Paying tribute to the victims of war

The troop left Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 6 for a two-day campout and visit to the Andersonville National Historic Site in Andersonville, Georgia. The site, managed by the National Park Service, gives visitors a glimpse into the plight of prisoners of war—especially those Civil War Union soldiers detained behind enemy lines by the Confederate Army. The visit coincided with the nation’s annual Veterans Day observance on Nov. 11.

Jake, Jackson and Connor view some of the Prisoner of War
Museum artifacts.

The Andersonville National Historic Site includes several historic properties: the National Prisoner of War Museum; the site of Camp Sumter, the most infamous of Civil War-era Confederate prisons; and the Andersonville National Cemetery. The park’s historic trail questionnaire helped guide the contingent's journey through Civil War history by challenging Scouts to glean facts from displays and kiosks throughout the site.

The troop began its walking tour at the National Prisoner of War Museum, which since opening in 1998, has told the story of POWs throughout American history. Visitors are met with an exhibit answering the question “What is a POW?” Hands-on and multimedia displays following that introduction explore themes of capture, living conditions, news and communications, morale and relationships, and escape and freedom.

The next stop on the historic hike was the site of Camp Sumter, also known as Andersonville Prison. The historic prison site is comprised by 26.5 acres outlined with double rows of white posts to indicate the location of the original prison walls. Two sections of the stockade wall have been reconstructed—the north gate and the northeast corner. In walking the grounds, Scouts and leaders learned more about the living conditions faced by those imprisoned there, their efforts to escape, and by browsing the various monuments on the property, the number of Union POWs who lost their lives as war prisoners.

Teams pitted themselves against each other to come up with the most creative—
and impervious—POW lean-to.

After lunch, the troop returned to the stockade area, where in service to the park, they constructed prisoner-style lean-to structures using some of the same materials that would have been available to Union POWs of the day. These shelters would have been what POWs called home and where they would have sought refuge from the sweltering Georgia sun and heat, as well as rain and cold. The troop divided into thirds to put their creativity to the test—along with their construction and knot-tying skills.

The troop gathered at the cemetery's "Georgia Monument,"
dedicated on Memorial Day 1976 to honor all American POWs.

Following their shelter-building efforts, the troop resumed its historic fact-finding hike in the Andersonville National Cemetery. Initial interments, beginning in February 1864, were trench burials of the prisoners who died in the nearby military prison. Today the cemetery contains nearly 20,000 interments—including the nearly 13,000 soldiers who died during their imprisonment at Camp Sumter. The cemetery is one of 14 administered by the National Park Service and remains open and active for burials. Scouts took an interest in the variety of symbols used on headstones to represent religious beliefs and personal philosophies.

The troop returned to its campsite (they made a brief stop upon their arrival in Andersonville to set up camp and personal tents) to ready for dinner. It’s always a great time when we can celebrate special occasions and milestones during campouts. This campout, the Leadership Corps helped Jackson’s 14th birthday with a hearty helping of cherry cobbler (complete with whipped cream, of course!). Following dinner, some of the troop gathered around a roaring campfire, while others headed to bed to insulate themselves for the evening temps in the 40s (and the extra hour of sleep the change in Daylight Savings Time promised).

Patrol Leader Beck mastering the camp oven as part of
Sunday's breakfast prep.

Sunday’s devotional program, led by assistant scoutmaster and chaplain Michael Tullier, centered on mission statements—especially the troop’s, which ascribes to “gather young men into a quality Scouting program, grow them into servant leaders, and go into the community in service and fellowship.” Scouts and leaders focused on personal and biblical perspectives of “servant leadership” and how the troop fulfills it through its activities, service projects and personal activities.

At part of its post-campout critique, the troop's Patrol Leaders Council the following Monday classified the campout as “smooth” and “well-run.” They liked the campout’s educational aspects, complimented Scouts on their quick campsite setup, and overall good menu-planning and preparation. They did note a lacking depth of patrol leadership, but especially credited Wizard Lizards Patrol Leader Beck for his leadership of the troop’s combined patrol over the weekend. They also said they would have benefited from more time in the park and museum.

For more photos from the event, visit the troop's online photo album.

Appreciating Scouting’s past

At the troop's Nov. 30 meeting, Trey (left) and Rusty (right) shared some of the
patches they collected through their Scouting activities, which included
attending the 2017 National Scout Jamboree.

