Summer Camp Report June 2008
Jun 18, 2008
Troop 98 had another successful Scout Camp this year. Moving back to Piercing Arrow, which has been a long time favorite of our troop, was a new experience for most of us. Initially, many of us had some doubts about PA with it being so spread out as compared to Sawmill from last years camp. It wasn’t long before we realized the value of PA in that all of the campsites are more spread out and offer more privacy from the other troops.
We arrived at camp around noon on Friday June 6th and were greeted with muddy trails and roads leading into the campsite. We soon realized that this was only the beginning of muddy trails and roads as we experienced two major rain events during the 9 days. All of the parents need to be very proud of their scouts as they were challenged with two major thunderstorms that produced high winds, heavy rain, thunder, and lightening. When the storms moved in the scouts were prepared and handled the weather with ease.
We had many accomplishments during the nine days in regards to advancement, earning of Merit Badges, and elevations in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. I will address each of these on a re-cap of each of the scouts further in the report. I want to briefly go through day-by-day and give you an idea of how our nine days unfolded.
Day One (Friday, June 6th):
What would check-in be without a paperwork hassle? It happened again this year as the council did not have record of one of our adult leaders so while the scouts were getting checked in and doing their swimming test, two of us were up at headquarters filling out an adult registration for the Council. After seeing this happen two years in a row, I have made notes in the lessons learned column to prevent this from happening next year. After dinner we had an opening camp fire at the council ring which the scouts all enjoyed. We had no “Called Warriors” this session so we watched as the other troop’s warriors were called.
Day Two (Saturday, June 7th):
The scouts got off to a quick start with the first day of merit badges. All of the adult leaders, which included Ron Morrison, Joe Tomelleri, Brent Rinderknecht, Pat Meikel, Mike Corless, Lisa Meinhardt, Phil Meikel, Tim Johnson, and Drew Huerter; were very helpful in helping the 1st and 2nd year campers to the appropriate locations throughout the day for their merit badges. We had a campfire in the campsite that night which included many skits by the scouts.
Day Three (Sunday, June 8th):
After breakfast all of the Catholic scouts went to mass at Chapel Hill which is in between PA and Sawmill. Lisa led a prayer service in the campsite for the scouts of Protestant faith. Following church we started getting ready for the parents arrival and lunch. We had a great lunch and a Court of Honor in which included the following scouts receiving badges for rank advancement: Isaac Javier – Life; Taylor Billings, Chris Boucher, Tommy Finn, Alex Mitra, Matt Tomelleri & Pete Wendland – Star; Mick Corless, Kyle Meinhardt, Zane Scheffler, and Zack Wahlen – Scout. Unfortunately we had a major mix-up in that we did not have Zack’s Scout badge to present and I did not realize that until the very end. Again, my apologies to Zack and his parents for the mix-up. We corrected the problem by Mr. Tilson coming down to camp on Tuesday evening with a Scout Badge in hand for Zack and with the help of Badge Magic his Scout badge was attached to his uniform the next morning and it was worn with beaming pride the rest of the camp session. As Sunday night came to a close we prepared for our first round of severe thunderstorms. The rain started about 10:30 p.m. and it rained and it rained and it rained.
Day Four (Monday, June 9th):
And it rained and it rained and it rained until 5 p.m. Approximately 18 hours of rain with intermittent breaks in the mid afternoon led to a trying day for most of the scouts and adults but everyone held up well. We were under a flash flood warning for the entire county. The scouts continued with their merit badges and we prepared for “Call Night”. We had a campfire at the PA Council Ring at 8 p.m. for the “Call Night” ceremonies and Isaac Javier was called as our only “Called Brave”. Taylor Billings, Chris Boucher, Tommy Finn, Alex Mitra, Matt Tomelleri, and Pete Wendland were all called as “Foxman”. It was a great night in that the scouts also got to see Phil Meikel and Drew Huerter work their paint in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say.
Day Five (Tuesday, June 10th):
The scouts worked hard to complete the final day of the 1st session for the 3-day merit badges and those who were working on 6-day merit badges continued on pace as well. Tim, Drew, and Phil spent part of the day checking on progress on the scouts in the various merit badges to be sure everything was being completed. After dinner, most of the Scouts participated in the 5 Foot and Under Water Polo competition. We won the event last year but this time the event was staged differently with a single loss elimination vs. a two loss elimination like we had last year. It was a hard fought battle and our only goal was called back because they said we were inside the “Imaginary Goalie Box” which was not described to us in advance. As a result we lost 1-0, much to our Scout’s disappointment, but they played a very competitive game. In the evening we had a campfire in the campsite and watched as our “Called Brave”, Isaac Javier, set out for his first night of two to sleep out in the woods for part of his Brave requirements.
