Livingston, Montana August 2002 Volume 5 Issue 7
Summer Camp at Camp Cowles:
We spent a fun week at Camp Cowles in Washington state from July
7th through 13th. Fourteen Scouts attended the camp and earned
two to five merit badges each. Three of our older Scouts, Nicholas,
Jerome and Jere, spent their 100th night of Scout camping at
Camp Cowles. These Scouts will receive the new Troop 563, 100
Nights of Camping patch at the Fall Court of Honor. It was the
first summer camp for many of our Scouts and they all did very
well. They completed a few merit badges and some requirements
for 2nd and 1st class ranks. Five older Scouts participated on
the Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience (C.O.P.E.) course
and met the challenges quite admirably. At the end of the week
we spent the day at Silverwood Amusement Park where we rode on
roller coasters and other rides. Thanks to Mr. Moore for spending
half the week with us. Thanks to Mr. Moody for spending the other
half of the week with us and for providing the van that got us
there and back again. Next year summer camp will be from July
26th to August 3rd, so mark your calendars! We are not certain
where we will go yet but the Scouts are looking to yet another
state for one more great week of camping and fellowship.
Incentive Program:
Micah, John and Mark completed at least 15 requirements
last quarter and were involved in last year's Christmas Tree
fund raiser. They each will have $25 placed in their summer camp
/ equipment fund. Billy had the most complete uniform at the
half year inspection, Jere had the most nights of camping, Billy
had the best meeting attendance, Billy had the most number of
service hours and Tyler and Mark tied for the greatest number
of merit badges. Each of these also earns a $25 deposit to their
funds.
Annual Two Night Backpacking Trip:
We spent two evenings under beautiful skies in the Gallatin Range
on our yearly backpacking trip. First we dropped the Scouts off
at the trailhead where Dean, one of Mr. Andrews' New Hampshire
Outing Club friends, helped the Scouts to repackage the food
and properly pack their packs. During this time Mr. Lemke and
Mr. Andrews drove around to the exit trailhead. Mr. Kletter gave
us a ride back to the Scouts and then we were off. We started
at 1 p.m. at the Rock Creek trailhead. The first day was uphill
and long, since we had such a late start, but the Scouts kept
up their spirits and we arrived at a nice bluff near Big Creek
for the night. After eating dinner and hanging our food, we were
all in our tents shortly after sunset for a few card games and
then went quickly to sleep. The second day we backpacked a bit
and then took off on a day hike of about 6 miles to the top of
Windy Pass and back. At the top we had great views and Mr. Lemke
pointed out all sorts of distant peaks, nearby flowers, and frogs
and birds. We returned to our packs for lunch and then made our
way to a camp for the night. The third day we made good time
back to the vehicles and home. We backpacked a total of about
16 miles which completes part of a requirement for Backpacking
Merit Badge, probably the toughest badge of them all!
Family Picnic:
On Monday, August 19th at 6:15 p.m. our Troop will have a potluck
picnic for all of our Troop families at Sacajawea Park. If your
last name begins with A - L please bring a main dish. If your
last name begins with M - O please bring a salad. If your last
name begins with P - Z please bring a dessert. Table service
and drinks will be provided by the Troop. The Troop Committee
Meeting will follow at about 7 p.m.