During the troop’s Nov. 23 and Nov. 30 meetings, Scouts went back in time to explore Boy Scouting’s origins and those responsible for its founding in both England and the United States. Discussions, presentations and activities both evenings helped Scouts complete many of the requirements of Scouting Heritage Merit Badge. The required for the merit badge, first available in 2010 during Scouting’s centennial year, spans Scouting’s beginnings under Lord Baden-Powell to the history of Scouts’ own troop.

At the troop’s Nov. 23, meeting, Scoutmaster Andrew Baird led a discussion with Scouts about some of Boy Scouting’s historical “greats,” such as Lord Robert Baden-Powell, whose best-selling book Scouting for Boys led to Scouting’s founding in Great Britain and its worldwide spread. He also recounted the story of the “unknown Scout” whose good deed for the day benefitting Chicago publisher William Boyce during Boyce’s visit to England inspired him to bring the Scouting movement to America. The group discussed major milestones in Scouting’s growth and influence in the United States. Scouts concluded the meeting with a legacy Scouting game dating back to Baden-Powell's skills development programs held at Brownsea Island Scout Camp.

Assistant Scoutmaster Wes Williams reflects on his Scouting experience as a youth
by sharing traditional uniforms and patches dating back to the 1950s.

Assistant Scoutmaster Matt Podemski speaks with Scouts
about his days as a Scout.

The troop’s Nov. 30 meeting featured Scouts and leaders both reflecting on their Scouting experiences as they recounted their Scouting past. This included exchanging stories around patches, uniforms and other Scouting memorabilia that — including personal and family keepsakes shared by adult leaders — reached back to the 1940s. As part of the merit badge requirements, Scouts shared some of their Scouting mementos acquired through activities ranging from local camporees to national Scouting events like national jamborees. To also satisfy merit badge requirements, founding leaders Scoutmaster Baird and Troop Committee Chair Rob Stanford also traced the troop’s roots to its founding in 2012 and how it has grown and flourished since then.

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

Flying through Army aviation history

Troop 50 Scouts and leaders celebrated the Veterans' Day weekend by centering its monthly campout around a visit to the U.S. Army Aviation Museum—which also served as the site of the troop's first out-of-town outing after its founding in 2012.

The U.S. Army Aviation Museum, located at Fort Rucker in Enterprise, Ala., maintains a collection of more than 160 military aircraft, including one of the largest collections of military helicopters in the world. Scouts has the opportunity to browse the approximately 50 beautifully restored, historic and one-of-a-kind aircraft displayed both inside the museum and on its surrounding grounds. Since first opening in 1968, and since moving into its current facility in 1989, its public galleries have offered a retrospective of the Army's involvement in military aviation, as well as provides the the human side of Army Aviation by featuring photo galleries, memorabilia and photo essays that capture the human spirit of the Army's proud aviation heritage.

While most Scouts opted for a self-guided tour (which included visits to the museum's flight simulators and gift shop), a few Scouts dropped in periodically for the museum tour directed by the troop's resident historian, Scoutmaster Andrew Baird. Actual and replica aircraft document the beginning days of Army aviation with the Wright brothers and the early combat aircraft of World War I, up to the highly technological machines such as the AH-64 Apache and the UH-60 Blackhawk flown by Army aviators today.

After touring the museum and enjoying a picnic lunch on the museum's grounds, the troop made its way to its campsite at Blue Springs State Park in nearby Clio, Ala. Scouts had the opportunity to enjoy some downtime after setting up their tents before beginning dinner preparations as the early sunset cast the campsite in darkness by 5:30 p.m. While it was dark, local fire bans due to extreme drought conditions forced the troop to conduct its "campfire" program around a Coleman lantern. Campfire master of ceremonies and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Louie persevered and provided everyone in attendance a program full of skits, songs, and fellowship.

ASPL Louie serves as master of ceremonies for Saturday evening's "campfire" program.

It's unclear if the fact that the days are getting darker earlier had any impact on how early the Scouts retired for the evening. However, by 10 p.m., most Scouts (and leaders) were settled in for the evening's cooler temperatures, which dropped to roughly 50 degrees.

