On October 17-19, more than 20 scouts from our troop went to Camp Geronimo to participate in Camp-O-Ree, which was themed around the Wild West this year! We participated in eight challenges – Wild West Wranglers, Cowboy Cooking, Jumping Jackalopes, First Aid, Tales from the Trail, Escape Room, Rifle Shooting, and Axe Throwing. After all the challenges, we attended the closing campfire, where the staff announced the winners, performed skits, and handed out prizes.
“Our group was called the firestarters, but we were doing the opposite of that” – Jordan
On September 19th, our scouts arrived at our campsite at around 8:00 pm. The Venture Patrol left camp at midnight to hike to the peak and watch the sunrise from the highest point in Arizona. The next day, our younger scouts began a shorter hike to the saddle. The scouts decided to form two groups; one hiked about three miles up the mountain and the other hiked around four miles up. Later, when we were all back at camp, we celebrated the birthday of two different scouts who still decided to go on the outing.
“It turns out the hike to the saddle is six miles each way, and not a six-mile round trip” – overheard on the hike
On August 23rd-24th, our youth leaders of the Patrol Leadership Committee headed to Bumblebee Ranch to plan events and outings for the year to come! After 8 hours, the scouts had chosen which outings they wanted to do. Afterwards. Many of the scouts decided to go swimming, before playing Uno.
“I had a great time planning out the trips this year, and it was nice to have a say on where we go. Not as many bees as advertised” – Milo B.
On May 18th, our scouts started a 1.7 mile hike (3.4 miles round trip) to our campsite at Knoll Lake, using the Babe Haught Trail No. 88, while senior scouts took a more difficult hike, (8.2 miles round trip) starting at the Tonto fish hatchery. When we arrived the scouts set up camp, and had fun trying to catch fish in a small stream nearby! After cooking dinner, the scouts started a fire with sticks they had collected, before going to sleep for the night.
“How did they actually catch a fish?” – Max B.
Awarding and Recognizing Our Scouts
On Tuesday night, April 23rd Troop 323 and Troop 3323 held their Court of Honor at All Saints Church. Scouts were recognized and awarded for specific Merit Badges and Rank Advancement.
Also, we held the OA Election (Order of the Arrow) there are special requirements for a Scout to receive this membership and induction into the OA, several of our Scouts were elected.
