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.

September campout has Scouts climbing the walls…literally

When the troop heads to North Alabama, it’s usually to conquer the rocky trails and mountainous paths of the Pinhoti Trail. The troop headed north the weekend of Sept. 10-11 to take on a different challenge.

Will goes splat!

After a quick trip to Oak Mountain State Park to set up dining flies, the troop headed to High Point Climbing and Fitness. The facility offers rock walls of varying skill levels. After strapping into safety harnesses and donning their special rock-climbing shoes (think bowling shoes but for climbing), some Scouts headed straight to the higher-difficulty options. Others (including many of the leaders) tested their skills in the kids’ area. As confidence levels increased, everyone took to medium- and high-difficulty options. Of course, friendly competitions and time trials ensued, which pitted Scout against Scout, and on occasion, Scout against adult leader. And, everyone agreed that the sensation of free falling was something that took a while to get used to.

Amazing Spidermen Jackson (left) and Jacob (right)

Parker, the troop's newest Scout, masters tent-pitching.

The troop returned to their Oak Mountain State Park campsite late in the afternoon to resume setting up camp—including setting up tents and stowing gear. Scouts and leaders convened around a Mexican fajita dinner. After eating and relaxing, Scouts and leaders took their sore muscles to bed.

On Sunday, Scouts awoke to ham, egg and cheese bagels, followed by a quick takedown of tents and other campsite gear. That provided the troop time for a 1.4-mile hike on the park’s North Trailhead. The group took a mid-hike pause for its traditional Sunday morning Scouts’ Own devotional service. As the troop’s chaplain, Assistant Scoutmaster Michael Tullier led the group in a discussion of how physical challenges like rock wall climbing and mountain trail hikes can remind us of the uphill challenges we face in our personal and spiritual journeys. The group pondered how verses like 2 Corinthians 4:17 and 12:9-10, James 1:2-3 and Romans 5:3-4 relate to the troubles and trials in our lives, as well as the important role of grace and perseverance.

In its post-campout Patrol Leaders Council meeting the following Monday, the troop’s youth leadership agreed the rock-wall climbing activity was great that the troop should do again in the future. From setting up camp Saturday morning to duty assignments throughout the weekend and packing up on Sunday, Scouts worked together and seamlessly. Scouts enjoyed eating together as a troop (and having Assistant Scoutmaster Michael Tullier manning the kitchen. They even enjoyed Sunday’s impromptu hiking excursion.

The troop’s next monthly outing with be the Saugahatchee District Camporee, which has been rescheduled to Oct. 7-9 (the troop was originally scheduled to camp the weekend of Oct. 21). The campout will take place at Auburn's Chewacla State Park.

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

Food, Bugs, Trees...and Checkmate

Troop 50 Scouts and leaders took to the familiar surroundings of Auburn’s Kreher Preserve and Nature Center for its Nov. 13-15 campout, where earning merit badges and and completing rank requirements were the focus for the weekend. As an added bonus, the troop enjoyed blue skies, balmy days and cool nights throughout the weekend.

Following the usual routines that mark breakfast on a campout, Scouts divided into three groups based on their merit badge of interest. Offerings included Eagle-required Cooking Merit Badge (led by Assistant Scoutmaster Christian Dagg); and electives Forestry Merit Badge (led by a representative of the U.S. Forestry Service's Auburn-based Forest Operations Research unit) and Insect Study Merit Badge (led by graduate students studying in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology in Auburn University's College of Agriculture).

Scouts look up to the overhead tree canopy as part of Forestry Merit Badge.

Tyson checks out a Madagascar
hissing cockroach as part of Insect Study
Merit Badge.

Following lunch, many of the troop’s tenured Scouts learned the ins and outs of Chess Merit Badge, taught by Troop 50 alumnus and Eagle Scout Jacob van Horn. As they captured pawns and checkmated each other, Assistant Scoutmaster Matt Podemski assisted some of the troop’s newest Scouts in completing requirements that put them closer to earning their Tenderfoot and Second Class ranks.

