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The troop took part in the 2025 Shootzenfest Weekend, April 25^th-27^th, at McNeil Scout Ranch at Peaceful Valley.  Eight scouts and three adults attended the campout.

The troop mustered up at 5pm on Friday evening to get a head start since the drive takes about an hour and twenty minutes to camp.  A big shout out to Patrick H. for stepping up at the very last minute to be the SPL for the campout.  This campout was a bit different from most in that all meals were being provided by the camp.  We did not have assign a Grub master or any need to purchase any food for the weekend.

Weather was a bit spotty on the way down but nothing to stop these scouts.  The Burkard’s were able to arrive ahead of the troop and received our campsite at Ogallala.  The campsite was only couple hundred yards from the parking lot, which made set up very nice.  Unfortunately, the rain became more steady as the evening went, but all the scouts were able to set camp and did not let the rain interrupt their time.  Later in the evening, we joined the camp at Kephart dining hall for cracker barrel. 

Saturday morning started out a bit drab.  There was heavy fog from the rain overnight, but cleared quickly. By 9am or so, the sun was out and shining.  Activities started with breakfast at 7am at the dining hall.  Right after breakfast and opening flags, the staff provided all campers a mandatory Safety Briefing.  At 8:45am, the walk began to the shooting ranges.  The walk was a bit longer than normal.  A new Zip Line is being constructed at the camp and we had to walk around the new construction, which added a few minutes more walk. 

Shooting activities included shotgun, rifle, black-powder rifle, archery, sporting archery, and tomahawks.  The scouts enjoyed a full morning and afternoon of visiting each station and testing their abilities.  Ranges temporarily closed for lunch and quick walk back dining hall.  The afternoon was a repeat of the morning with all ranges open for shooting.  A few of the scouts remained in camp to enjoy some downtime.  Adults were encouraged to join in the activities as well.  Sporting archery was very challenging but a great time.  Dinner was served at 6pm. After dinner there were skits performed by the troops and a raffle drawing to give away door prizes. 

Sunday morning began around 6am to break camp.  After breaking down most of camp, breakfast was served at the dining hall.  Afterwards, we returned to camp, packed the vehicles and drove back to the church. 

All scouts had a great time.  It was very nice to see our scouts mix together and continue to build relationships.  The camp staff was extremely knowledgeable and friendly.  They made sure all scouts were safe and had the best time possible. 

Thank you to the SPL, Patrick H., for taking on the title and leading the scouts for the weekend.

The Shootzenfest Weekend is an annual event.  I cannot recommend this more for the scouts to attend!  See you next year!

Scouts:
Jaivon B.
Zaiden B.
Zoehn B.
Caleb G.
Patrick H.
Caleb M.
Quentin M.
Eli S.

Adults:
Dan Burkard
Danny Hanson
Curtis Strous