Philmont Training #2, March 2009

This was our second practice hike for Philmont in June. We hiked 8 miles total.


We first distributed troop gear. It was very cold, and snowing a bit.
The paths were very icy in some spots.

At one point we decided to hike up a large hill.

And a little past midway we stopped for lunch.

But in no time we were back on the trail to finish our hike.


This hike was good practice, but there will be more.

USS Cobia Submarine Trip, Febuary 2009

On this trip, we went to the USS Cobia in Manitowoc, WI. We got to learn all about WWII, the history of the USS Cobia, and what live was like aboard it. Then we got to sleep in it.

On our way there we stopped at Big Bear Hobby shop. Some scouts bought some models or books.

Before going in the sub, we went to pizza pit for a delicious meal.

We got to explore the ship, and saw the torpedo bays, galley, officers' and crews' quarters, engine room and others. We also got a look at the ammunition.

After some went to bed, others who wanted to see more of the ship went on the "Nook and Crannies" tour. We got to go see parts of the ship the pubic doesn't normally see, in the hidden areas of the ship down under.

That entrance was underneath an eating table. The entrances were everywhere!
We left early in the morning, and believe me, we all smelled heavily of submarine.

Klondike, Januray 2009

This camp out was very cold and exciting. We spent the first night sleeping in tents that we pitched in the snow. It got under zero degrees that night, so all the scouts got a special patch afterward. The next day was spent with our two patrols going to ten different skills stations to test their scouting skills. These included spider web, knots, lost scout, saw cookie, tent in the dark, map and compass, Morse code, ice floe recovery, building a fire, and really big shoe.

We had 2 patrols. Here is the Chubby Yellow Duck patrol.

And here is the Sasquatch patrol.

Here is the Really Big Shoe event. Scouts have to time each others footsteps to go at the same time.

This is the Lost Scout. It simulates an emergency scenario to test first aid skills. One scout plays the victim while the others rescue him.


Here is saw cookie. They had to use a 2-person saw to cut a "cookie" out of a log.

Everyone enjoyed spider web. You have to get everyone and the sled though the holes. But you can't touch the strings, and you can only use each hole once.

Tent in the dark- pitching a tent blindfolded with one scout directing the others.

We were also tested on starting a fire. Then, with that fire, we had to boil a can of soapy water.

After all 10 events, we had a sled race. One kid had to be in the sled, while everyone else pulled him. It was a long and tiring race.


After each event, we were given "gold" depending on how well we did. At the end of the day, there was an auction with other troops for different gear and equipment. The troop got a new water jug, for example.

We all had a great time, and hope to do better next year!

Christmas/Winter Camp December, 2008

This is traditionally one of the scouts' favorite outings all year. They get to play games indoors and outdoors until the late hours, and don't have to cook or do anything.

We were already provided mattresses. Lots and lots of mattresses, that the scouts had fun on.

We played many games including risk,monopoly, dungeons & dragons, and many more.


The scouts also enjoyed building and painting models, which they then got to keep.


After a night of board games, we decided to go out in the snow and sled.

There were plenty of places to sled, and it was good sledding,too.

Some people got into the snow a little more than others.

We sledded late into the night, but enjoyed every minute of it.

This was an excellent camp out, it was a "no work, all play" weekend.

Philmont Training # 1 November,2008

This day trip was the first in a series to prepare a group of scouts for their upcoming trip to Philmont Scout Ranch in June 2009. It prepared us both physically and helped us learn how to pack better.


We began by dividing various troop gear into our packs.This made our packs heavier and gave us a better understanding of the troop gear.

After looking at the map and planning our route, we were off.

The leaders enjoyed the day us much as the scouts.

Next, we made a very cool stop. Here we are pictured at the site of the world's first nuclear reactor.

Being Boy Scouts, we had to go off the trail at least once.


After a nice hike, we stopped for some lunch. We enjoyed some food after a long morning. We then sent off again.

We took a couple of breaks, because we were cold and tired.

But then it was back on the trail. After exploring a little bit, we went along the I&M canal. The scouts had a lot of fun throwing rocks in the frozen water.

We were all happy once we got back to the parking lot. The scouts got some good practice in a had a good time as well.

Feast of the Hunters' Moon- September 2008

This was a favorite of the scouts'. It is a Renaissance Fair featuring many things to buy,eat,and see. It is based on the hunters of the 18th century returning from the hunt.

We started out the day with retort eggs. These are easy to make and clean, and they taste good,too.




When we got to the feast, there were many things to see and do. One tent we enjoyed was this game tent, where we got to learn how to and play traditional games of the time period. Sadly, the instructor won every time!


There were also a few war re-enactments and bands. The music was good, and the gunshots got the boys' attention.

Everyone enjoyed the homemade, ice cold root beer. It had an amazingly unique flavor that quenched a thirst like no other. You also got to keep the glass.




The scouts got to view multiple races of 18th century canoes. They were entertaining to view and to notice the fine craftsmanship of the canoes.

The cannons were even more stunning then the gun fire. You could hear the "BOOM!" everywhere in the fair, and it was even cooler seeing it up close.


Once we got back from the feast, all the scouts were starving. For dinner, one patrol had pigs in a blanket, while the other had spaghetti. Both meals were both filling and delicious.

Finally, before hitting the sack, we ate a scout tradition- Black Forest Cobbler. Everyone loved it and it filled our stomachs.


This camp out was very successful, and a fun time was had by all.

Also, sorry about the wait on this post.

BWCA Outing - Team 2

Three crews from 101 went to the BWCA (Boundary Waters Canoe Area) in late July/ early August. Here is Team 2:

Here we are heading out on the first day.

The weather was beautiful and the sunsets awesome.

Eleven portages and about 65 miles.

The fishing was not very good but we did catch one good one!

We visited a great waterfall.

The meals were very good. Here we are at supper.

Calm waters make for beautiful lakes.

We didn't see a lot of wildlife but there were some good sights.

Great canoeing!

Some after hours fun with the canoes.

The berries were great.

On our return, safe and glad to be back.