No campout would be complete without a Saturday evening roaring post-dinner campfire — which included attempts at entertaining skits and songs.

Following Sunday’s breakfast, Scouts and leaders united to complete a conservation service project to benefit the preserve’s pond. This included clearing overgrowth around the pond that was encroaching on walking paths.

After Scouts packed up camp and before departing, the troop gathered for its traditional Sunday morning “Duty to God” devotional program, led by Troop Chaplain Michael Tullier.

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

Annual Merit Badge Day allows Scouts to pursue one of four merit badges

On Saturday, Dec. 7, Troop 50 Scouts gathered at Auburn United Methodist Church for the troop’s annual Merit Badge Day.

This year’s Merit Badge Day featured four merit badges. Eagle-required merit badges included Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badge, taught by Assistant Scoutmaster Matt Podemski; and Cooking Merit Badge, taught by Charter Organization Representative Michael Tullier.

The remaining two, both elective merit badges, provided Scouts with in-the-field experiences and on-site demonstrations, and included Fire Safety Merit Badge, taught by Assistant Scoutmaster (and Deputy Auburn Fire Chief) Matt Jordan; and Soil and Water Conservation Merit Badge, taught by John McGuire, a Troop 50 parent and forestry program assistant with the Auburn University College of Agriculture.

Michael, Everett, Rusty and Assistant Scoutmaster Wes Williams
check out some of the Auburn Fire Department’s hardware as part of
Fire Safety Merit Badge.

Following morning classes and lunch, many of the Scouts and leaders in attendance enjoyed some fun and fellowship over bowling at an area bowling alley.

Scouts completing all the requirements for their chosen merit badge will receive them at the troop’s annual Christmas Court of Honor on Sunday, Dec. 15.

For more photos from Merit Badge Day, visit the troop’s online photo album.

Badges and bowling

While the rainy, cold weather outside on Saturday, Dec. 8 was frightful, the inside of Auburn United Methodist Church, where Troop 50 Scouts gathered for the annual Merit Badge Day, was delightful. More than half of the troop’s Scouts attended the event to add one more badge to their merit badge sashes – either one of two Eagle-required badges, Citizenship in the Nation or Cooking, or Architecture Merit Badge.

Assistant Scoutmaster Christian Dagg, an associate professor in Auburn University’s College of Architecture, Design and Construction, and head of its School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture, counseled Scouts on Architecture Merit Badge. In addition to familiarizing Scouts with the basics of and careers in the architecture field, it marries Scouting’s emphasis on being conservation-minded with concepts like sustainable architecture and the use of renewable and recycled materials in the build environment.

Assistant Scoutmaster JP Pendleton taught Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badge. Requirements help Scouts understand the principles of U.S. citizenship, including one’s rights under the Constitution, Bill of Rights and other subsequent constitutional amendments. It includes a focus on many of the historic milestones behind the founding of our country, as well as how constitutional checks and balances affect how the federal government operates today.

Finally, Chartered Organization Representative Michael Tullier counseled Scouts on Cooking Merit Badge. Classroom instruction includes teaching Scouts about the need for safe food-handling techniques, how to avoid foodborne illnesses, and how to prevent and treat injuries that may occur as part of cooking. The merit badge also helps Scouts incorporate good nutrition standards into their meal planning, and how to read food-packaging labels. Scouts will complete the merit badge requirements as they plan, shop for and cook meals at upcoming campouts, as well as doing the same for meals they plan and cook for their families.

Following the merit badge classes, many of the Scouts participated in a troop outing to go bowling. As the gutters outside continued to collect water from the day’s ongoing rain, the gutters inside the bowling alley were just as busy collecting bowling balls rolled by our budding Scout bowlers.

For more pictures from the troop’s Merit Badge Day, visit the troop’s online photo album.

