A Blog From Summer Camp

Summer Camp 2009: Advancement and Fun – Troop 16 Style

A final post: Days 4, 5 and 6:

Today, we are celebrating lots of rank advancement and merit badge completion from Summer Camp. So far, we have had 7 scouts make their Tenderfoot rank: Zack P., Chris S., Jacob G., Trevor S., David B., Justin W., and Terry T. We have also had 3 scouts achieve their Second Class rank: Nick P., Charlie C., and Ken B. And we have had one boy complete his First Class rank: Dakota F.; and another scout has had his Scoutmaster Conference for First Class: Charlie C.  I hope to have another one or two Scoutmaster Conferences today. In addition, I think every boy in camp has completed at least one merit badge, with many completing 3 or 4. In total, we should have well over 100 merit badges completed this week.

Last night, Dan D. and Daniel F. led a camp-wide Talent Show after dinner, entitled Tahosa’s Got Talent. The boys and adults alike had a great time sharing skits and showing off their varied talents including a comedy routine from Charles F., a rousing rendition of “I am Cow” by Justin B., Eli B’s skills with a Rubik’s Cube, and Chris S’s magic trick. In the end, our own TJ B. won with a very cool song on his guitar.

Late Wednesday, during a campfire skit, Daniel B. fell to the ground as planned, but landed with his head hitting a large rock – not as planned. The result was a small cut and a lot of blood. Justin B. took charge once again and got the bleeding under control, and Daniel turned out to be just fine.  He was really happy to find out there would be no need for a second trip to the emergency room this week (so was Mr. Abell!).

After a three day rash of one behavioral challenge after another, Mr. Abell decided to address the group to make sure we could “succeed as a group” and Justin B. held a similar pep-talk with the boys separately.  Since then, the group has worked as a unit, and I have noticed lots of new friendships begin to form. I am hopeful that our troubles have now passed and we can finish out the camp on a high note.

It is soon time to clean up camp and head home, but I think in the end we will look back on Summer Camp 2009 as a rousing success. The advancement and knowledge gained has been second to none I have witnessed. My thanks go out to all the adults who helped run this summer camp, and especially to Mr. Bills, Mr. Bivens, Mr. Carlson, Mrs. Denton, Mr. Ahrens, Mr. Knippers, Mr. Brainard, and Mr. Siebring for helping plan and run this camp. And I am very proud of our Staff Patrol: Justin B, Tyler T, Connor C, TJ B, Eric J, and William P. They have run a top-notch camp. We look forward to seeing you all back home tomorrow.

Days 3 and 4:

Troop 16 continues to execute at a very high level. Since yesterday’s blog, we have had 8 scouts pass their Scoutmaster Conferences and two of these have also completed their Boards of Review (the others will occur tonight). We are celebrating a new First Class Scout – Dakota F. and a new Second Class Scout – Ken B.

A small Black Bear has been sighted near camp by a work crew, so we will be redoubling our efforts to keep our camp area clean and see that all smellables are where they belong. 

Matt S. became the talk of the camp yesterday afternoon when he accidentally cut his thumb while sharpening his knife. Our SPL, Justin B., came quickly to the rescue with his First Aid Skills, getting Matt’s injury cleaned and stabilized in camp, then handling the transport to the on-staff EMT, where he was referred to Boulder Community Hospital. After a trip to the Emergency Room with Mr. Abell and Mr. Ahrens, his wound was re-cleaned and glued (no real damage done), he enjoyed a Wendy’s burger, some fries and a coke – before it was back up to camp – all smiles.

Otherwise, it has been lots of First Class Advancement, merit badge success and fun with COPE.  The boys are all looking forward to their first showers this afternoon. After all, a Scout is Clean – or so they tell me.