Day Six (Wednesday, June 11th)
We woke up to a sick Scout this morning. Pete had gotten sick during the night and we didn’t know if it was a flu bug or something else. He tried to eat breakfast but it didn’t settle well with him so Pat and Joe took him to the Medical Lodge. They thought he was dehydrated and tried getting fluids into him. We found out first hand the result of too much Peach Nehi and not enough water. While Pete battled to recover the rest of the scouts continued with their merit badges. We had an “Outpost Activity” for lunch at the “Mountain Man” where the scouts got to shoot black powder rifles. This was a favorite last year and was again this year as well. After dinner the Scouts had another outpost at the “Indian Village”. Most of you probably say this as you came into camp as there were a bunch of Tee-Pee’s set up near the front along the road. They got to do some archery, throw tomahawks, and play some other games. They all seemed to enjoy it and the tomahawk throwing was the favorite. Phil Meikel threw one tomahawk which stuck and the second tomahawk split the handle of the first one. The commissioner for that event was taking pictures because they had never seen that happen before. During the late afternoon on this day it was decided that Pete needed to go to the hospital to be checked. Joe and I drove Pete into Osceola and they admitted him so they could put him on some IV’s and get more fluids into his system. That night things were not the same in camp without our sparkplug.
Day Seven (Thursday, June 12th):
The morning started with Ron Morrison being called at breakfast as a “Called Honorary Warrior” and he spent the rest of the day laboring for the camp. Most of this day was spent working on merit badges again and the building of the canoe for the canoe contest at the pool in the evening. Joe Tomelleri and Phil Meikel put a lot of effort into the design and the building of the canoe. The only materials that could be used were cardboard, duct tape, and trash bags. The scouts had been collecting as much cardboard as they could find. We continued to monitor Pete’s progress and anxiously awaited word of his release from the Dr. as he made his rounds at the hospital in morning. The Dr. was called back to his office before he could complete rounds so Pete was not released until 3 p.m. Needless to say, the other scouts were excited to have Pete back in camp with us. Keeping with a Troop 98 tradition, many of us sported Toga attire for dinner and we made a grand entrance which was met with ovation from the staff. After dinner we hauled our canoe to the pool and put Mick Corless in as our Captain. We had a great boat and wound up taking 2nd place. I think if we would have had more duct tape and cardboard to make paddle mitts for Mick he would have won. He used his hands as his propulsion and we only lost by 5 feet or so. The design on the boat was great as one of the staff guys who weighed 225 lbs. got into the boat and it continue to float with him in it. Most of the scouts had a chance to get in the boat and paddle briefly until it tipped over due to too much weigh to the front. As soon as the race was over 5 of our scouts set out for a night in the forest as part of their Wilderness Survival merit badge. They included Alex Mitra, Mitch Morrison, Taylor Billings, Matt Tomelleri, and Tommy Finn. During the night we encountered our 2nd severe thunderstorm which produced heavy rain, strong winds, thunder, and lightening. Everyone handled it well and the 5 on the wilderness survival campout did a great job of protecting themselves when the weather moved in. We ended the day with another campfire in our campsite for those who were still in camp.
Day Eight (Friday, June 13th)
Most of the day was spent working on merit badges and we had two outposts for dinner. The older scouts went to “Cliff Hanger” which was at the climbing tower where they were able to climb and repel on a 30 ft. tower. The younger scouts went to “Carnival In The Woods” where they did some juggling, golf ball game, and sling shots. We were in a hurry to get back to camp so the other leaders and Isaac Javier could attend the Brave Ceremony at the Lone Star Council Ring. Joe and I took the remaining scouts into Ico for the infamous “Peach Float”. The night was filled with honors for our troop as Isaac Javier received his Brave claw, Ron Morrison received his Honorary Warrior claws, and Phil Meikel was elevated to “Shaman” which is the highest level that a Scout or Jr. Leader can achieve up to the age of 21. We were all very proud of Phil, Ron, and Isaac’s accomplishments and we celebrated with a cracker barrel feast after they returned to the campsite. We were joined by John Johnson and Mike Huerter as they drove down for the ceremony.
