Winter Camping

Digging in for the night

Troop 321 now boasts three new Polar Bears! But that's how the story ends.

The story begins with five adults and a passel of Scouts loading up gear for the drive to Camp Hiawatha. We didn't need the trailer because we'd have to hike a half mile through deep snow to our campsite with only packs and sleds for our load. Our load included all the potable water we'd need. I expected complaints, but there weren't any. What a difference two years makes!

We arrived, we unpacked, we organized the Scouts into work crews with Sebby enthusiastically in charge, and we got to work on dinner. Pete, one of our professional chefs, planned a simple, fool-proof dinner: pizza, fruit, and salad. Over what, you may ask, a fire in the snow? Well, not exactly. We had the run of the camp's staff kitchen, and Pete planned accordingly. We ate well. Very, very well.

Chef Pete

Our evening continued with cards and games and a fire in the fire place. Eventually the boys retired to their cabins. Fortunately, the leaders had their own. We turned in early(ish).

Hungry tummies encouraged the boys to quickly assemble into their work parties the next morning. This brought us our first surprise for the trip. It turns out, Jackson has a super-power no one knew about. Jackson is able to turn out absolutely perfect pancakes - including the very first one. Who knew? So we feasted on bacon, sausages, pancakes, and fruit - a high calorie meal for a high calorie day.

While the cleanup crews polished off the dishes, Darryl set up his tip lines. His new auger made quick work of the ice, but that remained his only lake-related success. One of these days, he's going to catch a fish in Bunting Lake. I just hope I'm still alive to see it.

The Eternal Optimist

The boys spent the remainder of the day getting clobbered with snowballs by a couple of girls too young to join the Scouts even if they could. The girls planned ahead with a mobile stockpile of slush-balls, so the boys really didn't have a chance. 

Between battles, everyone built forts and snow caves for sleeping in. Some caves survived, some didn't. Robbie set up the best cave under a picnic table. He's now one of The Three. Fortunately, the staff kitchen included a staff clothes drier, and so the troops took periodic breaks to dry out and warm up. In spite of everyone's best efforts, we never ran out of hot chocolate or coffee. 

Thus the boys played and made meals and cleaned up and sat by the fire and played some more. And yes, the adults napped while Jennifer snapped photos and gave them away. Harrumph. 

At least one Scouter's favorite lunch

We celebrated Pete and Darryl's birthdays Saturday evening, and then the boys settled in to their snowy nests. Those who didn't last the night (or the evening) tended to suffer from inadequate gear rather than lack of desire. Darryl reported resting poorly, however. I suppose guardian angels seldom rest. He checked on the boys every hour or two throughout the night.   

When morning arrived three Scouts popped out with boyish grins and rosy cheeks. We ate homemade biscuits with sausage and gravy along with Chef Pete's special oatmeal. The trek back to the parking lot seemed a lot easier, and I have no doubt some boys dozed most of the way home - three of them dreaming of their Polar Bear patches.

For more food photos and various snowball shenanigans, check out the trip's album!

Our next campout will be the Spring Camporee. With luck, most of the snow will have melted.

Bobbing with Cubbies

Climbing the Walls

Cub Scout Pack 321 invited the Troop to climb some walls and go swimming with them at NMU's PEIF, and the Troop gratefully accepted. Parents brought snacks, a few cameras, and a lot of encouragement.

They boys had a great time climbing and snacking for an hour before racing off to the pool.

Things got interesting in the pool. Promotions to Second Class and to First Class require some basic water safety and rescue skills. Robert provided the instruction, the PEIF provided a life saving ring, and the boys took turns tossing the ring and getting rescued. Several of the Cubs got involved just for fun, too.

Without a waterproof camera, though, you'll just have to use your imaginations. However, you'll find an album of rockwall climbing by following the link.

Drug Abuse Prevention

Body Armor - Just Like in the Video Games!

Promotion to Second Class requires participation in an anti-drug, tobacco, and alcohol program. Fortunately, we have a State Police post right down the road!

The Troopers were wonderfully informative and fielded everyone's questions. Even the adults learned a few things.