A Hard Day's Night

     The scouts of Troop 50 sank to new depths this past weekend as we entered the underground domain of Cumberland Caverns outside McMinnville, Tennessee. This trip marks the third time that our scouts have turned into spelunkers and troglodytes as we walked, crawled, climbed, and slithered through the cave before stretching out across the hard, rocky floor for a well deserved sleep. The group was split almost evenly between veterans who had made the trip in prior years and newbies who were experiencing caving for the first time. Regardless of their status, all of the scouts seemed to relish their time in the underworld.

The troop pauses among the cave formations for a group photo.

     With everyone packed aboard the church bus, we departed Auburn about 9:30 on Saturday morning for the long trip to Tennessee. After an unusual lunch stop and a longer than anticipated search for a working gas station, we arrived at the cave around 3:30 PM. Everyone changed out of their scout uniform into clothing more suitable for the dirt/mud and the 56 degree temperature of the cave. Scouts passed the time before dinner by crawling through a wooden maze, an activity that quickly degenerated into attempts to snatch each other's shoes as they squeezed through the small spaces.

Will manages to escape the maze with someone's shoe. 

Trey attempts (unsuccessfully) to hold onto his shoes. 

     We soon fired up the charcoal chimneys and mixed up a dinner of baked beans, ground beef, and biscuits in our dutch ovens. This fairly simple cooking method allowed everyone to have a hot meal before beginning our overnight adventure. Soon after, we met our cave guide, gathered our gear and began the trek into the depths.

Entering the door to the underworld. 

     Cumberland Caverns is one of many caves that abound in this region of Tennessee and Kentucky. The cave was ostensibly discovered in 1810 by surveyor Aaron Higgenbotham who explored the cave by torchlight before losing the torch and spending three days trapped in complete darkness before he was rescued. It is said that his hair turned completely white during those three days in the cave (something we hoped to avoid). The current cave configuration was originally believed to be two separate caves, which were named Henshaw and Higgenbotham caves. A connection between the caves was discovered in 1953 and it was renamed Cumberland Caverns when it opened to public tours in 1955. Today, over 32 miles of the cave are part of various tours and adventure programs. These activities include daily walking tours for the general public, overnight stays in the cave, spelunking trips through unimproved sections, and music festivals such as their popular Bluegrass Underground venue. They even hold weddings in there. 

     After we dropped off our gear in the 10-acre room where we would spend the night, it was off on the daily walking tour. We visited a moonshine still and a saltpeter mining operation in the original Henshaw part of the cave, passed through the Volcano Room with its crystal chandelier (rescued from a NYC opera house), had our photo taken in the Boneyard, and climbed the 354 stairs across the Hall of the Mountain King. The last stop on the tour was the light show that highlights Aaron Higgenbotham's discovery of the cave and his three days of seclusion.

Checking out the water feature in front of a formation known
as Moby Dick (due to its resemblance to a whale, or so they say).

     Once we were finished with the walking tour it was time for the crawling tour. We geared up with helmets (aka brain buckets) and headlamps before making a test crawl through a 19x33 inch box. This insured that each of us would be able to fit through the tightest portions of the route without getting stuck. It was a tight fit for some but all managed to qualify.

Camp, Rusty, Jacob, and Miles model the latest in protective headwear and illumination.

Boone and Miles calculate their chances of making it through the box. 

Connor negotiates a ladder at the start of the tour. 

     After a short walk to the end of the 10-acre room, we found ourselves beyond the protective glow of electric lighting. From that point forward we were dependent on the narrow beams of light from our helmet mounted flashlights. With a quick warning to avoid getting kicked in the face by the person preceding you, we were off on a two hour slither through the un-improved section of the cave. Some of the route involved climbing ladders while other points found us flat on our bellies squeezing through the afore-referenced 19x33 inch spaces. Some points widened enough for us to stand or to gather as a group. Our guide took these opportunities to tell us about previous explorers who had met with misfortune in the cave. The further we got along the way, the wetter and muddier it became, and the wetter and muddier we became. While dirt and mud has rarely impeded our scout's ability to have fun, they were glad when the tour ended at a set of sinks where they could wash up.   

