11/1/2002 - Webelos Outing at D-Bar-A

We arrived Friday night at camp in the dark. The Webelos had already arrived at Johnstone campsite and were keeping warm inside their cabin. The air was cold, about 35 degrees, but the Scouts were dressed warmly and spirits were high. We had lots of work to do this weekend, but we knew it would all be worth it when it was over. Most of the Boy Scouts had experienced this exciting weekend in years past as Webelos themselves. They knew how much the Webelos would enjoy the pumpkin carving, and wood branding. They understood how amazed the Webelos would be to start a fire with flint & steel and steel wool. They knew how much fun it would be to cross the 30 foot "monkey" bridge, and even make their own rope. But most of all, they knew how much everyone would enjoy the Thanksgiving feast Saturday night, cooked outdoors from scratch.

We set up our tents along the stream that fed the lake directly behind the cabin, leaving a large open area for Saturday's activities. After the tents were up and everyone's gear was stowed away, we put up the dining flies, arranged picnic tables underneath them, cleared the fire pit, and set up the dishwashing station. Following a short Patrol Leaders Council meeting to discuss the next day's activities, the troop enjoyed a crackerbarrel with hot, homemade beef sausage, cheese, and bagels. Thanks to Mr. Z for sending the sausages along!!! They were great! When all had eaten their fill, we retired to our tents, snuggled into our sleeping bags and drifted off to sleep to the gentle sounds of Taps.

Saturday morning we arose to a beautiful sunrise over the lake. The scouts cooked and ate their breakfast by patrols, then washed their dishes and began to set up the activities for the Webelos. Those in charge of Saturday's dinner got to work preparing the 3 turkeys and building the turkey and pie ovens (cardboard boxes covered in tin foil). By lunch time, all the activities areas were set up and awaiting the Webelos' return from their lunch at the Dining Hall. The adults received a special treat when Josh K's dad cooked up some extremely tasty venison he had brought with him. Mmmmm!

Just as the Scouts were finishing their cleanup from lunch, the Webelos began to arrive back in camp. They split up into several groups and joined in the various activities. All afternoon the Webelos enjoyed themselves sampling some of the things that they'll do when they cross over to Boy Scouts. Each of them came away at the end of the afternoon with a piece of rope that they helped make, and a log slice that they branded themselves suitable for hanging.

Finally, evening came and dinner was served. Such an outdoor feast many of the Webelos and their parents had never imagined possible: Turkey, Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Corn, Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows, Beef Stew, and for desert, Pies galore: Cherry, Blueberry, and Pumpkin!!! We served 71 hungry people, and even had a few pies left over for a midnight snack.

Saturday night, the troop hosted the entire Cub Scout Pack at a ROARING campfire at the Trout Lake fire bowl. It was lit by the Webelos in a meaningful ceremony in which the Scoutmaster, Mr. J., encouraged them to live by Scout Oath and Law whether or not they decided to continue on in Scouting. Everyone enjoyed the many skits, songs, and cheers led by the boys and adult leaders. To finish off the evening, the troop sang the traditional "Scout Vespers" as the Cubs silently filed back to their cabins. After the Cubs had gone, the troop enjoyed a few more minutes around the campfire, reflecting on the success of the day's activities. After dousing the fire, we returned to our campsite. Some went right to bed and others spent a while longer around the fire swapping stories in the brisk night air. It had been a great day.

Sunday morning brought the regular packing-up routine: fix breakfast, pack up the tents, take down the dining flies, police the area, fall in for some final comments and lessons learned, then head for home. The weekend had gone quite well. The weather had cooperated, many adults had come to help out, and all the preparation had paid off. Thanks to everyone that helped make this outing a success!

Here are a few pictures from the weekend. Click on a picture to enlarge it.