Day Nine (Saturday, June 14th)
Today was made up of the scouts working to complete any final requirements for their various merit badges. Due to the weather the scouts who worked on Swimming and Lifesaving had things to complete and many of the younger scouts still had things to finish for their badges. A tremendous thanks to all of the adult leaders who were out checking on the progress and helping the scouts finish up last minute details. A lot of time was also devoted to the practicing of our play for the final campfire. The whole troop was involved with this play which was titled “Bartle Jones and the Camp Commissioner of Doom”. I wish everyone of you could have seen this play as it was creative, funny, action packed, and they only skit/play that received a standing ovation from the staff. I heard from the camp director and asst. director the next morning that the staff was so impressed they plan to steal the idea and do the same play as a part of their production for the next 5 sessions. What a compliment to all of those involved. The evening was also filled with pride for our troop when Alex Meikel was elevated in MOS to the first paint level which is “Firebuilder”. Once we returned to camp the boys started preparing for their departure the next morning by starting the packing process.
Day Ten (Sunday, June 15th)
As soon as breakfast was over we started packing the trailer and vehicles. Once the camp inspection was completed we checked out and hit the road. There was one last stop in Ico and we were on our way for an on-time arrival back to St. Ann’s.
Listed below is the accomplishments of each scout for the session and what is left for them to complete on what was not finished.
Taylor Billings:
Archery, Basketry, Camping, Geology, Rifle Shooting, and Wilderness Survival. Also received his Foxman Stick.
Chris Boucher:
Archery, Camping, Lifesaving, Rifle Shooting, and Woodcarving. Also received his Foxman Stick.
Mick Corless:
Environmental Science, Geology, Swimming, and Woodcarving.
Needs requirements 5, 7b, 8a, 8b, and 8c to complete Bird Study.
Needs requirement 10a and 10b (30 day physical fitness) for Tenderfoot rank.
Tommy Finn:
Bird Study, Communications, Shotgun Shooting, Soil and Water Conservation, and Wilderness Survival. Also received his Foxman Stick.
Isaac Javier:
Lifesaving and Shotgun Shooting.
Became a Brave in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say.
Needs requirement 9a and 9b for the Fishing merit badge.
Alex Meikel:
2nd place in the Senior Patrol Leader Rifle Shooting contest.
Received his first paint advancement in Tribe of Mic-O-Say as a Firebuilder.
Kyle Meinhardt:
Art, Geology, Leatherwork, Pottery, and Sculpture.
Needs requirements 3e and 4b to complete Environmental Science.
Needs requirements 5, 7a,7b, 8a,8b, and 8c for Bird Study.
Needs requirements 10a and 10b (30 day physical fitness) for Tenderfoot.
Ryan Meinhardt:
Completed the rank of Star while at camp. Congratulations
Completed Art, Camping, Communications, Fish and Wildlife, and Swimming.
Needs requirements 3 & 5 to complete Insect Study.
Alex Mitra:
Completed Archery, Camping, Lifesaving, and Wilderness Survival.
Also received his Foxman Stick.
Mitch Morrison:
Completed Archery, Camping, Lifesaving, and Wilderness Survival.
Zane Scheffler:
Completed Environmental Science, Fish and Wildlife, Forestry, Geology, Sculpture, and Swimming.
Needs requirements 10a and 10b (30 day physical fitness) for Tenderfoot.
Matt Tomelleri:
Completed Camping, Geology, Environmental Science, Rifle Shooting, Wilderness Survival, and Woodcarving.
Also received his Foxman Stick.
Zack Wahlen:
Completed Environmental Science, Geology, Swimming, and Woodcarving.
Needs requirements 5, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 8c for Bird Study.
Needs requirement 10a and 10b (30 day physical fitness) for Tenderfoot.
Pete Wendland:
Completed Archery, Camping, Environmental Science, Geology, and Rifle Shooting.
Also received his Foxman Stick.
In all we attempted 67 merit badges with 61 being completed. Of the 61 earned, 22 of those were “Eagle Required” merit badges. 6 merit badges was the highest number earned by a scout and the three who accomplished this were Taylor Billings, Zane Scheffler, and Matt Tomelleri.
For the scouts who still had requirements to complete on merit badges from camp, I think Mr. Tomelleri may be a counselor for those merit badges.
For the scouts who have the 30 day physical fitness for Tenderfoot to complete we will try to schedule a date in July or August so you can finish that, have a Scoutmaster Conf. and a Board of Review so you can finish Tenderfoot in time for our Court of Honor in September.
Again, I want to thank everyone; the adult leaders, the scouts, and the parents for a great summer camp. The scouts were prepared for camp when they got there. They all worked hard on merit badges and advancement while in camp. The adult leaders were without any doubt, a group that was devoted to the safety of the scouts, their advancement, and working to make the whole camp session fun for everyone.
Posted by: swmiller
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