September 2007 Troop 87 Newsletter       

 

 

Hocking Hills Trip

 

As the scouts piled into the cars for the trip there, nobody could have predicted what seemed like a 10 hour drive. Although faced with the challenge of complete darkness, the scouts, under the guidance of their smart and brave SPL, set up lanterns in a flash and put up their tents in the quickest way I’ve ever seen scouts do in the dark. As the scouts drifted to sleep, dreams of the upcoming hikes, and sights filled their little heads.

 

The next morning, the scouts sprang out of their sleeping bags and prepared, for some of them, their first outdoor breakfast. After enjoying a meal of bacon, sausage, cereal and pop tarts, the scouts learned the ropes of dishwashing. Once everything was spick and span, the scouts applied their sunscreen and bug spray, filled their canteens, and prepared for a nice mid morning hike. As they paired into groups of two, the hiking buddies set off into the wilderness. Their SPL at the lead of the group, everyone was kept in-line and in a line through the thick forest.

 

Along the way to Cedar falls, there were many wondrous sights. There were many signs of nature (needed for rank advancement) including tracks, eggs from birds, dead squirrels, and nests. There were babbling brooks, tree covered mountain sides, and towering vegetation. I think the hike gave us a better understanding of just how precious and important our world is and how much it has to offer. It made us aware of the delicate ecosystem and that things like littering are totally unacceptable. Anyway, as we arrived to the parking lot for Cedar Falls, the scouts became anxious as they heard the roaring sound of the falls crashing onto the rocks, and the roars of the tourists. After a quick descend down gigantic rock staircases, we arrived at the falls. The sight was breathtaking for some. For others, a little too much, because little Sherman, bewildered by the falls’ magnificence, hopped onto a rock to get close and while doing so, fell into the water. Fortunately, nobody, including Sherman, was hurt and after a quick group photo they set off back to camp.

 

The hike back seemed to just breeze by, and before we could say “Hocking Hills”, we were back. Arriving at camp, the scouts did a quick water run and began to cook their lunches. Soon after replenishing their water supply and applying more bug spray the scouts were ready for the next hike of the day.

 

The scouts drove in cars to the beginning to the Old Man’s Cave trail. After another descend down some stairs and seeing another waterfall, and more tourists, the scouts split into two groups. One group included all of the new scouts; their hike would be a hike back to Cedar Falls, and then eventually, to camp. (This hike would complete any hiking requirements for rank advancement into Tenderfoot or even Second-class). The other group consisted of the older scouts and the SPL; their hike would be shorter but would go through Old Man’s Cave, an overhanging cliff.

 

Once everyone arrived back at camp, the new scouts seized the opportunity and were trained for their Toten Chit and Firen Chit. A small group of others were trained by the SPL in the flag ceremonies which they performed that night (raising and lowering). Then, dinner was cooked and while some patrols, like the SPL’s patrol enjoyed cheddar bratwursts, others ate a simple dinner of hamburgers or hotdogs followed by a small dessert. Shortly after dinner and sundown, the scouts enjoyed a game of Roses, Buds, and Thorns.

 

During this game, the scouts took turns verbally explaining their favorite part of the trip (rose), their least favorite part (thorn), and what they can’t wait for in future campouts (buds). Even thought the night was winding down, some scouts were able to insert some humor into their turns with reminiscing of the lady at Arbys or Sherman falling into the water. Once some scary ghost stories were shared, the scouts dived into their sleeping bags for some much needed and deserved rest.

 

The ride home seemed twice as short as the ride there and as soon as we could say, “What’s for breakfast?” we were home.

For many it was our first trip to Hocking Hills, but after the memories we came back with, I know that I am 100% sure it wouldn’t be our last.

 

Will Crown, Scribe, Troop 87

 

 

Findlay Farm August 17-19, 2007

 

            Ask most scouts in Troop 87 “Which campout is the most fun and most unpredictable?” and most scouts will say “Findlay Farm,” and this year was no exception.

           

            Some parents wonder “What do they do at FF (Findlay Farm)?” At this particular campout, the troop does service projects on the farm. Either it’s having a “rock party”, trimming over-brush on a fence, or cleaning out a barn of hey, all these projects are done happily by the scouts. Mr. Findlay makes a very generous contribution to the troop which is also a motivator for the scouts to complete their jobs seriously and thoroughly.

 

            Unlike Hocking Hills, FF had more diverse ages among the scouts. There were some first year scouts, a good number of younger scouts, and a dash of well seasoned veterans.

 

             The scouts met at the pole-barn like usual filled with joy of the upcoming campout. There is an added relief because of the fact that there is no major hiking with equipment at Findlay Farm (FF). All we do is drive up and unpack.