By far, though, the trip's highlight consisted of a trip to the garage where the boys got to see a lot of really nice gear - and give a couple of robots a spin.

You can seem more photos from this event in our album by following the link.

Thank you Michigan State Police!

Pot Luck & Honor Court

 

The Scout Handshake

Scouts work throughout the year on promotion requirements, merit badges, and service projects. Why? Because its fun, interesting, and helpful. Maybe they get a little push from their parents, but it's a push along a path of lifetime learning and community building. Once started on this path, many boys stay on it much to their benefit and ours.

As a result, we find it important to pause a moment to reflect on and reward recent achievements. For example, our Scouts participated in at least seven different service projects since our last honor court, and that doesn't count the assistance they've extended to Pack 321. Scoutmaster Carl handed out dozens of merit badges, and most of the boys also earned promotions, too. 

And, of course, the pot-luck dinner added a warm, neighborly atmosphere to the event. Thanks to everyone who brought a dish, and thanks to our Scouts for all their hard work!

Don't forget to check out the evening's photo album. 

Scout University

Troop 321 leading the Scout Oath and Scout Law

Scouting has a lot to offer our boys - sometimes too much and all at once. Today's options included:

• Scout University (NMU)
• Scout College (Green Bay)
• Railroad Merit Badge (Green Bay)
• Pack 321's Halloween Party

Many of our Scouts chose to attend Scout University. It was close by, and it offered the opportunity to earn one or two merit badges. 

Scouters from Marquette and Alger counties (formerly the Pere Marquette District) organized this annual event, and it's always a big success. This year's offerings included several Eagle required merit badges like Cooking, Family Life, and Personal Fitness. Other options included Photography, Robotics, and Automotive Maintenance.  

Our Scouts did well, and most will have another merit badge to add to their sash after next week's Honor Court. 

Court of Honor

Scouts leading the way

Today we celebrated our Scouts' achievements in earning both Merit Badges and promotions. Our boys put in some good work these past few months, and they deserve the recognition that goes with it. 

We also welcomed our new Troop members including the boys who crossed over this spring and the boys who joined our Troop from other units. Together we're going to have a great year!

And, of course, we are especially grateful to all the parents who have helped make this possible. Whether its making a dish for the potluck, sharing rides, joining us on camp-outs, or serving as an official BSA Adult Volunteer, we couldn't do it without you.

And so as we honored our Scouts this evening, I'd like to add, "Great job everyone!"

And don't forget to check out the event's album!

Copper Country Merit Badge Day

Danny got wrapped up in First Aid

Ten Scouts and a handful of parents took a road trip to the Copper Country to give the boys a chance to earn a Merit Badge today. Merit Badges offered included first aid, fingerprinting, insect study, fish and wildlife management, and chess.

The boys came away with signed "blue cards", an appreciation for Michigan Tech, and some really great ideas - some of which did not involve bugs.

This was a great way to spend a dreary, damp, and chilly spring Saturday. We've got more great photos here in our trip album!

Scout Day at Marquette Mountain

Gary grabs some air

It's winter here in Yooperland, and that means fun for Scouts! Marquette Mountain hosted "Scout Day", and Scouts from all around flocked to the slopes.

Marquette Mountain has offered Scouts a special discount on Scout Day for the last several years. This year our "zone" (Marquette and Alger counties) representatives put together a belt loop and merit badge opportunity for the boys.

Eric Creel, a student at NMU and ski instructor, organized Snow Sports merit badge work. Over a dozen Scouts earned their merit badges including Gary and Jackson. The food was good, too. Chuck helped the kids, including many Cubs, assemble and cook silver turtles outdoors on the grill.

The event, with registration first open to our zone and then to the district was a big success. There's talk about opening it up next year to the Bay-Lakes Council and show them how much fun we have up here!

Webelos Orienteering

Darryl and Gary take a bearing

Pack 321's Webelos put out the call for a little help getting oriented on orienteering. Nick and Gary jumped at the chance to send the boys in circles. They set up a short course at Lakenenland Sculpture Park where there were enough giant sculptures to keep the boys entertained between waypoints.

Most of the Webelos were able to find their way home, and Gary now has a good start on his Orienteering Merit Badge.