Sunday morning's devotional service

Scouts were slowly bounding out of their tents by 6:30 a.m. Sunday as they readied breakfast and began packing their gear. Before departing the campsite for the return trip home, the troop gathered for a Sunday devotional service, Chartered Organization Representative and Troop Chaplain Michael Tullier. With Thanksgiving less than two weeks away, the scripture readings and discussion centered around being thankful in all circumstances—during the times we find ourselves extremely blessed, as well as the times we are challenged and the valuable lessons we learn during those times.

At the troop's monthly Patrol Leaders Council meeting the following Monday, the troop's youth leaders noted that, while the museum left a little to be desired for some Scouts, everyone enjoyed the campfire program and the campsite location..

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

Hiking through history

      Last weekend, the troop's campout in Georgia proved to be a test of endurance, both in hiking and the weather. We stayed two nights at the Red Top Mountain State Park, north of Atlanta, with temperatures in the 20s. On Saturday, we hiked twelve miles at the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, where the temperature barely reached 40 degrees. However, the scouts and adult leaders persevered in the face of cold weather and long miles to enjoy a weekend of fellowship and a chance to learn about Civil War history (at least the scoutmaster enjoyed that part).

The bundled up scouts and leaders prepare to hit the trail at Kennesaw Mountain. 

      We departed Auburn on Friday evening and headed through Atlanta traffic to Red Top Mountain, which is about thirty miles north of I-285. Our campsite was in the Pioneer Campground at the park, which boasts a nice pavilion with picnic tables, trash cans, fire ring, and latrines. It normally has a water spigot as well but the recent cold had split the pipe and the water was shut off. Fortunately, the park management had alerted us to this earlier in the week and we came prepared with water jugs filled. With the temperature beginning to drop, the scouts quickly got their tents set up and personal gear arranged. Although everyone hit their tents fairly early in the evening, the amount of conversation between scouts continued much longer into the night.

      Even with a morning temperature of 27 degrees, everyone was up and about by 7:00 eastern time. A couple of propane heaters helped to take the edge off the cold as we prepared breakfast. The heaters also served as part of an experiment to find a novel way of heating pop tarts. No word yet as to whether the idea can be patented. After securing the campsite and troop trailer, we were back in the vehicles for the short trip down to Kennesaw Mountain.

A battlefield drawing by the artist Alfred Waugh of the Union attack on Pigeon Hill

      The battle of Kennesaw Mountain took place during the fourth summer of the Civil War in 1864. The Union forces under the command of General William Tecumseh Sherman were advancing through north Georgia with the goal of capturing Atlanta. They were contested by the Confederate Army of Tennessee, under the command of General Joseph Johnston. Although Sherman had much success at flanking Johnston out of position through north Georgia, when confronted by the Confederates at Kennesaw Mountain, Sherman decided on a frontal attack against the entrenched Army of Tennessee. He believed that the Confederates had stretched their defensive lines too thin and would be easier to overcome. This poor decision resulted in the loss of around 3,000 soldiers on the Union side and 800 for the Confederates. In the end, the battle proved irrelevant as Sherman again flanked Johnston out of position and forced his army to fall back towards Atlanta.

The scouts investigate a cannon
at the crest of the mountain.

      We started our hike at about 9:30 eastern time from the national park visitors center. The first mile of the trail climbed the side of the mountain to its 1,828 foot summit. Many residents of the area use the trail as part of their exercise routine and we came across many runners and hikers as we walked the trail. We even met three adult scouters who were using the trail to train for their Philmont trip this coming summer. Upon reaching the parking lot near the summit, we found a contingent of U.S. Marines running a group of young men through a rigorous exercise program. One of the Marines told us it was a program for those who aspired to join the Marines. We offered the scouts a chance to join with them but none were keen to volunteer.

      The trail wound over the summit of Kennesaw Mountain, then across the slightly smaller Little Kennesaw Mountain, and down to the rocky top of Pigeon Hill. The scouts made use of the big rocks for their rest stop, breaking out their snacks and water bottles for some refreshment and relief after a hard couple of miles on the trail. We also started to see numerous youth on the trail who were heading to participate in the monthly workday sponsored by the Kennesaw Mountain Trail Club. The club was started in 2002 in order to keep the trails around the mountain in good shape. Over 101,000 volunteer hours have been worked since the club's founding.

