first half of 2022 include:

• Leadership Corps: Connor, senior patrol leader; Rhett, assistant senior patrol leader; Harrison M., lead troop guide; Tyson, lead instructor; Beck, troop quartermaster; Hunter, junior assistant scoutmaster
• Ice Knight Patrol: Harrison P., patrol leader; Jake, assistant patrol leader
• Savage Cabbage Patrol: James, patrol leader; Jackson, assistant patrol leader

Scoutmaster Baird paid tribute to Jake for his six-month term as the troop’s senior patrol leader by presenting him with the traditional handmade neckerchief slide denoting past senior patrol leaders. He also recognized the troop’s newest assistant scoutmaster, Jason DeBlanc, whose first campout with the troop was its November trip to the Andersonville National Historic Site.

Jake shows off the coveted senior patrol leader neckerchief slide,
handmade by Scoutmaster Baird.

The final item of the court of honor program was announcing Will as the troop’s 2021 James J. Baird Jr. Honor Scout Award. First presented in 2015, the annual award is bestowed on 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. Will is the first in Troop 50 to follow a sibling as an award recipient—his older brother, Camp, was the troop’s 2019 honoree.

Will receives the James J. Baird Jr. Honor Scout Award.

Dillon, finally assured he'd be able
to take a "Dirty Santa" gift home

As everyone enjoyed holiday treats and sweets, Scouts and leaders gathered around wrapped gifts for the troop’s customary “Dirty Santa” gift exchange. As with past years, gifts included numerous camping tools and gadgets like flashlights, pocket knives, and first-aid kits. It was the gifts with candy paired with fast-food gift cards that really made the rounds. Along those lines, the title of “Most Stolen From” went to Dillon, who had at least a half-dozen gifts taken from him during the festivities.

Giving gifts to one another wasn’t Scouts’ only focus. In honor of the Christmas season, and in keeping with the troop’s practice since its first Christmas court of honor in 2012, troop families donated toys that will be gifted to Auburn’s Department of Public Safety as part of its annual toy drive. Gifts included sports equipment, games and other outdoor recreational items. Scouts and leaders made the one-mile-round-trip trek from First Presbyterian Church to Auburn Fire Station No. 1 to present their donations and to get their picture with one of the city’s newest fire trucks.

Scouts and leaders after delivering their toy donations to Auburn Fire Station No. 1.

The court of honor and Christmas gathering represent the troop’s final events for 2021. The troop’s Patrol Leaders Council will hold its first meeting of the new year on Monday, Jan. 4, and the entire troop will meet on Monday, Jan. 11.

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

‘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.

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.

Pioneering, blacksmithing and serving

For its February monthly campout, Troop 50 headed north just outside Auburn to Loachapoka — home to Pioneer Park. The Feb. 19-21 campout allowed Scouts to journey back to the area’s late 1880s and early 1900s pioneering traditions preserved on the property by the Lee County Historical Society.

Cooling temperatures greeted Scouts and leaders Friday evening. As they set up camp, pitched their tents and prepared dinner, those temperatures dropped into the 30s — prompting everyone to seek the coziness of their tents and the warmth of their sleeping bags earlier than everyone’s usual bedtime.

Frequent trains on the tracks just across the highway from Pioneer Park broke the campsite’s tranquility throughout the night. Those CSX trains trace back to the Western Railroad of Alabama of the 1850s and 1860s. Saturday’s sunrise led to gradual increasing temperatures — they had dropped to the upper 20s overnight — as the sounds of trains gave way to clucking from Pioneer Park’s chicken coup. Everyone enjoyed their breakfast snuggled in coats and huddled around morning campfires.

Dr. Mitchell explains how the fireplace was a central element to pioneer life.
It was where families gathered, socialized, found warmth and cooked.

Following breakfast cleanup, the troop broke up into two groups to become better acquainted with Pioneer Park. One group followed Dr. Charles Mitchell for a tour of the property. Dr. Mitchell, a retired Auburn University agronomist and professor, currently leads the Lee County Historical Society as the organization’s president after decades of longtime service to the organization. He recounted the history behind many of the buildings, gardens and programs that comprise Pioneer Park and the organization’s past.

The other group made its way to Pioneer Park’s Blacksmith Shop. There, Auburn University professor and experienced blacksmith Dr. Jim Witte shared with Scouts about the art of blacksmithing. He detailed features of a typical blacksmith shop, such as the forge, anvils, tools and the like, as shown in the video above (listen for the train ... here it comes again!). He demonstrated some techniques and discussed the safety issues they present. He also outlined how blacksmithing played a role in the area trade and relations with local Native Americans. The demonstration also introduced Scouts to the opportunity to pursue Metalwork Merit Badge.

