| These stories recount the tale of the Cedar Breaks campout of linked troops 16 and 91 as told by both Scouts and Scouters. The different points of view expressed in each article provide insights into the dynamics between Scouts and Scouters in a troop. It is interesting to note the difference in the details relayed by each account of the trip indicating what was most important to each of the authors. |
TROOP 16/ Guardians
On our last campout to the Cedar Breaks we learned a lot.
We went on a hike, and that is probably when we learned the most. We learned that people in general don’t like to hold on to their trash (or that one guy’s underwear). We had three bags of trash by the end of the hike. We also learned that you always need to bring more water than you think. Most of our scouts had run out of water about ⅔ the way through the hike. Water is important when you’re hiking in the Texas heat so is the appropriate footwear. We originally planned on hiking four miles, two in and two out, but we ended up hiking eight. The mile markers were way off, and the map was very nondescript. Lessons learned.
We also worked on the Totin’ Chip. Our newer scouts learned about different knives, hatchets, axes, and saws, and how to use them. Now most of the combined troops are Totin’ Chip trained.
The girls and myself also learned how to use a hiking stove, and used it to cook our dinner, while also marking off a cooking merit badge requirement by making a hiking meal. That was some of the best fancy ramen we’ve made on a campout. The meal was done very quickly and efficiently.
In conclusion, we learned a lot on this campout, and we will definitely apply these learnings to summer camp and our future campouts.
Lilly Harrold
Senior Patrol Leader, TROOP 16
Squirrel Patrol/ TROOPS 16 & 91 Scouters
We have heard that many Troops in Texas don’t camp after May except for Summer camp. Our Scouts apparently didn’t get that memo and voted for Cedar Breaks in spite of the forecast. In all honesty it was likely because two of the last three were cancelled due to inclement weather…so they wanted to camp. One word sums it up: HOT! Heat, humidity, 8 miles of hiking, what more could you ask for? We learned a lot about hydration, hydration, hydration. In spite of the temp, we had a great time. We engaged with new leaders, we had a great campfire (no fire of course) with lots of skits and the Adult Mystery Song sing along. Of course, the scoutmaster’s minute was about being prepared. We learned a lot about our strengths and limitations as a group and individuals… perseverance is necessary. It is amazing to see our scouts rise to the occasion, lead, and serve when put in ‘sticky situations’. Literally and figuratively 🙂 We are fortunate to call TR 16 and TR 91 ours.
Chad and Anndrea Harrold
Scoutmasters, TROOP 91 & TROOP 16
TROOP 91/ Mugs and Phoenixes
Our Troop really likes to go camping because we get to hang out with fun people and do fun activities. We help each other do things too, like putting up our tents.
We had a fun hike and got to see a waterfall. We learned that we needed a lot more water for a very long hike. On the hike, we had a chance to get some of our service hours by picking up trash on the trail.
Lots of scouts earned advancement that will help them on their rank, like cooking their own meals for the first time on a campout. The campfire was fun, too. We all did a few skits. The best part was being able to talk with our troop members about common interests and getting to know each other better.
Liam Harrold
Senior Patrol Leader, TROOP 91
Sean Cassizzi
Patrol Leader, Mugs
TROOP 16/ New Scout
On June 11 until the 13 our troops 16 and 91 went on our June campout in Cedar Breaks Park in Georgetown. On Friday evening, we all arrived and set up camp. Me, Lizzie, Maddie, Lilly, Sean, Wyatt, Liam, Phillip, and Vincent were there.
Cedar Breaks Park is such a beautiful place. But the campsite was a little small and had a lot of trees, so it was a little hard for us to find places to set our tents. The trees were thin but had lots of branches, so we could hang our backpacks on them to keep high up and away from animals. There were rocks but not a lot. So, we kind of had a smooth surface to sleep on.
On Saturday morning around 10:30 we all went on a 8 mile hike. It was supposed to be a 5 mile hike, but the map was wrong. It took around 5 hours to get there and back. It was 92 degrees, but it felt hotter than that. We all learned we should’ve been more prepared and brought a lot more water than we did. This is why we should always check twice and make sure were prepared for anything.
When we came back, we had pizza bites for lunch. I think since we made the pizza bites on a Dutch oven they didn’t turn out so good. They came out very soggy and soft. They should be made in an oven, but you don’t have ovens when you are camping.
On Saturday afternoon, we learned about knife safety and the different things each knife is used for. We also learned how to use a hatchet, ax, and saw and how to properly hold down the wood. Finally, we learned that you always have to wear gloves and glasses to protect your face before you start cutting wood.
For dinner that night the girls had ramen. We cut up vegetables and tofu. It tasted so yummy and good! Since the boys and the adults were in their own spaces, I’m not able to write details on how their menu was.
After dinner, we all set up our chairs and performed some skits. The girls and boys did some funny jokes like passing time and stand-up comedy. The adults did a John Denver song, and a fishing skit!
On Sunday morning, everyone got up and made a quick breakfast, then we all started to pack up our bags and tents. After the closing flag ceremony, we took a group photo. Then we all went home to rest from our campout at Cedar Breaks Park.
Aasiyah Smith
Scout, Troop 16