The scouts take a rest stop on Pigeon Hill.

Louie finds a nice place to nest. 

      As we continued down the trail towards our designated lunch stop at Cheatham Hill, the temperature began to warm and the physical activity began to warm us up as well. Some of our layers of clothing began to come off and water consumption began to rise. As the morning wore on, Cheatham Hill always seemed to be just over the next hill but alas, it was just a mirage. By the time we finally did arrive, we had covered seven miles of what was intended to be a ten mile hike. Everyone settled into a sunny spot in the grass and broke out their midday victuals from their packs.

Nothing like a good sandwich after a multi-mile hike.

      Following lunch, the scoutmaster (who had been prattling on all morning about the battle) pulled out his copy of Co. Aytch, by Sam Watkins, which is an account of the war written by a private in the First Tennessee Regiment. Watkins' unit had defended an angle in the line along Cheatham Hill during the battle and the fighting had been so vicious that the spot became known as the Dead Angle. There at the place where Watkins had experienced the event, the scoutmaster read from the account describing how a friend and fellow soldier had lost his life by deflecting a bullet meant for Watkins. As he was carried off the battlefield, the soldier asked that all of his gear be given to Watkins. In recounting the episode, Watkins wrote, "he gave his life for me, and everything that he had." The scouts were asked to consider the small sacrifices we make in comparison to a man who gave his own life to save a friend. After some consideration, we headed back to the trail.

The hike progresses as the afternoon shadows lengthen. 

      The route back to the visitors center took a trail that skirted the south side of the mountain and thus avoided another climb across the summit. This was fortunate because as the day wore on, the pace of the hikers began to slow and various aches and pains started to manifest themselves (that last part was mostly the adults). By the time we made it back to the visitors center, the hike had begun to resemble an episode of The Walking Dead (without the weapons, of course). According to the GPS, the hike covered exactly twelve miles over the course of six and a half hours. We spent a few minutes in the park store and museum before heading back to our campsite at Red Top.

      For dinner, both patrols elected to make hobo meals around the campfire. This was a good decision given the falling temperature. Cooking around a nice, warm fire has its advantages. The Leadership Corps and the adult leaders fixed a warm meal of Mexican frijoles, rice, and smoked sausage with a side of corn and toasted bread. It made for a good, hardy meal but seemed to have dirtied every pot and utensil in the chuck box. Washing dishes in freezing weather can be quite a chore.

      Following dinner, we pulled out a hidden cache of cupcakes and celebrated Ethan's birthday. Everyone joined in singing (or attempted to sing) Happy Birthday. We presented Ethan with a card signed by the troop members and chowed down on the cupcakes. Unsurprisingly, there were none left after a few minutes. A few scouts continued to sit around the fire but for most, the events of the day contributed to an irresistible call by our sleeping bags. In comparison to Friday evening, there was little conversation to be heard among the scouts.

The trailer is packed up in preparation for the trip home. 

       The forecast claimed that the temperature dropped to 22 degrees overnight. However, by the morning, most everyone was up and moving, getting breakfast together. The Eagles opted for a hot breakfast of pancakes. Although their aesthetic value may have been questionable, the pancakes proved deliciously filling. It even caused the Mountaineers to doubt their decision not to cook in favor of the tried and true pop tart breakfast. After packing up, our Chaplain's Aide, Aiden, gave us a lesson on the power of words using a book by NFL Hall of Fame coach, Tony Dungy. He noted that words can be encouraging and persuasive but they can also be hurtful and demeaning. Following a prayer for safe travel, we headed to the vehicles for the return trip to the Plains.

The acting SPL works to keep the driver alert during the trip home. 

      Monday's PLC meeting was delayed until Thursday by severe weather. At the meeting, the youth leadership gave the trip positive marks for the hike. Those who will be hiking at Philmont in 2017 saw the trail as a good test of our current abilities. The trip was also a good learning experience for cold weather camping (although there was much praise for the "toasty warm" propane heaters) and Ethan's birthday cupcakes received a shout out as well.

      In areas where improvement is warranted, the PLC saw a need for better planning for the weather, duty rosters, and in cooking. It was noted that newer scouts need more guidance from experienced scouts about what is needed on a hike and what can be left out (apparently, the scoutmaster carried a hardcover book in his pack). As always, these experiences are opportunities for learning and growth. A good test of endurance serves to teach one to go beyond their perceived limits.