Blake (center, left) and Cooper (center, right) show off their new Scout ranks after
receiving them from Senior Patrol Leader Will (far left) and Scoutmaster Baird (far right).

During lunch, the troop celebrated the accomplishments of two Scouts toward their advancement. Scoutmaster Andrew Baird and Senior Patrol Leader Will presented Blake and Cooper with their Scout ranks.

James (center) prepares the raised bed soil before planting potatoes.

Jason, Will and Olen pile up the remains
of Pioneer Park's recent sugar cane harvest.

After lunch, Scouts got more familiar with some of Pioneer Park’s agricultural efforts through service projects in the McLain Garden and Crops Garden. One group learned about planting potatoes in raised beds in the McLain Garden’s Heirloom Kitchen Garden, while another group cleaned concrete benches where visitors to the garden can sit and enjoy nature. A third group had the more arduous task of clearing out the remains of Pioneer Park’s recent sugar cane harvest in its Crops Garden.

Pioneer Park has been the site of several Troop 50 Eagle Scout leadership service projects. Those include projects to build a fence enclosing the McLain Garden by Camp Steiner (Class of 2019), construct new arbors for the McLain Garden by Jacob Van Horn (Class of 2018), and to develop a new artifact cataloging system and displays for items in the McLain Building by Aiden Lytle (Class of 2017).

Throughout the afternoon, many Scouts wandered over to the Pioneer Park chicken coop to see what all the clucking and commotion was about. The chickens seemed to get more agitated by the parade of their eggs leaving the coop. Several Scouts were under the impression that storing the eggs amid the warmth of their pockets and sleeping bags — and for one Scout, his emergency space blanket — would produce a baby chick. Well, at least it produced the idea of a new troop meeting topic on animal husbandry.

The sun setting through the dogtrot of the Barnard-Newell Log House, situated
just above the troop's campsite.

During the afternoon, Assistant Scoutmaster Michael Tullier demonstrated — in a format that fell somewhere between the television programs “Chopped” and “Worst Cooks in America” — how to make Dutch oven apple crisp dessert for their patrols. Each patrol received all the ingredients to replicate the dish — which they later reported turned out better than some of the actual dinner meals they prepared! Again, with overnight temperatures promising to drop to into the 30s this time, Scouts were quick to prepare their meals, enjoy dinner, and clean their dishes so they could huddle around their campfires or seek the warmth of their sleeping bags for the cold evening ahead.

Frost patterns formed on the outsides of most
tents during the overnight hours Friday
and Saturday evening.

Saturday night: more trains, more cold, more chickens — you get the picture.

After Sunday morning’s breakfast was over and everyone’s gear was packed away, the troop gathered to reflect on all that Scouts accomplished over the weekend. In his role as troop chaplain, Mr. Tullier led the troop in its traditional “Duty to God” devotional service. Together, they reflected on the concept of “daily bread” that is part of the “Lord’s Prayer,” and what that concept looks like in our daily lives.

During the troop’s Patrol Leaders’ Council meeting the following Monday, youth leaders positively rated the Pioneer Park campout — giving high marks to patrol menu planning, Pioneer Park activities and its service project opportunities. They did note that more could be done to emphasize teamwork within the patrols and the troop, as well as specific functions like being better organized in setting up tents and dining flies upon everyone’s arrival. Those needs would be part of upcoming troop meeting programs.

The troop continues to camp locally, wearing facial coverings and maintaining physical distancing as part of observing pandemic-era public safety protocols.

For more photos of the Pioneer Park campout, visit the troop’s online photo album.

January campout ‘for the birds’…but in a good way

Troop 50 Scouts “nested” the weekend of Jan. 22-24 at Auburn’s Chewacla State Park with a variety of activities in mind — chief among those being working on Bird Study Merit Badge. The troop’s first campout of 2021 also included work toward Hiking Merit Badge, including a five-mile troop-wide hike on the park’s scenic and backwoods trails.

Friday evening included typical activities that mark the first night of a campout: setting up patrol areas where Scouts would cook and gather, as well as pitching tents where Scouts would bed for the night. Fortunately, the day’s rain broke just as Scouts arrived at Chewacla, but was followed that evening by temperatures that dipped into the upper 30s — making for a chilly night’s sleep and an equally chilly morning on Saturday.

Mr. McGuire leads the morning's Bird Study Merit Badge discussion.

After patrols finished breakfast, the troop divided into two groups — with a majority of Scouts opting to pursue Bird Study Merit Badge. The morning session was led by John McGuire, a troop parent, certified forester, and wildlife biologist. The group discussed the basics of bird study, such as understanding birds’ importance to the ecosystem, terminology and sketching techniques, and using bird study resources like field guides and binoculars.

