Troop 24 - The High Adventure Troop OUTDOOR RECREATION PROGRAM

The core of the Scouting is its Outdoor Program. To be successful, a troop has to provide exciting and challenging outdoor recreation activities year round, especially if it wants to retain the active participation of older boys. While some troops emphasize camping, cycling, or canoeing, Troop 24 provides a year round hiking and backpacking program. Most societies since earliest times developed elaborate initiation ceremonies for the transition of boys into men. In these, boys learn what it is to be a man and what is expected of them by passing tests put to them by their older peers.

In our modern techno-society, there are not many comparable activities and our youth are pushed and pulled in many directions. Scouting provides a modern equivalent for this transition.

While he doesn't have to walk through coals or go out alone on a particular quest, a scout does meet many challenges, especially on long High Adventure trips. In meeting these challenges, he gains the respect and admiration of those dads and other scouts who make the trip with him and special bonds are forged between all who face and meet these challenges.

WHAT MAKES A SUCCESSFUL OUTING?

"Being Prepared" for this outdoor program can often be the difference between a successful or miserable outing. One of the methods that contributes to successful camping is proper menu planning and, purchasing, by patrols. Each patrol formulates a menu at a meeting prior to an outing. Arrangements are made for one or more of the boys to do the purchasing and computing the cost of items purchased. Parents are urged to check these menus to determine their completeness, and to offer help if' needed. Each boy going on an outing (or has made a commitment to go prior to purchasing the food ) will share the expenses. These expenses are usually minor ( from $5 to $10 ) and should be paid before leaving on the outing. In addition, a nominal fee of $2.00 is usually given by each scout to their driver on the outing to help defray gas expenses. Snacks on outings should be minimized as the meals planned for the outing should be sufficient take care of any nutritional need. Boys should be encouraged to travel light and not be overly loaded with "goodies from home."

Abandoned Sheepdrive Near Pyramid Mtn

Certain items of equipment are usually checked out to each patrol. These can include tents, stoves, cooking gear and. utensils, etc. Each patrol is responsible for bringing back the equipment in good condition. Tents are to be swept and dried immediately after the outing. NEVER, EVER, BRING BACK A TENT THAT HAS NOT BEEN HUNG OUT TO DRY!!! Pots and pans should be scrubbed and rinsed and, stoves and cooking utensils cleaned.

During the outings each patrol will rotate individual tasks among its members These may include cooking clean up, etc. On longer outings various responsibilities are rotated. By working as a member of a patrol the boys learn the value of working with others toward a common goal It also helps him to become self sufficient while still having plain old fun.

The outings vary by type and locale to expose the scouts to different conditions and challenges and to allow them to appreciate the various aspects of the Pacific Northwest. Outings often offer the scout an opportunity to work on advancement requirements.

SUMMER CAMP

Troop 24 usually participates in a long term camp one week each summer. At summer camp scouts spend most of their day working on merit badges or rank advancements. These can range from Swimming, rowing, and small boat sailing to astronomy, orienteering and pioneering. The main thing is to have fun while learning new skills.

First year scouts spend their mornings learning basic scout skills such as map reading, first aid, and knot tying at a program called "Pathfinders" At the end of the week, they put their skills together and build a catapult to shoot water balloons at their instructors. In the evenings, the troop usually reserves the shooting range, the swim beach, or boating area for a troop activity. At night many of the troops scouts participate in games of "Kick the Can" or "Capture the Flag".

The Troop usually spends summer camp at the Fire Mountain Scout Reservation. Fire Mountain is located southeast of Mount Vernon in Skagit County, a drive of approximately 60 miles from Martha Lake Community Club.

In 1998 we went to Camp Makualla in Oregon for summer camp. Both the boys and adult leaders had so much fun that we returned in 1999.

At camp all Scouts are urged to select a program which enable them to work on rank advancements and merit badges of their own choosing to advance 1n rank, to learn new skills, or just have fun. Each Scout can learn outdoor skills, swimming, boating, sailing, and rifle shooting while still having time for fun and fellowship. All meals are prepared by the camp staff and everyone eats meals at the camp lodge.

A Trading Post is available for craft supplies, T-shirts, patches, equipment, and snacks. Each scout will need to bring to camp (1) a completed medical form signed by his Doctor; (2) equipment and clothing as specified on the "What to bring to Camp" checklist.