…..it’s the program…TRADITIONAL SCOUTING …it’s the program…..

Troop 30 has completed the first part of our 2000 Summer Camp program with a great week at Camp Raymond. We took 18 Scouts ( 8 on their first long term camp) and 4 Scouters to the wonderful ( and much cooler ) north country. Our trip to camp went off like clock work with a scheduled lunch break in Flagstaff and on time arrival at camp.

The boys quickly set up what was to be voted ( by the camp commissioner staff) as the number 1 campsite for the week ( CAMPSITE INSPECTION AWARD). This top award was presented at the closing assembly on Saturday and represents the results of daily inspections of our Troop campsite, including the boys tents and, yes, the latrine. But the Troop did much more than just spend their time cleaning the campsite. Of the three patrols we took to camp all three were presented with the camps HONOR PATROL AWARD, presented for outstanding teamwork and participation in the camp program. The Troop was also recognized at the assembly with the Camp Raymond ADVENTURE AWARD. The Adventure Award is presented to Troops that participate fully in the camps program and activities. The Commissioner staff noted that we were the only Troop to attend and participate in ALL camp wide programs and activities.

The Troop was involved in all activities at camp. We served as Flag Honor Guard twice, served as kitchen staff for one meal (yes that includes all the things you think of with KP), we attended all assemblies, two campfires (without actual fire due to Forest service Restrictions), we had 100% scout participation in Black Bear (the evening swim program) and the whole Troop accomplished both Cat Eye trails, a night time compass challenge course. The Troop also had 100% participation in the Tenderfoot Run (a multi day camp "walk-a-bout" which most ran. On Friday the Troop entered all three patrols in the Camp Wide Games, an afternoon of friendly athletic and skill competition between all the patrols in camp. When the results were announced, yes our very own Monkey Patrol took First Place!!! It is also worthy to note that the Camp announced that this was the largest number of Troops and Scouts that they have ever had, in the history of the Camp, attend in any week. The Monkeys, only in their second ever Summer Camp were competing against dozens of patrols from Troops with older and more experienced Scouts. Great Job Monkeys !!!

The Troop also attended the Order of the Arrow Honor Trail program at which one of our own was Tapped out for membership in this "National Honor Society of Scout Campers", congratulations to Mike Carli, who must now complete the Ordeal. We also had a member of our Troop, Brett Erman, complete his Brotherhood thus making him a life long member of the Order. Congratulations Brett.

The Scouts were also very active in individual programs so much so that 14 boys earned the Pathfinder Award (First Year Raymond Campers) and 2 the Trail Blazer Award ( Second Year Raymond Campers) for their individual program participation. Many Scouts accomplished requirements on the Trail to First Class (Scout Craft Skills). All first year campers earned their Totin‘ Chip (a wood tools safety program). Every Scout earned at least one Merit Badge with the Troop earning a total of 80 Merit Badges in 20 different areas. The following is a summary of the Troops week:

Adventure Award (Highest Award Troop Can Earn)

Honor Patrol (all three Patrols)

1^st Place Campsite Inspection (Troop Award)

1^st Place Camp wide Games (Monkeys)

Pathfinder Award 14 Scouts 1 Scouter

Trail Blazer Award 2 Scouts 1 Scouter

Black Bear 18 Scouts 0 Scouters

Silver Eye Trail 17 Scouts 3 Scouters

Frontiersman Trail 20 Scouts 5 Scouters

Tenderfoot Run 18 Scouts 4 Scouters

Merit Badges:

Archery -1

Bird Study -2

Cooking -2

Canoeing -4

Emergency Preparedness -1

Environmental Science -5

First Aid -3

Fish and Wildlife -4

Forestry -6

Indian Lore -3

Leatherwork -5

Metalwork -16

Mammal Study -1

Nature -1

Reptile and Amphibian -2

Rifle Shooting -10

Shot Gun Shooting -1

Swimming -2

Woodcarving -4

Weather -7

As you can see the Troop was very active. Special thanks go out to our Raymond Summer Camp Scoutmaster Mary Tackit and the Scouters who gave up a week to share with our boys at camp, Kim Connors, Shawn Connors, and Doug Buchanan. Without these folks the program could simply not happen. Also a special thank-you to Deb Thompson (paperwork, medical forms) Linda Presti ( Camp accounts) and all the Scouters, Troop Committee Members and Parents who helped make this a Great Camp.

Below you will find the latest pictures of our Scouts involved in a variety of Camp activities.  Hope you enjoy your visit to the Troop at Raymond.

Click on Pictures to Enlarge