Scoutmaster Baird and Assistant Scoutmaster Wes Williams share their hiking and
backpacking experiences as part of the Hiking Merit Badge session.

A smaller group of Scouts worked on Hiking Merit Badge requirements with Scoutmaster Andrew Baird. It may be earned by Scouts as an alternate option to Eagle-required Swimming or Cycling merit badges. Their discussion included planning for a hike, mitigating hiking health and safety hazards, and incorporating proper guidance for attire and footwear. Both Scoutmaster Baird and Assistant Scoutmaster Williams shared about their experiences from both short hikes and multi-day Philmont Scout Ranch backpacking treks ranging from 70 to 80 miles.

The Wizard Lizards Patrol with their assigned members of the Leadership Corps.

The Gladiators Patrol, along with their assigned members of the Leadership Corps.

The troop reassembled for a group hike through Chewacla State Park — the goal being to cover five miles as part of the Hiking Merit Badge requirements. The troop departed in two groups, reconvened for a trail lunch, and then set out again for the remainder of the trek.

Scouts who were part of the Bird Study Merit Badge class head out to do a little bird-viewing.

Upon the troop’s return, the Bird Study Merit Badge group conducted a field observation of the Civilian Conservation Corps campsite. Scouts used binoculars to view the birds’ activities, and described and recorded the birds they saw in their field notebooks.

After dinner and well into the evening, the troop gathered for a traditional Saturday evening campfire. Scouts entertained each other with skits and songs — both planned and impromptu. The final element of the campfire was the retirement of roughly a dozen American flags. Most were faded, torn, or tattered and therefore ready to be retired — the term used to define the proper, dignified way of destroying United States flags that are no longer fit to serve the nation. The United States Flag Code, Title 4, Section 8k states, “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”

The 48-star American flag provided by the Jerome family for retirement.

One flag stood out from the rest — a 48-star American flag given to the troop by the Jerome family, which includes Jake Jerome, the troop’s first senior patrol leader, second Eagle Scout, U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, and a current U.S. Air Force pilot. The flag, more than 100 years old, would have been in circulation between the admission of Arizona as the 48th state in 1912 and Alaska’s and Hawaii’s statehood in 1959. The Jeromes decided that, because the flag had become discolored and stained, it was past its prime and ready for a dignified retirement.

Scoutmaster Baird assists Scouts with the retirement of the Jerome family flag.

The ceremony included the retirement of nearly two dozen
American flags.

This particular flag belonged to Jake’s great-grandfather who fought in World War I. He received the flag in conjunction with his service in the U.S. Army, which also included being awarded the Distinguished Service Cross — the second-highest medal after the Medal of Honor that our country awards servicemen and servicewomen.

The solemnity of the flag retirement, which concluded with the playing of Taps by new troop bugler James, and the cooling temperatures found Scouts welcoming the day’s end and the warmth of their tents.

On Sunday, after breakfast was over and everyone’s gear was packed away, the troop gathered to reflect on all that Scouts accomplished over the weekend. Chartered Organization Representative and Troop Chaplain Michael Tullier led the troop in its traditional “Duty to God” devotional service. Together, they discussed the role of pausing, prayer, discernment and wisdom in the decisions we make in life.

During the troop’s Patrol Leaders’ Council meeting the following Monday, youth leaders saw opportunities to work on Hiking and Bird Study merit badges as a good mix. They observed that the patrols worked well together, but duty assignments and “kitchen patrol” need to be improved to ensure better organization and teamwork. They also liked incorporating the flag retirement ceremony as part of Saturday night’s campfire.

The troop is evaluating camping options for February and remaining focused on the pandemic’s possible effects on those and troop meeting plans.

For more photos from the campout, visit the troop’s online photo album.

Court of honor, annual Christmas party put a bow on an ‘unprecedented’ 2020

Troop 50’s December court of honor and annual Christmas party put the proverbial bow on a year during which the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted weekly troop meetings and monthly campouts. Despite those interruptions, Scouts persevered as evidenced by the number of merit badges and new ranks presented during the troop’s Sunday, Dec. 13 court of honor. The event also included the troop’s annual Christmas celebration, “Dirty Santa” gift exchange, and toy collection for the City of Auburn Department of Public Safety’s toy drive. 

Trey and Luke (left) congratulate the troop's newest Life Scouts: (left to right) Will, Olen and Tyson

Senior Patrol Leader Trey and Lead Troop Guide Luke opened the court of honor with the traditional Pledge of Allegiance, Scout Oath and Scout Law — followed by an opening prayer by Chaplain’s Aide Rhett. They then presented Scouts with 63 merit badges and 18 ranks (along with the now-common pandemic fist-bump) — the results of several advancement-focused outings like October’s wilderness survival campout and November’s advancement campout, and the postponement of the troop’s traditional June court of honor. 