Anchors Aweigh

Battleship Memorial Park is home to the USS Alabama, the WWII submarine
USS Drum, and a host of military aircraft.

   
      Troop 50 took to the high seas, or at least a simulation of it, onboard the battleship USS Alabama for our November campout. In addition to learning about shipboard life during the Second World War, the Scouts traveled further back in history to explore life in ancient Egypt at the King Tut exhibit, learned about the French settlement at Fort Condé, and viewed a microcosm of Mobile's history at the History Museum of Mobile. The trip was a good chance to understand a diverse group of subjects in an interesting way.

The Scouts prepared their own lunches from an array
of sandwich options.

      The troop departed Auburn on Saturday morning after meeting in TigerTown. Downtown Auburn was inundated with the usual frenzy of football fans in preparation for the game against the University of Idaho. The trip to Mobile was uneventful and we arrived outside the history museum in time for lunch. Scouts partook of a sandwich lunch prepared in the parking lot prior to our trip back in time.

The History Museum of Mobile is located inside the old City Hall
in downtown. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take photos
of the King Tut exhibit.

     Thanks to the advance planning of Mrs. Cottier, we were able to have a guided tour of the King Tut exhibit. The artifacts are reproductions of the original treasures found in the tomb of the ancient Egyptian, New Kingdom Pharaoh, Tutankhamun after its discovery in 1922. The actual artifacts are over 3,300 years old and rarely leave Egypt. The traveling exhibit of reproductions, the work of the International Museum Institute of New York, is on display in Mobile through April 2016. The exhibit and accompanying photos of the tomb discovery, formed a fascinating display of the wealth and power of an ancient civilization. Following our viewing of the King Tut display, the boys explored another part of the museum that traced the history of Mobile from its Native American culture through the present.

      Our next stop was across the street from the museum at Fort Condé. The French established the fort at the present site in 1711 to protect the new city from attacks by the British and Spanish. By 1820, when the British were in possession of the city, they demolished most of the fort while building new roads and structures in downtown. The fort was recreated in 4/5 scale as part of the U.S. Bicentennial celebrations in 1976. The Scouts explored all parts of the fort, especially the cannons that lined the parapets.

      Next, it was on to Battleship Memorial Park, located at the head of Mobile Bay. The park was established in 1965 after the state raised the money to purchase the Alabama from the U.S. Navy and have the ship towed to Mobile. The ship has been home to Scout overnight adventures for many years. We reported in at the park about 3:30 in the afternoon and, after some delay, were led aboard the ship with our gear in hand. We settled our packs into the berthing areas below deck and were soon off to explore the aviation hanger and the submarine, USS Drum.

Reporting aboard ship.

      For dinner, the usual option for visiting troops and packs is to either order pizza or visit a local restaurant. Since we were not engaging in any other Scout skill activities on this outing, the decision was made to have the boys cook with their patrols. The challenge, since we were not hauling the troop trailer, was to decide in advance what could be prepared with a limited amount of gear. Both patrols opted for the use of a single stove with a few pots and utensils. One patrol cooked spaghetti while the other fell back on the tried and true meal of hot dogs. The adults went with a one (albeit large) pot meal, preparing a low country boil with corn, potatoes, smoked sausage, and shrimp. Our setup in the picnic area of the park proved a little challenging with the cool and steady breeze coming off the bay but all were able to eat a fulfilling meal, even as a drizzle of rain began to fall.

      Once back aboard ship, the boys were given the freedom to explore the battleship on their own using the buddy system. The ship has several marked tours that can be followed as well as a scavenger hunt designed for visiting Scouts. Both leaders and Scouts were soon climbing ladders, squeezing through hatches, and peering into various cabins and turrets as we moved both high above and well below the main deck of the ship. By 10:00 pm, all were back in the berthing area preparing for a night in the multi-tier bunks. Unfortunately, Scouts are usually not as ready for sleep as the adults. Getting some of them to quietly settle down took much effort.

