Scout Day Camp

JUNE 21st, 2008

This past Saturday, the scouts attended a Day Camp and really shined! Being among about 20 other boys, they remembered all of their teachings and Scout information and breezed through the workshops. They even managed to place 1st, 2nd, and 4th in the top five of the obstacle course! As leaders, we have had many comments about the great attitude and aptitude of our scouts at the Day Camp - we couldn't be prouder of them.

Great Job Scouts! Those who attended will each be getting a Day Camp badge in addition to their rank badges tomorrow night at the Court of Honor.

Tougher than it looks

Completing the obstacle course

Enjoying the CYFD fire truck spray

Scouts are always learning something new

Relaxing in the shade

Scouting Saves Lives

Scouting is fun and exciting, but it is important for us to remember that it is also training for times when a scout may be called upon to go above and beyond his comfort zone.

These scouts did exactly what they should have done, and saved lives. They used first-aid techniques learned in their scout books while earning their ranks, they were carrying first-aid kits as all scouts should, and they did not hesitate to act to help those in need.

Please click the link below to read the story.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,365852,00.html

Board of Review

JUNE 11, 2008

The scouts had their Board of Review for Tenderfoot and Second Class Rank and we are very happy to report that all of the boys passed! They made it look easy, and it is a true testament to their character and to the great group of boys that they are. A big thank you to Ike Ellis, Chris Roby, and Chad Steverson for serving as our reviewers.

Our Court of Honor will be held on Wednesday, June 25th where the boys will be presented with their rank.

Thank you for being so awesome, scouts - we are proud of you!


Tenderfoot Rank


Second Class Rank

Stoneridge Peak

JUNE 7, 2008

We hiked Stoneridge Peak, a climb of 1500 feet in a little under 2 miles. The view is amazing from all the ridges leading to the peak, but of course the view from the peak is the best! The weather is surely getting warmer, though it was nice and breezy at the top to help us cool off.

We were able to identify a lot of local plants, and some of the scouts got introduced to some plants with defenses, like the cat-claw and prickly pear.

These scouts never need encouragement to help each other out

A few interesting things along the ridges

Coming up to the peak

The scouts loved climbing the rocks!

The top - very windy up there!

View of Prescott Valley

Dewey

Prescott

And the southern mountains

The descent begins!

Maverick Mountain

MAY 30 -31, 2008

Maverick Mountain, located south of Wolf Creek and past the small community of Groom Creek, has an elevation of almost 7300 feet. We parked by the Hassayampa River at around 5400 feet, and our goal was to sleep at the top of Maverick. All of our scouts were ready to make the climb, and the 12-14 year old scout leader was with us to see what kind of boys we had been preparing for him.

In a little over 2 miles we climbed 1900 feet of elevation. The going was a little tough at times, with thick brush and steep grades, but as usual none of the scouts were complaining or falling back - they all kept pushing onward and upward. By the time we reached the top, dusk was upon us and the light was fading, so we picked the flattest spot we could find and set up camp. The stars were bright and shining as we ate dinner, then the boys settled in and it wasn't long before the hard hike caught up with them, and the mountainside was filled with songs of snoring!

With a little struggling to keep from sliding down the mountain, we all got some rest and descended in the morning after breakfast. Going down was a bit easier, as we had chosen a new path, and waiting at the bottom for us were the cool waters of the Hassayampa River. Boys will be boys, and they dropped their packs and played in the water. Everyone wanted to take their reptile discoveries home to mom, but the leaders thought it best to just leave them at the river!

Maverick Mountain as seen from the road


Halfway there!




It's a long way to the top!


A big Alligator Juniper tree greeted us near the top of the first spur


Taking a break for a photo op


Even at 7000 feet, Arizona still provides thriving cacti



Dusk is upon us as Maverick's 2nd peak stares down at us


You can see the incline at the "flattest" spot we found to camp



In the kitchen - where's your shoes, Tanner?


Buddy teams help each other with everything, even packing up


The descent



The Hassayampa being overrun by scouts!


Treasures from the river




Ready for more action! Next up: Hiking to the pueblos of Perry Mesa in July!


Ike breaks in his new Jeep by giving it a bath!

Bobcat Skinning

MAY 17, 2008

Following a great campout of Fathers and Sons in the pines of Cherry, we headed out to a local ranch so that the boys could get some hands-on experience skinning a bobcat. I am into hunting predators and this bobcat was taken last winter in Skull Valley, and has been frozen in my freezer since then. When I mentioned to the boys last month about the possibility of skinning a bobcat, they were very excited and so I decided to go through with it after they earned their Totin Chip last week. Some of them wanted to try, others didn't, but there were no weak stomachs and everyone walked away with all 10 fingers.

Thanks to Fred for the use of his equipment and knowledge, and for being a great hunting partner!