We’re Back from Buffalo Trail Scout Ranch

Wow!  The Davis Mountains are absolutely beautiful.  I think my favorite view was when the early morning sun came creeping around the edges between peaks.  Watching the sunlight slowly edge closer, instead of over, was breathtaking.  Despite the dry heat, we managed to have little issue with dehydration, however, we had more than our share of bloody noses.    Take a look at just a few pictures and you’ll see that not only was it scenic, the boys, as well as the adults, had a good time.

We have quite a few great tales to tell.  Hunter did a fabulous job as SPL.  Not only did he and Logan G become advanced climbers, he also helped teach the other climbers in the lower levels.  Way to go!  Every camp week, there is a Range Monkey Award given to the best in Archery.  Logan G and Tristan G (brothers) tied for best and had to have a shootout.  Mrs. Roxie recommitted to her love of horses.  Several of the boys accomplished the Horsemanship merit badge so I’m looking forward to trying to talk them into Cavalcade when they’re all 14.  Another group took on the sunrise hike – I’ll have to trust them; I slept through it.  Congratulations to Alex L for achieving STAR while at summer camp.  I know Connor was grateful to Fisher and Mason for helping him when he thought he had broken his arm.  No worries though.  After a short 60 mile drive to the ER, we were able to confirm he had escaped a cast; even though he was hoping for one.  Hmmm.  Those are just a few.  All of our new scouts took to camp like champs and busied themselves with lots of classes.  OH!  I can’t forget to mention that Joey H got to be Earth during the incredibly interesting (it was seriously cool!) astronomy merit badge.

Mrs. Robin became a lifeguard and completed yet another mile swim.  That water was cold!  There just aren’t words to express how much her dedication is appreciated.  I literally didn’t make it 10 feet in there and she was up every morning at 5am to practice for the mile and then spend the day in classes.

Mr. Bern, Ms. Ann Marie, and Mr. Raymond all took several training courses.  Thank you!  After watching Mr. Scott work with the climbing groups, I will be eager to see him become our fourth climbing instructor later in the year.  He was totally in his element.  Mr. Young was all over the place, taking pictures, and teasing scouts.  I bet some of them still think they need a pass from their scout masters to go in the trading post.

Special thanks to Committee Member Mr. Tommy for hosting us overnight on our way too and from camp at his deer lodge.

Close to my heart, troop member Tim donated his pony tail to Locks for Love and gave me the honor of cutting it off at a camp gathering.  He grew it out for the charity that provides wigs to children who lose their own hair due to chemotherapy.  Tim was at the camp working, his third summer at BTSR, and managing the Archery Range.