James Robert and Andrew inspect one of
the Alabama's 40mm antiaircraft gun stations

      Following a mostly, restful night, reveille came at 7:00 am. After packing up our gear and trekking up to the main deck, we were surprised to find the temperature had dropped into the upper 30s, accompanied by a stiff wind blowing in from the water. Back in the parking lot, the Scouts made quick work of several boxes of Pop Tarts (although surprisingly, they were not as interested in the apples). A trip through the gift shop capped off the morning before we loaded into the vehicles for the trip back to Auburn.

      On Monday evening, the members of the PLC gave the trip high marks. They enjoyed the numerous activities planned for the trip, although the battleship was easily the most popular site. They also praised the food and how easily Saturday's dinner came together. As always, the youth leaders recognized that there were some aspects of the weekend that could have been improved. Some of these issues will be addressed at the next troop meeting. It was also noted that Mobile has a number of interesting opportunities for camping and other Scout activities. These are ideas that can be floated at the next annual planning conference.

      Many of the photos in our online photo gallery were taken by the new troop historian, Jason. We hope to see more of his work in documenting our various events and perhaps a blog post or two from a Scout perspective.

A hike through Civil War history

The troop posed in the commemorative courtyard, entitled
"The Price of Freedom Fully Paid," which serves as a memorial
to all prisoners of war.

Scouts and leaders left Auburn early Saturday morning to for a weekend of Civil War history and a better appreciation of the plight soldiers face as prisoners of war — appropriate topics for a week that included the celebration of Veterans Day. The troop's visit to the Andersonville National Historic Site in Andersonville, Ga., included the National Prisoner of War Museum; the site of Camp Sumter, the most famous of Civil War-era Confederate prisons; and the Andersonville National Cemetery. Guiding the contingent's journey through Civil War history was the park's historical trail questionnaire, which challenged Scouts to glean facts from displays and kiosks throughout the site. The troop developed a similar questionnaire for the Horseshoe Bend National Military Park as a service project during its March 2014 visit to the historic site outside Alexander City, Alabama.

The troop began its walking tour at the National Prisoner of War Museum, which since opening in 1998, has told the story of prisoners of war throughout American history. Visitors are met with an exhibit answering the question “What is a POW?” Hands-on and multimedia displays following that introduction explore themes of capture, living conditions, news and communications, morale and relationships, and escape and freedom.

With a majority of Scouts "locked up," adult leaders resisted the
temptation to reenact their own prison escape! Find individual photos
of many of our "prisoners" in our online photo album.

The next stop on the historic hike was the site of Camp Sumter, also known as Andersonville Prison. The historic prison site, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2014, is 26.5 acres outlined with double rows of white posts to indicate the location of the original prison walls. Two sections of the stockade wall have been reconstructed — the north gate and the northeast corner. In walking the grounds, Scouts and leaders learned more about the living conditions faced by those imprisoned there, as well as their efforts to escape.

After a picnic lunch, the troop provided service to the park by partnering with another visiting Boy Scout troop to fold the more than 150 American flags recently displayed during the park's Veterans Day commemoration. This gave newer Scouts the opportunity to learn proper flag-folding techniques and older Scouts the chance to refine their skills. In all, Troop 50 folded nearly 90 flags in just about an hour. The troop also helped strike and store two tents used during the recent holiday activities.

From there, the troop picked up its historic fact-finding hike in the Andersonville National Cemetery. Initial interments, beginning in February 1864, were trench burials of the prisoners who died in the nearby military prison. Today the cemetery contains nearly 20,000 interments — including the nearly 13,000 soldiers who died during their imprisonment at Camp Sumter. The cemetery is one of 14 administered by the National Park Service and remains open and active for burials.

After completing its tour of the cemetery, the troop arrived at its camping location, quickly got settled, and returned to the park for its quarterly night museum — an opportunity to experience the prison site grounds after dark. Scouts and leaders learned more about the role and perspective of prison guards as part of a character reenactment, as well as heard from a guest lecturer visiting from Texas A&M University who shared her research on Confederacy prison management, Union soldiers' efforts to escape, and prisoner exchanges between the North and the South.

