DECEMBER CAMPOUT: SHOTGUN, RIFLE, and ARCHERY at LOST PINES
Troops 258 and 358 masterminded a shooting sports-palooza to finish up 2021. They conquered all three Lost Pines shooting ranges all day on the Saturday of their December campout.
Arrows hit their mark, as scouts met qualifications for the Archery merit badge all day long. Mr. Dial, our range master, provided instruction and guidance while maintaining safety on the archery range.
More trained adults made up the shooting sports team of range safety officers and instructors so that scouts could use the shotgun range all day and the rifle range in the afternoon. Mr. Bjørdal and Mr. Devenport helped many scouts shoot for the first time and others improved their technique with rifles.
Mr. Devenport, Mr. Trollope, and Mr. Orbock helped everyone hit the clays on the shotgun range. Scouts worked out the logistics so every patrol had plenty of time on each range. To close the day, they enjoyed a campfire program in the Dacy campsite.
On Sunday morning, work teams tackled the yaupon as brush was cleared to make way for the new LPSR COPE course. What a great way to end the campout and close out camping for 2021!
JANUARY CAMPOUT: HIKING at ENCHANTED ROCK STATE PARK
Enchanted Rock has become a January tradition for the troops. The annual pilgrimage to this Dark Skies park is a favorite campout.
The stars did not disappoint and the hikes were rewarding. This year we were challenged with more moisture on the rocks, but managed to make the summit for an amazing view.
This year scouts practiced with the backpacking stoves as they took a break from the 5+ mile hike around the park. The campfire program was fantastic with new skits and a twist on a new favorite song.
This year instead of packing up and leaving quickly on Sunday morning, scouts planned time for a full cooked breakfast- a delicious decision. The campsites were filled with yogurt parfaits, mountain man, french toast rocket ships, pancakes with raspberry puree, cinnamon rolls, and biscuits with sausage and gravy.
The theme for 2022 has already taken shape: Uncommon. We are challenging ourselves to break out of the usual routines and try uncommon skills, uncommon foods, and uncommon adventures. Here’s to a great new uncommon year!