Jacob follows Rusty through a tight spot
while trying to avoid getting kicked. 

Boone seems happy to take a rest stop in the mud.  

Michael, Joe, and Samuel revel in the chance to wash the mud from their hands. 

     The exertions of the evening had differing effects on the scouts. Some headed to the cave's snack bar to renew their energy with a good dose of nachos while others wanted little more than to crawl deep into their sleeping bags for the chance to dream about the comforts of home. However, by midnight, all were safely ensconced in the realm of Morpheus (that is, they were asleep).

The troop's designated camping area among the rocks. 

      Dawn (the lights being turned on) came at 7:00 AM and we were soon packed up and ready for breakfast in the Volcano Room. The menu consisted of two pancakes and two strips of bacon sliced so thin as to be almost translucent. However, any form of sustenance was welcome at that point. By 8:00 we were on our way into the sunshine of a beautiful Tennessee mountain morning and by 9:00 the cave was but a fast shrinking spot in the rearview mirror of the bus.

     Monday's PLC meeting gave the troop's youth leadership the chance to reflect upon the positives and negatives of the trip. All agreed that the chance to try something different from our regular campout venues was good. They also praised our cave guide and the adventure tour. The food got high marks, although it was generally agreed that more food at breakfast would have been better. While the trip was multifaceted, the scoutmaster's wife put the best description on it by saying, "You went to a hole in the ground and you had fun. What more can you say than that?"

     Be sure to check out the other photos in the online photo album.

Merit Badge Day continues troop’s advancement efforts

For the second weekend in a row, Troop 50 Scouts gathered to work on merit badges that would aid their rank-advancement efforts. At the troop’s annual Merit Badge Day, Scouts were able to pursue one of three merit badges: Eagle-required Citizenship in the World Merit Badge, and elective Aviation and Composite Materials merit badges.

Boone, Luke and Josh (left to right) mapped out similarities and differences
between rights and duties of U.S. citizenship compared to those in Djibouti and Italy.

Scoutmaster Andrew Baird counseled Scouts on Citizenship in the World Merit Badge, which addresses information relating to global relations and the individuals and entities that affect those relations. To earn the merit badge, Scouts must be familiar with the methods, rights and duties of U.S. citizenship and how they resemble or differ with those of citizens of other countries. They also discussed specific world events and how those situations affect matters of security, economy and health. Scouts learned about the types of government structures, international law and non-governmental organizations that exist and their global roles.

Assistant Scoutmaster Will Brett works with Scouts on creating models
they will use to test aviation principles.

New Assistant Scoutmaster Will Brett, who as an aviation management student at Auburn University, counseled Scouts on Aviation Merit Badge by sharing about the science, mechanics and training that comprise aviation science. They put some of this information into practice by building models that demonstrated those principles. The class included a brief field trip to the Auburn University Regional Airport, as well as a discussion of career opportunities available in the aviation industry.

Scouts pursuing Composite Materials Merit Badge met at Auburn University’s National Center for Asphalt Technology. There, they learned what composite materials are, how they are made, and the handling and safety precautions associated with them. They also discussed careers available in the composite materials industry and the types of projects these professionals would use composite materials for.

Following the merit badge classes, many of the Scouts participated in a troop outing to go bowling.

For more pictures from the troop’s Merit Badge Day, visit the troop’s online photo album.

Scouts explore vet med careers through merit badge class

It's no secret that the Boy Scouts' merit badge program introduces Scouts to a wide variety of career fields. Studies show that many Scouts — even those who don't obtain the Eagle Scout rank — find their future vocations of choice through exposure to one of Scouting's 130-plus merit badges. To that end, Troop 50 strives to connect Scouts with merit badge opportunities outside those like First Aid, Camping, Cooking and others that are required to earn the Eagle Scout rank.

