On Friday, May 16, Troop 161 set out for a camping trip at Blanco State Park. As soon as we arrived, the scouts began setting up their tents while cracking jokes. There was a lot of heat, but our scouts came prepared, so many scouts went to their tents and turned on their fans to cool down, and the fun we had made up for the heat. The next morning, we woke up to a nice cool breeze and enjoyed some nutritious oatmeal for breakfast. After that, we took out the canoes and received instructions from our merit badge counselor. He taught us how to paddle properly and explained common problems we might face on the water. Once we understood the basics, we carried our boats to the shore, learned how to get in safely, and began paddling out.
As some of us practiced our strokes, some groups started racing, while others accidentally crashed into each other. The most memorable moment came when the first group tipped over and fell into the water, making everyone laugh. After that, we learned how to safely get back into our canoes and practiced how to get into our boat after we fell out. When we returned to shore, we ate ramen or sandwiches and rested to regain our energy. Later, we went back to our canoes and did an obstacle course that used bridge pillars. Once each group completed the course, we switched spots so someone new could steer, then returned to shore. After pulling our canoes onto dry land, some of us went swimming while others went back to camp to take a bath and prepare dinner. While the scouts were eating dinner, we were advised to start packing up. So, we all started packing up and then went to sleep after making jokes and playing games.
The next day, we woke up and packed our tents. After everyone was done, we gathered at a nearby building and listened to a prayer given by our chaplain’s aide. Afterward, we shared our roses, buds, and thorns and went back home. We then reflected on our times of fun and put that in our Troop Web Host photo gallery.