Days 1, 2, and 3:

In keeping with our high adventure spirit, Troop 16 has been executing this year’s Summer Camp to a level not seen in my 3 years in the troop. The merit badges are being delivered at a much higher level, with boys actually demonstrating the skills they are learning. Whether you watch the guys in Trail to First Class programs or Nature, Camping, Environmental Science, Cooking, or any of the other Troop-run merit badges, the BOYS are executing! And the boys in the COPE adventure program seem to have enjoyed yesterday’s mountain bike excursion. Our Staff Patrol and Camp Merit Badge Counselors, and especially our Summer Camp coordinators deserve great kudos for executing a nearly flawless summer camp so far.

Moms, I am also pleased to report that the food has been very well-received. Sunday’s dinner consisted of spaghetti, garlic bread, pizza, a fresh salad, and a brownie. Monday brought breakfast of French toast, sausage, and cereals with milk; a lunch of tacos with all the fixin’s; and a dinner of Mashed Potatoes and Meatballs with an ice cream sandwich for dessert. And so far on Tuesday, we have enjoyed a breakfast of breakfast burritos and cereals with milk. It has been the best summer camp food I’ve had by far – and plenty of it.

All are healthy and happy despite a few nicks and cuts and bruises.  So far, the boys’ emotions have matched the weather: sunny and warm. We have had virtually no signs of homesickness or angry tantrums to speak of.  The highlights for Monday were free time filled whittling, or lashing cool tripod swings –  and seats in the trees, and game time down by the lake.  So far, so good. More later.

Mr. Abell

Our Sympathies

Troop 16 extends our sympathies and prayers to the Kophs family during this difficult time. 

Eric will be missed by all who knew him.

Though the Troop is at Summer Camp this week, we’ve shared the tragedy with all the members and their hearts go out to Ryan and his family.

Contact the Santy’s if you have any ideas to support the family.

Mr. Coleman

Summer Camp Guide Now Available

Troop 16: Are You Ready for Summer Camp?

The Summer Camp Guide, Daily Schedule and Activities List by Scout are all available now on the Summer Camp Information Page. Please print and review this information as you prepare for next week’s camp.

Do you want even more information on Summer Camp? Are you driving, and want directions? Are you planning to stay for the week and want to understand better what to expect? Do you just want to see how Troop 16 plans for these kinds of camps? The full camp planning documents are available here, as well.

Click here to go to the Summer Camp Information Page.

Picnic Planning

It is almost time for the Annual Troop Picnic!  This year we are having it at the Canterberry Pool on Tuesday, August 4^th from 5pm until 9pm.  The address is 22500 E Canterberry Trail.  If your last name begins with A-L please bring a side dish or salad.  If your last name begins with M-Z please bring a dessert.  The troop will provide hamburgers and hotdogs, all paper products, condiments and drinks.  We do need 2 or 3 propane grills.  If you have a grill and would be willing to bring it, please contact Lisa Denton.  If you have a truck and would be willing to pick up and return a grill, please contact Lisa Denton.

***Have you been wondering how to get involved without jumping in over your head?  Well this is a great opportunity for you.  It is a once a year activity and this year the chair is already elected.  So please agree to join the picnic committee and help us out.  Please contact Lisa Denton.***

More stuff on Western Mountaineer…

Some more bits have been added to the page, “What makes a Western Mountaineer…”  Please have a look.

All Scouts and Scouters are encouraged to submit your additions to the online wisdom of Troop 16.

Mr. Coleman

Summer Camp Parent’s Meeting

Troop,

All adults who will be at Summer Camp and all those who are sending boys should attend a 20-ish minute meeting this coming meeting June 23rd.   We will cover rules of the road, a brief discussion of the program, and get questions answered.

See you there.

Mr. Coleman

Well done

Troop,

Well done.  We did it again and we did it well.  2009 Parker Country Festival is done and, by all accounts, we knocked the cover off the ball.  Vendors and Chamber folks were telling us right and left that they were constantly impressed by our diligence, hard work, and operational smarts (to pull off such a thing.)  The Carnival Owner even told me he was impressed and never sees this kind of care taken.