On Saturday, Dec. 2, several of the troop's Scouts took advantage of such an opportunity by participating in a Veterinary Medicine Merit Badge class hosted at the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. Virginia Stillwell, a third-year veterinary medicine student, led the course. In addition to her academic studies, she also oversees the college's summer program for high school and middle school students.

Veterinary Medicine Merit Badge requires that Scouts learn about and discuss the various fields of veterinary medicine — ranging from companion animals to large, marine and exotic species. They also must become familiar with the professional roles veterinarians play in public health, military, regulatory, academic and research environments. The Scouts learned from students and professors about the training required to become a vet. They also were able to tour the college's various research facilities.

For more photos from the merit badge class, visit the troop's online photo album.

Way down yonder on the Chattahoochee

As the next line of the Alan Jackson song goes, "It gets hotter than a hoochie coochie," and that's true about anything you do in the month of August. So, Troop 50 heeded Jackson's advice and took the water — literally — by braving the whitewater of the Chattahoochee River on Saturday, Aug. 19. In what has become an annual excursion, Scouts and leaders donned helmets and equipped themselves with paddles for a few hours of whitewater adventure.

Scouts pay rapt attention to the pre-rafting safety presentation.

Filling two rafts and three "ducky" inflatable whitewater boats, the troop set out from the Phenix City-based Whitewater Express outfitter. The excursion down the Chattahoochee River, bordered by portions of Downtown Columbus, included several rapids and a lazy river-style stopping point.

Thankfully, all Scouts and leaders departing on the whitewater excursion were accounted for at the end of the trip! 

The whitewater outing officially marks the start of the troop's 2017-18 year. Look for more blog posts recounting the troop's activities to come!

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

In the Heat of the Ski Slopes

      Gatlinburg, Tennessee has been through some rough times recently. Wildfires that spread from the Great Smokey Mountains National Park in late November, destroyed over 1,600 structures and took the lives of fourteen people. However, the community is resilient and working towards recovery. As Troop 50 made our annual skiing trip to Gatlinburg last weekend, we reflected on what had happened there and knew that our presence was helping to sustain the area economy. While there were obviously fewer visitors in town over this holiday weekend, plenty of people were there to enjoy all that the town had to offer.

The troop poses for our annual photo op in front of the Ober Gatlinburg sign. 

       As we have in the past, the trip began with a Friday evening departure from Auburn and a stop at the Cartersville, Georgia Wendy's for dinner. The drive stretched into early Saturday morning as we arrived in Gatlinburg around 1:00 AM. Over the past few years, we have availed ourselves of the hospitality of the Days Inn. This year we decided to seek lodging in a more high-end establishment, so we upgraded to the Econo Lodge. This turned out to be a good decision overall. The hotel had everything ready for us and we quickly had the scouts headed to their rooms for a good rest.

Nicky makes his final shot while
the gallery looks less than impressed.

      The next morning we were up and out on the town before 9:00 AM. We wandered the streets, browsing in the occasional store (including a knife and sword shop) before settling in for a round of miniature golf at the Treasure Quest course. Although the boys tend towards competitiveness, I didn't hear much boasting about how far under par they were. The next stop was in an arcade, where they played among the seizure inducing lights until lunch.

Hunter's Pac Man gobbles away as Boone and Beck observe. 

      Followed the complete consumption of several extra-large pizzas, it was off to the aerial  tramway for the ride up to Ober Gatlinburg. Despite temperatures in the high 60s, there was snow on the ground - although all of it was of the manmade variety. It was warm enough that a couple of skiers were spotted on the slopes without shirts. Fortunately for us, the warm weather did not diminish the snow tubing and the scouts made numerous rounds up the magic carpet lift and down the slopes in their inner tubes.

