Boy Scout Troop 1001

Hello all Scouts and Scouters,

The Scouts had a great week at Hale Scout Reservation in Talihina, Okla. They accomplished a lot at summer camp, have only a few bumps and bruises, and have lots of stories to bring home.

Our youth leaders did a fantastic job keeping 45 boys organized and safe for a week in the woods. Congratulations to our new senior team, TJ F., Ethan H. and Jack R., for their great success in this difficult job.

Our new Patrol Leader team also rose to this week-long challenge. Thanks go to Ben J., Andrew M., Skyler M., Richard R., Alex V., and Walker W. for keeping track of our boys and making sure they were safe, clean (mostly), and organized. They also taught our first-year Scouts how to make cobbler and quesadillas!

Each morning we woke to our bugler, Zack M., playing a lively Reveille. He was always up early and bugling on-time to make sure we didn't miss breakfast.

Our quartermasters, James M. and Stephen C., were on top of equipment needs. They are always the first to arrive and the last to leave. In spite of this demanding job they are always cheerful and never hesitate to get the job done.

I extend my sincere thanks to this great team. Their experience, maturity, leadership, and diligence kept 45 boys and 7 adults safe and engaged in their summer camp activities.

All the Scouts did an outstanding job with their classes at summer camp.

We had:

• Seven rank advancements
• 141 merit badges/rank classes completed
• 47 merit badges close to completion
• Two Paul Bunyan awards
• Two mile swimmers
• Two Wilderness First Aid certifications for adults
• Lots of Totin' Chips and Firem'n Chits
• Lots of adult leader training completed
• The honor of being chosen to perform our skit at the closing campfire
• Jack R.'s tent filled with large rocks to celebrate his birthday

Congratulations to all the Scouts and Scouters for such remarkable accomplishments!

This week wouldn't have been possible without the help of the adult leaders, the Freebird Patrol, who watched over the boys, attended to minor medical emergencies, taught cooking, washed 50+ uniforms, and kept the photos and emails uploaded to the web. Thanks to all who attended summer camp as well as those who couldn't attend but helped with all the planning, organizing, and paperwork required.

The youth and adult leaders will be getting together over the summer to plan the activities for the coming year. I look forward to a great year starting this Fall!

Yours in Scouting,
Scoutmaster Payette