           

            The temporary SPL gives duties to the scouts. These jobs would consist of setting up the dining fly, tables, lanterns, patrol boxes, and so on and so forth. All of these assigned jobs are important for the campsite.

 

            Once the troop work is done, the scouts set up their tents and readied their sleeping bags; they enjoyed some delicious crackle barrel. They fall asleep at a reasonable hour for to gain some energy for the days work ahead of them.

 

            The scouts wake up groggy and all out of sorts, but they will need to get their game faces on: its time to cook breakfast. With the setting up of the stoves, the smell of pancakes and sausage with bacon and eggs quickly filled the air. For each patrol there is a duty roster which assigns one half of the patrol to cook food and the other half clean up afterwards. The scouts who need the cooking requirements for rank advancement cook more.

 

            After they are all fed and their dishes clean, the scouts walk down the path to the house and get divided into groups for their jobs, and also get to enjoy some complimentary doughnuts from Mr. Findlay.

 

            Through the day until lunch, the scouts work on their jobs non-stop. Even though we work with seriousness, we try to integrate some humor along the way like hiding in the corn field and scaring the tractor driver as he passes by.

 

            Once their jobs are complete, the scouts enjoy some more complimentary food, this time pizza. After they fill their tummies, the scouts quickly change into their bathing suits and go for a nice swim. After the swimming dies down, some scouts go crayfish hunting and others play Crocodile Hunter in the cow patch. All the while, under the adults’ watchful eyes, the scouts tire themselves out and return to camp.

 

            Back at camp, come of the scouts gather fire wood while others start a fire. The night still very young, the scouts prepare for dinner cooking. While some scouts stick to tradition with hotdogs, others get a little original with pirogues, ravioli, hamburger patties, and BBQ Chicken. Once again, half the scouts cook while the other half clean up afterwards.

 

            Once dinner was over with, the scoutmaster alerted the scouts of a rain possibility that night. Still, the scouts continued their night of fun which consisted of a hayride, sitting by the fire, s’mores, or playing catch.

 

            The thought of rain was quickly relieved of because it didn’t look too bad at camp so the scouts brushed their teeth and hopped on into their tents.

 

            That night, the scouts were surprised by a massive amount of rain that quickly surrounded the camp. They were caught off guard, but they had all put their rain-flies up and this kept them relatively dry.

 

            The scouts awoke tired and crowded under the dining flies like penguins huddling together for warmth. The final duties were assigned by the SPL and the tables, patrol boxes, and flies were taken down. Once they were given the go-ahead, the scouts ran and jumped into the cars and were greeted by warm air and food. The scouts arrived at Saint Joseph and each took a tent to dry out at home. That surprising rain that caught the scouts off guard will continue to last through some of the week.

 

            Yet another successful campout with few injuries and many good memories

                                                                                                                             Will Crown, Scribe, Troop 87  

                                                                                                                 Troop 87 Writes ©

 

 

Put-In-Bay Camporee Sept 7-9, 2007

A write up from someone attending would be welcome for a future edition

 

 

 

Upcoming Events

 

Clean your Stream Sept 15 830a-1230p Great opportunity for service hours and to make for a nicer community. Meet at Olander park at 815a dress for the weather and to get wet. Gloves, bags etc provided. See Mr. Ampthor for more details.

 

Troop Elections Sept 19 as well as Court of Honor. Always a big meeting with the Merit Badges from Summer Camp and the rank advancements. Fr. Wurzel Family Center, 7pm sharp

 

MIS Camporee Oct 5-7 Milan MI-all manner of raceway and biking events planned with tours of the Speedway, bike courses, rank advancement opportunities, Merit Badges and so on. Join up now!!

 

Other Items of interest

 

Looking for a Scout to volunteer and lead the Troop swap meet and sale of previously owned equipment and uniforms. Nothing elaborate, just need an organizer, set a date, and do a bit of publicity.

 

As a matter of efficiency and speed, the Troop plans to use email as the primary means of communicating Troop 87 information (outside of the information presented / available at regular Troop meetings).  With that in mind, we want to be sure that we’re reaching everyone in the best way possible. 

 

So, if you are receiving this, but maybe not to the “best” email address for you/your family, or if you’d like us to add an additional email, please let us know.   If you know of a family that doesn’t have email, or has it and you think they may not be on the list, please let us know that, too.  You may send additions and changes for the mailing list to Mike Weaner at mweaner@cdstoledo.com.

 

And, as always, we continue to work to keep the Troop Website up to date, visit www.troop87sylvania.com regularly for more information!!!