Zach and Everett move off the course at the conclusion of a successful run. 

Service with a smile
at Johnny Rockets. 

      By Saturday evening, everyone was ready for a good dinner and a full night's rest. Our regular dinner stop in the past has been Blaine's but this year they refused to offer us any accommodation as a large group. Due to the NFL playoff games, the restaurant claimed that diners were not vacating their tables very quickly. As a result, we passed them by and found the staff of Johnny Rockets more than willing to provide a table for twenty-two. Our servers were very attentive with numerous refills of drinks and their unlimited french fries. At the conclusion of our meal, the servers thanked us for making the trip to Gatlinburg and supporting their economy. We ended the day with a stop at another arcade for the chance for visual stimulation and the intake of sugar by several scouts. Fortunately, this did not spark the bout of hyperactivity that we initially feared and the boys settled in for the night without much issue.

Beck does his level best in ski school.

      Sunday dawned with a hint of rain and a continuation of the warm weather. We didn't let that dim our enthusiasm for the ski slopes and quickly headed upward aboard the tram. Due to the diminished crowds, our check-in at Ober Gatlinburg went as smoothly as it could for an organization that seems determined to avoid the advent of computer systems. The majority of the scouts had skied in the past and they quickly moved out onto the slopes. The scoutmaster oversaw the two scouts who attended ski school along with one of the young assistant scoutmasters who oversaw the young woman who accompanied him. The day was spent happily rotating up the chair lifts and down the slopes. Scouts also took time to go ice skating, visit the wildlife exhibit, ride the scenic chair lift, or hang out in the shops and arcade of Ober. Mr. Dagg continued his work with several scouts who were working on the Snow Sports merit badge. Most of them were able to accomplish the various skills they needed to demonstrate to meet the requirements. Assistant Scoutmaster Baird (the younger) utilized his GoPro to capture video of several scouts on the slopes. The video is available on our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGT_s_6kwyQ. Watch carefully for the scout who flies by at top speed!

Liam, Everett, and Michael enjoy the wildlife exhibit during a break from skiing. 

      After a full day of skiing, we gathered for the buffet at the Seasons of Ober restaurant. Although a few scouts chose to end their day at that point and return to the motel, the majority returned to the slopes and stayed until they shut down at 10:00 PM.

Josh, Hunter, and Davis ready to ski beneath the stars. 

      The next morning we made our annual pilgrimage to the Flapjack Pancake Cabin for a hearty breakfast. After filling up on pancakes we made our way out of town and began the long trip home. Plans were made to stop at a trampoline park in Chattanooga but when we arrived, the combination of a crowded facility and a rather strict waiver policy kept us from fulfilling a desire to bounce up and down. Even finding a place to eat lunch proved to be challenging and we had to trek into Georgia in order to find sustenance at a CiCi's Pizza. After braving the traffic around Atlanta, everyone was back in Auburn before 5:00 PM.

      Although fire damage was evident in the hills around Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, the town and it's residents were just as inviting as always. We are glad that the community and the ski resort have survived intact. We mourn the lives that were lost in this rather senseless tragedy and our prayers are with the families and friends that remain. However, we know that a new day has dawned and that all are on the way to recovery. We look forward to visiting this wonderful place for many years to come.

      More photos are found in the online photo gallery.

2016...by the numbers

Troop 50 Scouts and leaders had a great deal of success to be thankful for in 2016. Eight monthly campout outings and a week-long summer camp fueled Scouts' efforts to sharpen their Scouting skills, earn merit badges, and advance in rank. These, and the troop's service-minded focus, enabled it to qualify as a 2015 Gold Unit under the Boy Scouts of America's "Journey to Excellence" program.

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.

Friday Finale

      Today was our last full day at Skymont. It was a day to finish up on merit badges, play some games, relax, and start packing our gear for the trip home tomorrow. As has become our practice after the regular camp flag ceremonies, several of our scouts participate in the Brazilian flag ceremony. Today, we recorded a video of the morning ceremony involving our scouts. You can see it here on youtube.

