Memorial Day Ceremonies

Welcome!

The Scouts in Troop 321 did a fine job representing Scouting today. They helped the VFW prepare their hall for the town's Memorial Day ceremonies after the event weathered out, they held the door and greeted veterans and guests, and they participated in the ceremonies with all due decorum.

It's great to for the boys to see the flag ceremony they learned as Cubs performed by combat veterans from both recent and long ago wars.

I regret that I can't tell you exactly how many times the veterans complimented the boys for their good behavior and helpfulness both today and last week decorating the cemetery with American flags, but it's a large number. Our participation means a lot to our city's veterans, and it shows they haven't been forgotten by America's youth.

Our newest media star

Lunch, by the way, was exceptional. Post members and the lady's auxiliary brought in a very nice potluck with a large variety of special treats.

The Troop also owes a special cheer for Danny P who stood before Channel 10's camera and bright lights to represent our Troop in very good form. Nice job!

I've also posted an album with this morning's highlights.

Memorial Day Flag Planting

Scouting helps more than just Scouts

Sometimes we get so caught up in Scout activities, especially service projects, that we forget the impact we have on other people.

Today I saw Scouts in uniform cleaning up litter and planting flags in preparation for Memorial Day ceremonies this coming Monday, and I saw a lot more than that.

I saw a dozen or more grizzled veterans paying their respects. They, too, saw our boys carrying forward the tradition of honoring those who served during the most difficult times.

I also saw younger children following the example set by the Scouts, and I couldn't help but think, "this means something."

I hope that today, this weekend, and Memorial Day, we can catch our breath, look around, and see how our actions bring a a little brightness or a smile to someone don't even know.

Bit by bit, our actions make this world a better place.

Spring Camporee

"The hint is in the name..."

We did it! We pulled off our 2nd Spring Camporee with perfect weather and nary a hitch. We didn't even have any mosquitoes!

Around 90 Scouts and parents from the Pere Marquette area and beyond camped out for the weekend. We had another 60 Cubs and parents join us on Saturday for games, dinner, and campfire fun.

Oh, where to begin?

While setting up the day before the big event, three of our intrepid leaders failed to notice a 1500 pound moose sneaking through the campsite. Who knew a moose could tip-toe?

Throughout the event, Pete cooked up some fantastic meals for the "Parent Patrol". Ladies, if you want breakfast in bed, this is probably your best shot.

The boys didn't do so bad with the, either. Not surprisingly, we had a lot of sausage and pancakes to work through Saturday morning. Hats off to DJ, by the way, for volunteering to help with dishes. That's the spirit!

North Country Trail presentation

Speaking of cooking, Carl & Robert entered the Dutch oven competition for adults, but there were too few entrants to award more than participation ribbons. The judges looked happy with the entries and walked away quite full. I'm pretty sure the other Scouters were just too intimidated to try.

But nevermind all that, the Scouts had a lot of Scouting fun. Events included first aid, single line rope bridge crossing, and a bunch of team building activities culminating in a super-long-pokey-thing.

Our special guest speaker explained our nation's trail systems and introduced the newly created North Country Trail. We'll be hiking ten miles of it on June 6th, by the way. Perhaps one day one of these Scouts will venture forth to hike the whole route. That would be quite an adventure!

Security!

When the Cubs arrived, Chad taught the little guys how to make popcorn in a #10 tin can. Gary hosted a bean bag toss. Other Troops set up a human billiards game, fire making stations, round ball games, and more. This was a really great way to show off our area's Troops to future Boy Scouts and their parents.

As the Troops settled into their dinner chores, the Cubs dug into hotdogs and beans and fruit salad for dinner. There were s'mores, too, right? There are always s'mores!

The Cubs (or parents) who weren't completely knackered by this time stayed for the Scout's campfire - and what a campfire! Songs, skits, and walk-ons galore gave everyone a good laugh. We even had a mystery visitor, but you'll have to visit the photo album to see him for yourself. Any guesses?

We Won!

Thanks Swick!

Every month, Swick Home Services hosts a contest - get the most "clicks" in a month and win $500. Our Troop's treasurer, Amy, entered the Troop, and the Troop, family, and friends did the rest.

Wow! Wouldn't it be great if all fundraisers were this easy?

Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser

About a Hundred...

"Hey Gary, how many pancakes did you flip?"

"About a hundred..."

Thus went the Troop's pancake breakfast fundraiser. Breakfast included pancakes, sausages, eggs, eggs with cheese, juice, and coffee.

But the Troop served up much more than that. The event included a bake sale, a rummage sale, and a Boy Scout Popcorn sale, too!

Our efforts also benefited the community. Many citizens purchased tickets for donation to the Salvation Army, and we fed quite a few people who needed a good meal.

We're thinking about hosting another pancake breakfast fundraiser on Halloween. Anyone up for green eggs and orange pancakes?

Bell Hospital Raised Flower Boxes

Power Tool - or Automated Screwdriver?

Amy reports:

Julie Solka, volunteer services supervisor at UP Health System, Bell, contacted me in late March to ask if the Scouts would be interested in building four planters for the community garden sometime in April or May.  One of Julie's volunteers donated the materials.  Darryl and Carl cut the lumber, and the boys built the planters with great enthusiasm.  The only "funny story" I saw was the feat of strength and cooperation required to move the four very heavy boxes from the driveway into the garden area.  It was an all-hands-on-deck moment.  :)

Commentary from the Troop Blogger:
Didn't someone mention that maybe the boxes should be built closer to the garden? And didn't someone not listen? Do tell!

I sure wish I could have been there!