On October 24-26, a few scouts from our troop had the opportunity to work on a project with the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary. The Eagle Scout Project, led by Thomas McCauley, focused on improving the baby alligator and crocodile enclosures by replacing worn materials and making them safer and easier for staff to maintain. Lucas Whitesell commented on how impressive it was to see everyone working together and taking pride in the project. The team of Scouts and volunteers spent several hours measuring, cutting, replacing worn materials, and reinforcing sections of the enclosures to make them even more durable. It was amazing to see the space transform throughout the day. The staff at the sanctuary were extremely appreciative of just how functional and secure it had become. This project was not only a great service to the sanctuary, but also a memorable experience in teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership.
Written by Thomas McCauley
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.
Nine scouts went to Catalina Island as part of our end-of-year trip in July 2025. It was a high-adventure outing for the Venture Patrol, and scouts prepared for it for several weeks. The group first had to drive to LA, then take a boat to the island. They hiked to their first campsite, stayed the night, then hiked to the next one. They had lots of fun swimming, and on the way home, they stopped at an aquarium. We’re glad to have had this outing!
