Sunday, July 29, 2012

Scout Camp A Memorable Adventure

In mid-July, ten scouts and 3 leaders from the Bloomington 7th Ward enjoyed an excellent experience at Camp Tifie, located along the Manti LaSal mountain range in Sanpete Countym approximately 7 miles southwest of Mt. Pleasant. At Utah’s newest scout camp, the Scouts participated in flag ceremonies, campfire programs, merit badge courses, and camp wide competitions. Approximately 55 merit badges were earned. The troop won the coveted Spirit Stick on the second day of camp with a creative cheer developed by Raven Patrol Leader Bryce Nelson. The word of the day which had to be utilized in the cheer was “Rottweiler."

In addition to camp programs and events, these scouts developed camaraderie and learned how to work with one another, with Jake Stokes as Senior Patrol Leader and Bryce Nelson and Matthew Clarke as Patrol Leaders.

Heavy rain on Monday evening and again on Friday did not dampen the boys’ spirits as they eagerly attended scheduled courses, evening programs, competitions, and the favorite activity – “our patrol’s own capture-the-flag activity.”


This high-energy activity got the boys in shape to compete with the entire camp in what they called “Sneaky Buffalo” – a kind of capture-the-flag on steroids! Leaders determined the rough-and-tumble event must have been successful since no one sustained any injuries.

Everyone agreed, the favorite merit badge was Horsemanship and Ollie, the horse wrangler was the favorite camp personality. All the boys were given a nickname by Ollie – who surprised them all by remembering their names correctly for the whole week (ask the scouts about “Flip Flop” and “Shiny Boy”). Nine boys earned the Horsemanship merit badge.

Lessons learned during the week include the difference between square boxes and wide open places – the boys agree they like wide open spaces better. There were also great patriotic stories, told around the campfire, of men who gave their lives for our freedom. There was also a lesson on understanding “our spirit and the spirit of the earth, animals and trees.” The evening was made particularly memorable as it ended with music played on a native Indian flute.


Other learning experiences included working together as a troop . . . “we will long remember how NOT to float your boat,” states Scoutmaster Mat Chappell and Assistant Scoutmaster Steve Gwilliam. “As leaders, we saw huge steps taken by young men to meet challenges, conquer fears, assume responsibility for actions, and work on leadership skills. Thanks to our ward family, Bishop Goldhardt, the scout committee, and to Moms and Dads for ongoing support and help to make this Scout camp a success!”

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