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Tahosa Campout Review

Just a few short hours ago, our intrepid crew of 13 Scouts and 5 adults returned from a glorious weekend of camping at Camp Tahosa outside of Ward, Colorado. A grand time was had by all! The weather was phenomenal, aside from a bit of hazy clouds that seemed to surround the camp due to the smoke from the wildfires.

Our adventure began when we arrived to find we had been allocated a wonderfully large campsite and we dutifully split the troop in half and the older Scouts staked out a sleeping area atop a rock outcropping with pretty spectacular views:

Panorma from the older Scout sleeping area
Our fearless leader, Michael, checking out the view

The younger Scouts and adults set up camp near the winter cabin, each in their own tent to adhere to current safety protocols. The older Scouts helped the new ones setup their tents (some for the first time!) and we enjoyed our first cracker barrel of Oreos, crackers, and cheese before settling into our mini-adobes for our first night of sleep.

Cracker barrel

True to their word, the older Scouts awakened the camp at 7:00am on Saturday to begin preparing our first meal – omelettes in a bag without a bag. While we had plenty of eggs, cheese, and peppers, we had no bags to cook them in, so the boys pivoted and decided to scramble as many eggs as they could fit into one massive skillet (26) to feed the masses. After lessons were taught to the new scouts on how we make use of patrol boxes and how we set up a proper cleaning station to do the dishes, we moved on to a slew of rank advancements for all Scouts.

After a short break for lunch, we ventured down to the lake where every Scout and several leaders broached the algae-infested waters of the mighty Tumblesom. Most explored the far reaches of the lake via 1- and 2-person kayaks, some attempted Canoeing, and a few brave souls busted out the row boats. We battled the local Golden and Bald Eagle population for fish – and we knew our intrepid fishermen lost when one Bald Eagle taunted the them up close by flying over several times, showing off the fish he easily snatched from the lake. Kayak and Canoe races ensued before we were all surprised by the random water spout that blew over the lake and rotated a canoe full of Scouts a full 180 degrees. After everyone got a chance to explore the waters, we returned to shore, put away our watercraft and PFDs, and made our way to the Trading Post to acquire treats, drinks, and souvenirs.

Kayaking
Putting away the canoe…is Izaiah actually helping?

We made our way back to camp where the fun was just beginning. The older Scouts set up an ax yard and taught the new Scouts proper ax, saw, and knife safety so all would be granted their Totin’ Chip (not “Chit” as one adult was so wrong about). Now everyone could whittle the evening away. Many continued to work on rank advancement and one even completed their Scoutmaster Conference for 1st Class!

Mathew proving his mettle in the ax yard

Suddenly it was time for dinner, so the next cooking crew took over and grilled up 24 hamburgers and a package of bacon to go with some cheese. While the meals were a bit short-sighted in the variety and healthiness of its contents, the food that was cooked was done so very well by our Scouts – under the supervision of the very active and not-at-all lazy adults.

The boys properly lined up to wait for the adults to grab chow

We busted out our propane camp fire as the sun set for the evening and it felt like any other magical night under the stars near your tents as cracker barrel Saturday night consisted of that time-tested tradition of S’mores. After a quick game of pitch-black hide-and-seek, everyone retired to the comforts of their sleeping pads, tents, or hammocks for a well-earned rest.

S’mores (with tents in the background)

After another 7am start Sunday, we immediately started packing up camp, “encouraging” those who started a bit slower by “helping” them take their tents down a little faster than they expected. Cereal and milk was served and the final round of dish cleaning occurred before we cleaned up camp and packed the trailer. Everyone agreed that they would perform a 1 hour conservation project for the camp by walking through the other campsites (we were the only troop in the area of camp we occupied) towards the parking lot, picking up any and all trash we could find. This satisfied 78 yet another requirement for the non-Tenderfoot Scouts. After, we packed into the cars, took a group photo, and began the venture home where it appeared almost every non-driver decided a midday nap was in order.

We got back to the church about 30 minutes late, but when you are late due to excess fun, who is to complain? Everyone helped unload personal gear and troop tents (to be cleaned and inspected before a future meeting) and we went on our merry way. The trip was a grand success – great weather, time spent on the lake in boats, time spent fishing, star gazing, (fake) campfires, and a bunch of boys who learned a whole lot of new things. If you missed this campout, don’t worry, we will be planning another one hopefully very soon – in these crazy times, it’s a good thing to get away from it all and enjoy nature. Many thanks to all the adult leaders who made this happen (Mr. Johnson, Mr. Naber, Mr. Rinehart, and Mr. Pintur, and even Campmaster Jon Strauss).

The whole crew, just prior to departing Camp Tahosa

What a great way to end the unofficial summer – since you all get to return (albeit virtually) to school tomorrow!

-Mr. Bielkiewicz
ASM of Rambling Reviews

P.S. If a Scout has made it this far and read the entire review, you may have noticed a random mistake in the review. A small prize awaits the first Scout to mention the specific mistake to me at the meeting tomorrow night!

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