Mels 2007

For the 5th consecutive November the troop headed up to Mel's Farm for a weekend of paradise.

The Departure Photo

On the way up we stopped at Wendy's

After setting up camp we took a midnight hike down into the valley.  Because the moon was not out tonight the view of the galaxies was absolutely breathtaking.  The scouts sat around the campfire for at least an hour after the hike.  For crackerbarrel treats we chowed down a huge batch of brownies.  The temperature dropped into the teens during the night.

Saturday morning

After a breakfast of Scrambled Eggs and Sausage Biscuits, our Troop Bugler played the Call to the Colors.  Since our SPL was not available to make this trip our very able ASPL led the troop in the Pledge, Scout Oath and Law.

Mel and his cousin reviewed the gun safety pointers.

At that point, half the troop headed down to the firing range to begin work on merit badges.  Everyone else hiked 3 1/2 miles to and from Blackhawk lake.

At 1 PM the Troop feasted on Hot Dogs, Macaroni & Cheese and cookies.  The scouts who had hiked during the morning then headed down to the firing range for their turn.  The rest of the scouts continued working on a fort that they have been working on for the past few years.

During the early evening Troop 374 held a very beautiful Flag Disposal Ceremony.

Then a very tasty dinner of Mosticholli and homemade corn bread was served.

After dinner the scouts played numerous rounds of Mafia and then the jokes began to fly.  For crackerbarrel treats the troop chowed down a number of apple, cherry and pumpkin pies, as well as most of a chocolate cake, plus leftover brownies and cookies.

Sunday morning Max and Company created a few hundred donuts.  Most were coated with cinnamon sugar and some were injected with jelly.  Most of the scouts had a chance to fire off a few rounds from the shotgun.  A half dozen other scouts returned to the rifle range to finish up their rifle merit badges.

Our departing photo.  Mel expressed appreciation that the scouts were total gentlemen throughout the trip.

Mr. T photographed two deer.

On the way back to Wheaton we stopped at Culvers.

Including eight hours of driving time, the troop is only gone from Wheaton for 48 hours.  The physics of time management are obvious.  There is simply no way to do all of the cooking, KP, etc yet still have ample time for all of the other activities that are squeezed into this weekend.  So during this weekend the scouts use cardboard plates and consumed meals that were prepared in advance.  It worked perfectly because significant preparation occurred behind the scenes.  Everyone who attended this campout want to express deepest thanks to all of those behind the scenes who made this weekend possible.

Diana Pearson, thank you for doing all of the advance shopping and preparing a delicious batch of brownies for Friday evening and chocolate cake for Saturday evening.

Shirley Pearson, thank you for helping with supplies as well as all of those pies for Saturday evening.

Clara Wolf, thank you for preparing a portion of Saturday lunch, all of Saturday Dinner and a huge batch of delicious homemade cookies.

Deryl Hickock, thank you for your NRA expertise and training you shared with us.

Mel Hendrickson, thank you for the huge amount of preparation, guidance and hosting to make this the most desired event of the whole year.

Please use the back arrow of your browser - Updated 11/11/2007 09:13 PM