Some might ask why we do this…and of course the easy answer regards fundraising.  However, there are at least two other deeper reasons.

• First, in this day and age, it’s important to teach our boys that “the dirt washes off.”  If they learn that they can do a tough dirty job like this one as young men, then they’ll be so much more prepared when they get into and out of college or whatever.
• Second, they deserve to see and be a part of a big complicated operation run as crisply as we do it.  Immersion in this kind of effort will pay big dividends later.  They get to see how adults and Scouts pull together as a team to do something that is, frankly, pretty difficult.

Which brings me to some thank you’s.

To begin with, big thanks to Cal Bills and Mike Rabon.  I hope both of these guys get some sleep in the next few days.  They are truely amazing and everyone in the Troop needs to give them a pat on the back for coordinating this year’s PCF.  And, while you’re at it, thank Mike for doing it for all these past years and Cal for agreeing to take it in the future.

Next, thanks to all the AIC’s (Adults in Charge) who managed the shifts.  You all did well and many of your sons (and daughters) got to see you in a new light (as leaders of people.)

Thanks to Mr. Maus, who was responsible for getting the Troop the bags we had.  Without his help, we’d have been dead in the water.  As well, a thank you goes to the owner of the trailer who makes it possible for us to have our barrels (Hopefully, Cal or Mike will shoot me his name.)

Further thanks go to all the moms, dads, and siblings who helped.  And, to the moms who allowed their families to spend all weekend on this project.

Lastly, a hearty thank you to the Scouts and Adults of Troop 16, who showed that when we say we are all about High Levels of Challenge in this Troop, we don’t just mean long hikes, cold temperature, or high altitudes.  We take on tough jobs and make them look easy.

Please let me know if I’ve forgotten anyone.  I wanted to get this note posted as quickly as possible, so I have not talked with folks.

Very impressed with Troop 16,
Mr. Coleman

Take part – What makes a Mountaineer?

You know,

Both boys and adults alike learn many things in Scouting.  But, it occurred to me that being a High Adventure Troop and one located in Colorado, we might have a unique perspective on what it means to be an outdoorsman, an adventurer, a Mountaineer.

So with a bit of poetry, reflection, and wit, I offer the following at this Link.

And, I ask that the Scouts and Scouters of Troop 16 (past and present) submit other thoughts, ideas, and additions on what it means to be a Mountaineer.

Mr. Coleman

Summer Camp Sign-up Deadline

Folks, we’re down to it.  The sign-up deadline is this Tuesday, June 9th.  And, if you are signed-up get all your payments in, right away.

This year we will be going to Tahosa for Summer Camp and running the Merit Badge program ourselves.  We are working on specific badges that will be offered right now, but at minimum there will be Environmental Science and Cooking (taught the way it was meant to be).  More on specific badges and (in-camp) high adventure opportunities when we firm up the Counselor list.

That said, it is time to get serious about sign-up and paying the all the installments!

Online registration is now on the website under Camping & Activities.  The cost is $215 per person.  Below are important dates for payment:

• APRIL 14:  $100 DUE
• MAY 15:  $115 DUE

The Summer Camp Coordinator is Mr. Martin Siebring.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact him.

July and August Camp Sign-ups Added

The July and August Camp Overviews and Sign-Ups have been added to the Camping and Activities tab. 

For the July Camp, Troop 16 will be attempting a triple 14er climb of the Lincoln Group near Fairplay, CO.  Sign-up deadline is July 12th at Midnight.

For the August Camp, Troop 16 will run a camp-out with three Saturday activity options: 1/2 day River Rafting trip on the Arkansas, Fishing on Cottonwood Creek, or Hiking in the Collegiate Peaks. Your families are invited to attend.  Because of the more complex logistics and anticipated reservations required, the signup AND PAYMENT deadline will be Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at the troop meeting. 

Contact Mr. Abell with questions.