Troop Chaplain Michael Tullier (left) and Troop Committee Chair Rob Stanford (right)
congratulate Creighton Williams on earning the God and Life religious award.

In his role as the troop’s chaplain, Chartered Organization Representative Michael Tullier presented Junior Assistant Scoutmaster Creighton Williams with the God and Life religious emblem award. He explained to Scouts and parents that the religious awards program provides Scouts with a way of living out their “duty to God” commitment. The awards opportunities can be pursued in troop-based group settings, individually with Scouts’ families, or under the guidance of a religious leader. Troop Committee Chair Rob Stanford, who has also served as Creighton’s Auburn United Methodist Church D-Group leaders since the seventh grade, assisted with the presentation. [Update, Dec. 31, 2020, Programs for Religious Activities with Youth (P.R.A.Y.) featured Creighton's achievement on its website.]

The troop's elected and appointed youth leadership for the first half of 2021
take the official oath of office.

The December court of honor also marked the transition of youth leadership. As is the troop’s tradition, Scoutmaster Andrew Baird introduced Scouts elected during the Dec. 7 troop elections, along with Scouts selected for other troop and patrol positions. Those serving in new leadership positions for the first half of 2021 include (front row, left to right) Tyson, senior patrol leader; Will, assistant senior patrol leader, and Rusty, junior assistant scoutmaster; (second row), Conner, lead troop guide; Jake, lead troop instructor; Olen, troop quartermaster; (third row), Rhett, Gladiators patrol leader; Harrison, Gladiators assistant patrol leader; Beck, Wizard Lizards patrol leader; and James, Wizard Lizards assistant patrol leader. Not pictured is Jason, promoted to junior assistant scoutmaster in anticipation of earning his Eagle Scout rank in the spring. 

Scoutmaster Andrew Baird (right) officially welcomes Chris Baker as one of the troop's
newest assistant scoutmasters for 2020.

Scoutmaster Baird also recognized the troop’s newest assistant scoutmaster: Chris Baker, who has been serving in the role since the spring, and Creighton Williams, who earned his Eagle Scout in 2018 and moves into an adult volunteer role having turned 18. 

Outgoing SPL Trey and Scoutmaster Baird

A closeup of Trey's pandemic-era
SPL neckerchief slide

Scoutmaster Baird also honored the extended service outgoing Senior Patrol Leader Trey provided the troop for 2020. While youth leaders’ tenure in an elected position is usually limited to six-month terms, Trey served in his elected capacity for all of 2020 due to the pandemic. In presenting Trey with the traditional handmade neckerchief slide denoting past senior patrol leaders (with the addition of 2020’s ubiquitous face mask), Scoutmaster Baird noted that Trey makes serving as SPL a family affair — his brother Andrew, one of the troop’s founding members, served twice as SPL during the latter half of 2013 and the first half of 2015.

To conclude the court of honor, Scoutmaster Baird noted that, despite the cancellation of many of the troop’s spring events due to the pandemic, as well as having to adapt many summer and fall outings, the troop had much to celebrate in terms of advancement and accomplishments. Together, Scouts collectively logged 159 camping nights, 257 service hours and 354 hiking miles. 2020 also included one new Eagle Scout and the start of several new Eagle Scout leadership service projects now in various stages of planning and execution. At least three Scouts are poised to earn their Eagles in 2021.

$5 and two boxes of Pop-Tarts ... what else
could a Scout want for Christmas, right, James?

As everyone enjoyed holiday treats and sweets, Scouts and leaders gathered around wrapped gifts for the troop’s customary “Dirty Santa” gift exchange. As with past years, gifts included numerous camping tools and gadgets like flashlights, pocket knives, and first-aid kits. Perhaps the most clever gift, in keeping with the theme of gifts useful for campouts, was the two boxes of Pop-Tarts (accompanied by a five-dollar bill). And the award for most frequently stolen gifts went to Jackson, who had at least three gifts stolen during the course of the gift exchange.

Giving gifts to one another wasn’t Scouts’ only focus. In honor of the Christmas season, and in keeping with the troop’s practice since its first Christmas court of honor in 2012, troop families donated toys that will be gifted to Auburn’s Department of Public Safety as part of its annual toy drive. Gifts included sports equipment, games and other outdoor recreational items. 

The court of honor and Christmas gathering represent the troop’s final events for 2020. The troop’s Patrol Leaders Council will hold its first meeting of the new year on Monday, Jan. 4, and the entire troop will meet on Monday, Jan. 11. The locations for both meetings will be announced.

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