SUMMER CAMP 1997 REPORT

....…..it’s the program…TRADITIONAL SCOUTING …it’s the program…..

SUMMER CAMP REPORT 1997

The Troop completed another successful summer camp and , believe it or not is already planning next summers trip to….Southern California (out of San Diego) or Colorado (outside Denver) are possibilities. Several other camps and locations are under review.

As for the Kern Trip… The Troop traveled with little difficulty to camp. We had a few more stops along the way than we had anticipated but no mechanical or behavioral difficulties. We arrived outside Bakersfield CA by 6:30 AM and had a good break including a sit down breakfast. It was then off to the mountains and an on time arrival at the Scout dock on Hunnington Lake. We had just enough time for a sack lunch and then we were loaded on the Camp Barges for our trip to Camp Kern.

We quickly learned that the Camp we not only in the mountains but also built on a mountain, which required a bit if extra energy in reaching our campsite. Most of the adults had a quick lesson in the lower oxygen content (approximately 5%) of 8,000 feet elevation. We all learned the difference in mountain lake water temperature ( it’s a bit more brisk than Arizona pool water).

The camp offered a great program, more of a program than we were aware of, yet open and flexible enough for all to accomplish what they wanted. Unlike the excessive liquid sunshine of Camp Raymond (last year) this week was without rain and great temperature.

The boys did a great job in all there activities both as individuals and in their patrols.

The Troop was so active that all three patrols earned the Top Patrol Award and the Troop earned the HONOR UNIT AWARD. In the Quest for Fire, a Scout Olympics, two of our patrols took first place, Vipers in Rescue Knots and the Sharks in Fire Building. Troop 30 was also recognized the overall FIRST PLACE TROOP at the closing campfire of the entire camp.

The Scouts completed 74 merit badges with several additional partial completions, which with a little work will bring our final total to about 80 merit badges earned. Five of our Scouts earned the B.S.A. Snorkel Award, 12 Scouts earned the Camp Kern Water Dog award, as did 5 Scouters. This required a bright and early (5:30 AM) hike to the waterfront and a quick dip and brisk dip in the lake. We also had 8 Scouts and 4 Scouters who received the FULL WEEK " Water Dog" Award and Certificate for their daily participation (for the full week) in this eye opening adventure. Four of our Scouts and three Scouters received the Tenderfoot Run Award for there participation in a Waterfront to Archery Range hike.

All Scouts and Scouters who attended camp participated in enough activities to earn both the Camp Kern Rainbow Trail Award and the Tribe of Targua Award ( first year, Brave).

As if that was not enough the Troop also participated in an outpost camp at Camp Mirimichi, where open fire cooking was the order of the day. The Scouts slept in Tepees and participated in a full program of Mountain Biking, Obstacle Course, Black Powder Shooting, Wall Climbing, Candle Making and Gold Panning. Our out post camp ended with a great lakeside campfire. We were then back to Camp Kern and our final day with the week having gone by ever so fast.

The trip back to Phoenix was also without significant difficulty. We did have some brakes heat up on the way down the mountain, but we were able to have a full inspection while the Troop stopped for a sit down lunch. We made good time down to I-10 and stopped in Riverside for dinner before our final leg home.

The Scouters who attended camp held a post-camp wrap-up meeting to review the trip, camp and transportation issues in an effort to improve for next years adventure. Several of the Scouters will have camp pictures on display at the September 10^th Court of Honor and will be willing to make copies of those you may want for yourself.

A special Thank-You to all the Scouters who took of their time to attend camp and make this years program something very special. And also those Scouters and parents who could not attend but provided the support for others.