Scouts returned to camp to start a fire, grab their extra jackets, and fill their bellies as cooler weather settled in. As temperatures approached the upper 30s., no one complained about retreating to tents and the warmth of sleeping bags. The troop awakened Sunday morning, prepared breakfast and packed up gear. Before departing, the troop marked a moment of reverence with a devotion centered around Thanksgiving and remembering to be thankful for all we have, even in times of adversity. The topic was timely not only with Thanksgiving being less than two weeks away, but with Thanksgiving's origins as a national holiday tracing back to 1863 when, during the height of the Civil War, President Lincoln called for its celebration and prayers to “heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it … to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union.”

At part of its post-campout critique, the troop's Patrol Leaders Council the following Monday credited the historical elements, menu planning, the campsite location, and the inaccurate forecast from earlier in the week predicting a 60-percent chance of rain Sunday morning as positive elements of the campout. The PLC cited needs to improve basic knot-tying skills, food-preparation efficiency, and campsite/field trip etiquette.

For more photos from the event, visit the troop's 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.

Enjoying our freedoms and the outdoors

On Saturday, June 14, Troop 50 celebrated Flag Day by joining with the brave men and women of Auburn's Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5404 who have served our country honorably to retire many U.S. and Alabama flags that have flown proudly over our country and state. The troop participated in the event at the invitation of Post Commander Ron Douglass.

First proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916 and established by an Act of Congress in 1949, Flag Day is celebrated annually on June 14. It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on that day in 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress.

VFW Post 5404 coordinated the event, which included VFW dignitaries and members of the post's Ladies Auxiliary. The VFW, which traces its roots back to veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902), is the official nonprofit service organization for U.S. military veterans benefits, VFW programs, community service, patriotic and world events, American flag sales, and services to military veterans and communities.

Scouts Clayton, Andrew, Kyle and Liam level the new rock
added to the VFW Post's flagpole area.

Before the flag-retirement ceremony began, troop members assisted the post by enhancing its flagpole area and refreshing the rock bed at the base of the flagpole. Troop members also assisted with ceremony arrangements such as assisting with logistics and helping to fold the more than 100 American, Alabama, and POW flags that would be retired during the ceremony.

Scouts Andrew, James Robert and Kyle lowered, folded and prepared the
tattered U.S. flag to be retired as part of the ceremony.

The troop's flag honor guard presented the ceremonial flag to the post's
senior vice commander as the first flag to be retired during the event.

Troop 50 Scouts and leaders joined with others at the
event to pay their respects to the U.S. flag.

Troop 50 Scouts formed the flag-retirement honor guard and lowered, folded and presented the flags to post members for formal retirement. The two flags preceded the more than 100 other flags that were retired by post members, visitors, and Scouts throughout the afternoon. Those present also enjoyed fellowship over lunch prepared by post members. The post also celebrated the U.S. Army's birthday, which coincides with Flag Day. On June 14, 1775, Congress adopted "the American continental army" after reaching a consensus position in the Committee of the Whole.

The Troop 50 mountain-bikers!

Parent volunteer Bob Harris and Scout Liam
coming off the trail for a break.

Many of those attending the flag ceremony headed out to Chewacla State Park after the event concluded to enjoy the beautiful afternoon and the network of biking trails developed in conjunction with the Central Alabama Mountain Pedalers, or C.A.M.P., organization. Bikers started on a one-mile loop to allow everyone to get comfortable on their bikes before venturing further into the park. After mastering the bike loop, the group headed over to the Falls View Trail where the ride was much more challenging, as well as the CCC Camp Trail near the park's CCC Campsite that Troop 50 and other Scouting troops frequent for district events and local campouts. In the past, several of our Scouts assisted with creating and maintaining these trails as part of a service project at a previous Saugahatchee District Camporee.

Of the four designated mountain bike trails, the troop covered most of two of them (Trails #1 and #2). After about an hour and a half of peddling through the woods, the boys decided to hang up their helmets and call it a day. Everyone made it back safely, however, there were several stories of Scouts being introduced to a tree or the ground in an intimate way. All Scouts enjoyed telling their trail stories and seemed eager to do it again! Learn more about the C.A.M.P. mountain-biking trails at Chewacla State Park by visiting the C.A.M.P. website.

The troop's involvement in the VFW Post 5404 flag-retirement ceremony was featured in the Sunday, June 15 edition of The Opelika-Auburn News (view the online version). View additional photos from the VFW flag-retirement ceremony and Chewacla State Park mountain-biking outing on the troop's online photo album.