May finished off with a great trip to Ohiopyle Pensylvania. 16 scouts and parents from Troop 315 and Troop 337 drove 8 hours, including pit stops, for a great wet weekend. The weather couldn’t have been better; sunny and 80’s. In speaking with family back home. We realized that they were not so lucky with thunderstorms and heavy rain.
Scouts arrived at camp at 11:40 and pitched their tents in the dark. Saturday took the scouts sightseeing to some of most beautiful scenic areas, waterfalls and natural water slides, which the scouts decided to slide down. Back at camp, scouts were able to swim and utilize all the amenities as the adults enjoyed hot showers and relaxation time.
Troop 315 Fun
As Sunday arrived. we all woke up early to break down camp and pack the trailer in preparation for a full day of white water rafting. We arrived at Wilderness Voyagers rafting and ate breakfast at the local pub , served up by the awesome staff at the rafting spot.
A few moments later, we were getting briefed on safety info and instruction on how to handle our boats through the rapids. As we carried our rafts into the river, each of our scouts and adults carried on in anticipation of things to come; and no sooner than we stepped off, we were at our first challenge. Tossing and splashing through it, I decided through no choice of my own, to be the first one to fall overboard. It’s amazing how strong our scouts are when it comes to pulling in their fallen scoutmaster. A little further down the river, our next casualty was in. Aiden’s Dad, Will, had the same idea, How nice the underwater rocks were to give him ample warning…
White water rafting
At one of the level three rapids, our boat decided to think it was at Ceder Point and threw us all around causing Marci Byrd and scout, Kalab, into the water. Marci’s son Mason was not amused but through help of the staff and a lot of pulling we saved 2 more of our group.
I certainly that this is the first of some great high adventure and maybe some of our other scouts will see the picture I’m including and go …WOW. WOW
Photo request
Speaking of pictures. As scoutmaster, I tend to take quite a few and have accumulated many fond memories of our troop. If any of the parents would like a CD of events spanning over the past 5 years. Let me know. I am currently putting together a bulk CD of , just that,
Physicals
The physicals are now due. Please make sure you have BSA Physical parts A.B & C. Here is the link again Boy Scouts of America requires all scouts to have an annual physical
Aside from collecting physicals. We are ready for camp. We will be attending Camp Berry in Findlay for a second year and all merit badges are in. I will have everyone’s selections and schedule this Sunday.
The dates are June 21 thru June 27. We will leave the scouthouse at 11:30am Sunday morning. Parents night will be on Friday, June 26 at 5:30pm. Leaders attending are Shawn Benjamin, Tony Hetrick and Ed Kaman
We have also confirmed our camp registration for 2016, back at Pioneer Scout Reservation. Just got word that the early bird rate for next year is $271.00, which includes a camp hat.
Scout Bake Sale
Scouts annualy have a bake sale in conjunction with Noth Baltimore Garage Sale Days. That will be happening on June 20, 9:00am Location has not been set yet and leaders are needed that morning to give a hand. Scouts & parnets are encouraged to bake cookies, brownies, cakes, and breads to raise spending money for scouts. Normal rule for this is , all who bake and help sell get to share in the earnings
Plannig a committee meeting.
Troop 315 committee, We would like to plan a meeting in July to recap on events, upconing ceremonies, eagle projects, finance and program. AS of right now. Wednesday, July 8th at 7:00 is an option. Let me know and mark you calenders.
Scoutmasters Minute.
I rally don’t know where to begin. Senior Patrol Leader Hank Matthes and I were talking one evening downtown at the theater and we discussed all the blessings our troop has had. Our troop has elections after summer camp yearly and new leadership will mold and shape our troop. Hank’s dedication to the scouts has proven his leadership and his hopes of training and working with whoever gets voted into office is very important to him. As scoutmaster, I thank God each day for the gifts , not only in scouts, but successes and influences I have been able to pass along. I want all my scouts to enjoy and benefit from what we can pass along. I want to thank Hank for all his hard work and, just as I see each Eagle come from Troop 315, I feel a real sense of family and community with all 31 of of you. Hank……Job well Done !!!!
Quote from Baden Powell
Commemorative stone in the floor of the Chapel of St. George in Westminster Abbey, London, dedicated in 1947: TO THE MEMORY OF ROBERT BADEN-POWELL CHIEF SCOUT OF THE WORLD 1857-1941 Upon one side of the stone was the badge of the Boy Scouts, the arrow-head to point the true way as it had pointed the way for sailors and navigators from the time of the earliest maps; and on the other the badge of the Girl Guides-the three-leafed clover.
