Camporee 1999 at Camp Cutter
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Expedition Canoeing (lash two canoes together and paddle on lake)
Trip Summary and Highlights
Trip scout attendance was poor (8 scouts) with a high adult ratio (4 dads Saturday). Once again a virtual patrol ("Hardcore") was formed from the scouts present, which competed on behalf of Troop 42. This patrol won first place overall, first place in cooking (due to Brian S., chef extraordinaire, with a cooking knife collection that would be the envy of most scouts), and a couple of third place prizes. We were camped at campsite 10, a small location but well suited to our patrol size. Sean W. was instrumental in leading the design and installation of an excellent flagpole at this campsite, an improvement that we hope will last many years. Scoutmaster Mr. DeVere was on this trip to witness our win first-hand.
Troop 42 (actually, several dads) ran the climbing wall all day. This event began rather frantically, with a "wheres Waldo" approach to assembling the poorly marked wall segments. Of all entire Peninsula District scouts in attendance, only two did not make it to the top of the wall - an excellent achievement, and all the more gratifying to see those who made it despite having a fear of heights.
The weather was absolutely delightful - the best we have had in the last 6 years on any campout. No rain, warm day and night but not too hot. One unexpected highlight was when the cannons were fired at flag ceremony on Saturday evening, the cross-member supporting the axle split and the cannon dropped several inches.
Scout on Climbing Wall in 1998
Planning Tips
Keep a dad at the campsite to point out the improvements, and/or submit a list of improvements and other items which the troop wishes to be scored on - even things as simple as fire buckets - leave nothing to chance. Try and organize tents in a row. Use all troop tents (no dad tents) for uniform appearance.
Bring T42 banner, USA flag, T42 standard, a big coil of twine, and a good supply of 1/4" rope. Be sure to post menu, duty roster, etc. Bring all ax-yard related items, including file, gloves, leather shield, saw, ax, hatchet. Double check that all scouts have full uniform, and have all CURRENT PATCHES sewn on (i.e., quality unit for most recent year).
Bring tools such as hammer and socket set and drill w/ bits to help assemble climbing wall (if running this event). The climbing wall is a good event to run as it is in the shade. Scoring is best if based on patrol spirit and attitude of climbers - instead of their technical ability and personal fitness.