New Scout Campout at BP Recreation Area

Troop 20 held a campout for new scouts at the BP Recreation Area on April 16-18. Twenty-six scouts who recently came to Troop 20 spent the weekend learning basic scouting skills. They were assisted by older scouts who prepared lesson plans and demonstrations, assisted with patrol functions and guided the new scouts during the various activities. Adult leaders also assisted with the presentations and demonstrations. Scoutmaster Dunn and ASM Cochran had ample support to make this a great weekend.

The weekend started with the Lightning and Scorpion Patrols setting up their respective campsites with patrol and personal gear. A presentation on safe hiking procedures and the buddy system followed. Some free time allowed the scouts to play manhunt and other games. Lights out at 10 pm ensured all scouts would be well rested for a busy Saturday.

Following breakfast and the flag ceremony, the older and younger scouts went to work. Presentations and demonstrations were given on whipping and fusing ropes, knots, and first aid. The new scouts also demonstrated these skills as part of tenderfoot and second class requirements. Some scouts also performed the physical fitness requirements for tenderfoot. Following a much needed break and lunch, the scouts, led by ASM Miklancic, took a nature hike to observe wildlife and various plants and trees. The next presentation involved the requirements for the totin' chit. No blood was donated during this session. Once again, an older scout demonstrated various techniques followed by the new scouts demonstrating these skills.

The new scouts then headed back to their patrol camp sites. They held patrol elections, developed a patrol yell and worked on campfire skits. Following the retreat ceremony, they started preparations for supper. It is safe to say the new scouts learned what foods work at campsites and what foods should be left home.

After supper and cleanup, the requirements of the fireman's chit were discussed. They built a campfire and nothing out of the ordinary happened. The BP fire crew remained back at headquarters. The scouts then participated in a solemn flag retirement ceremony. The adult leaders explained the significance of the ceremony and the importance of retiring flags properly. Scoutmaster Dunn announced the results of the patrol elections. Tomie Robinson and Billy McConnell were elected patrol leaders of Lightning Patrol and Scorpion Patrol, respectively. Tomie selected Thomas Blyth as his assistant. Billy selected Holt Davis as his assistant. Campfire skits followed and all had a good laugh at some of the performances. Scoutmaster Dunn presented ASM Warren with an award for his dedication and leadership as a cub scout leader. After the formal campfire program some scouts still had some energy to play manhunt and other games in the activities field before lights out.

Sunday was also a busy day. After breakfast and the flag ceremony, the scouts held a scouts own service as part of their Duty to God. They then completed requirements for the totin' chit by demonstrating their ax skills. The prayers of the adult leaders were answered as no limbs or blood were lost. A final presentation on first aid was provided. Scouts learned some bandage techniques and proper CPR procedures. Those scouts who had not done the initial tenderfoot physical fitness requirements then had the opportunity to perform the long jump, push ups, sit ups, pull ups and a quarter mile run. The morning quickly passed and everyone was ready for lunch.

During the morning and after lunch the troop broke camp, packed gear and loaded the trailer. The troop was dismissed at the scout hut after storing equipment.

It was a great weekend for the new scouts and the older scouts. The older scouts demonstrated leadership and passed on their knowledge of scouting skills. The new scouts bonded in their new patrols and performed those activities required at a campsite. In addition, the adult leaders and parents came together and got to know one another.

Many thanks to all the adult leaders, parents, older scouts and new scouts who made this an incredible weekend. Many thanks go out to the BP Rec Area staff who prepared the area for us.