      After breakfast, serval scouts headed to various program areas in order to make-up requirements they may have missed during the week. The first year scouts in the Polaris program took a five mile hike and several members of the troop headed to the waterfront for the mile swim. The three swimmers were Louie, Davis, and the scoutmaster. In addition, Ethan and Joe, Hunter and Mr. Williams, and Creighton manned three canoes that accompanied the swimmers as spotters. As we swam, the scoutmaster came across an old piece of rope floating in the water. The rope was passed to Hunter and Mr. Williams for later disposal. They devised a plan between themselves to use the rope for a nefarious purpose. As they passed Creighton's canoe at the last turn, Hunter yelled "snake!" as he threw the rope at Creighton. The result was predictable and Creighton's shriek echoed across the lake. All three swimmers completed the swim in record time, leading the scoutmaster to believe that the course is actually less than the advertised mile. Unfortunately, there are no photos of this mighty endeavor because the scoutmaster forgot to provide the waterproof camera to Mr. Williams.

      Upon returning from the mile swim, several of the boys were discovered in the campsite playing a game called Ninja. Although the game apparently had some purpose, the scoutmaster mistook it for a yoga class. You may judge for yourself based on the photos.

The unusual carryings on of the scouts before lunch.

      At lunch, the dining hall director came out and told Mr. Williams that she had a special treat for our troop. Mr. Williams has spent the week making friends with everyone he has met from the staff, the scouts, and the leaders. Sometimes the kind words he uses pay dividends as they did today when we received a whole pan of fresh baked cookies. The troop enjoyed the gesture and the cookies.

A scout is cheerful.

      After lunch, the scouts discovered a cache of bamboo left from a pioneering project during the first week of camp. Somehow this location had eluded them all week. Using knives, saws, and other sharp implements, they began to fashion a variety of walking sticks, bows and arrows, and other more menacing weaponry. The whole thing was beginning to have a very Lord of the Flies vibe to it. After one scout was popped in the chin with a stick, I allowed them to posed for a couple of photos before the bamboo was released back to the wild. Parents should be happy that none of it will come home with their scouts.

Apparently they were planning to audition for a Survivor episode. 

Joe apparently was about to lead his people to the promised land. 

      Also during the afternoon, the camp wide games took place. This involved teams made up of scouts from different troops. Several of our scouts took part in various events. Everett returned to the campsite at one point soaking wet. He had been part of a canoe race in which they were forced to abandon the canoe at some point. Luke was part of a group that ate some unusual tasting snacks as part of their challenge. Davis went off to the scout leader versus staff volleyball game. The scout leaders won the first game but the the staff took the next two and won the match.

Davis practices his spike. 

      After dinner, we began to break down our campsite and started packing the trailer. The boys were directed toward the showers and told that they must be clean (and clean smelling) for the ride home tomorrow. The final act of the evening was the closing campfire. Various awards were handed out including the Duty to God Award to our chaplains aide, Aiden. Mile swim patches were given to Louie and both Bairds. Louie also receive the Orion Scout Award for his activities this week. The troop was recognized with the Montosky Moccasin Award, which is the honor troop award for Skymont. We earned 1000 points out of a possible 1250 for our activities at camp this week. The other important award that was given at the campfire was the plaque for the winner of the scout leaders' golf tournament. In a tie for first with 14 points was our own assistant scoutmaster Davis Baird. The campfire included skits from the various troops as well. Some were more entertaining than others. One in particular was the hit of the evening. You can see it for yourself on youtube. The skit was entitled, The Most Interesting Scout in the World.

      Tomorrow morning we will pack up and head home. After a week spent on the mountaintop, we will be ready to return to the Plains of Auburn. Parents should ready their washing machines. Today's crop of photos are found in the online photo gallery.