2023 Winter Primer Recap
This weekend was Troop 640’s winter primer campout, which gives Scouts a chance to camp in the cold – some for perhaps the first time. It also gives everyone a chance to check out different techniques and new gear.
After a 90 minute drive from the church, the latter part filled with a plethora of hairpin turns, switchbacks and curves, we arrived safely at Camp Patiya. There we encountered a shady campsite with a chilly breeze and snow on the ground; in other words, perfection.
It took a few trips to get all our gear from the parking area to the campsite but we were soon setting up tents and our al fresco kitchen. Once that was finished, the boys settled into the real task at hand: Gaga Ball. After an hour or so of conquest in the Gaga pit, our SPL Nick had scheduled Firem’n Chit training so that more of our Scouts could build and tend campfires. Every Scout was able to light our camp stove start a fire using the friction method, which was very impressive to watch. The rest of the evening was filled with cooking chores, dinner, a cracker barrel featuring banana boats, and the best campfire of 2023. I’m pretty sure it was visible from outer space but it was safely contained at all times. We sat around playing a variety of guessing/word games, much to the delight of some and the agony of others. The boys did an excellent job of keeping their Scoumaster laughing. Lights out was at 10pm, and snoring could be heard shortly after that.
We were out of our tents at exactly 6:53am the next morning (again, per Nick) for another small campfire and a breakfast consisting of pop tarts, and bagels with cream cheese – with varying methods of toasting. We struck camp and after another few rounds of Gaga Ball, it was time to head back to the church. Thanks to Mr. Martin for pulling the trailer and yet another fun winter primer, and to the following:
Nick: great job as SPL, thanks for giving us all a very specific schedule.
Alexander: serving as an newly-minted Eagle mentor, and comedian.
Luke: for ALL of your hard work throughout the weekend, very impressive.
Eli: for serving as our unstoppable and always optimistic Paul Bunyan
Dalton: for your glorious Gaga Ball victories and apple-slicing talents
Peace,
Jon C Strauss
Scoutmaster
Photos will be posted online at https://www.bsatroop640.com/photos/ soon and if you need the password, email .