By Connor, Troop 8 Scribe

At the Patrol Leader’s Council for September, one of things we discussed was Troop 8’s previous campout, a skills trip to Belk Scout Camp. One of the highlights of the experience was the attendance: Only 19 boys came. That might not sound like fun, but many said that it was the best trip they had ever attended. The main reason why was the emphasis of the patrol method. The patrol method is when patrols have separate campsites, cook together, a full duty roster is posted, and other ways to have a better camping experience. It was mentioned at the PLC that we should continue doing this at other campouts.

We woke up on Saturday, cooked breakfast, and participated in scout skills activities in the morning, Then, the adults gave each patrol ingredients for Beanie Weenies, and each separate patrol cooked them. In the afternoon, the new scouts were instructed on knife and knife sharpening skills, the middle and older scouts just chilled out, and we all shot archery. Then, we cooked for the adults and ourselves. Also, on Saturday night, the entire troop played Capture the Flag in the big field!

We also discussed was the necessity for communication on the subject of meals, bringing important gear, like water bottles, and selecting a campsite. Troop 8 should continue good cooking, the method of adults providing (not cooking) the food for lunch, and the patrol method.

From October 9-11, the camping trip will be backpacking. Yay! At the PLC, the possible place that will be going was announced. It is a loop on the Appalachian Trail called Mt. Rogers. It seems like a good place to go except for the length: it’s 17 miles long. Given the spots of conveniently placed shelters there would be either a 7½-mile option for the younger scouts and a 10-mile trek for the older scouts or a 3½ mile option for the younger scouts and a 14-mile trek for the older scouts. It was also noted that this is all on easy terrain. Mr. Nelson said he could also look at other places. The PLC has not officially decided one place for the October camping trip. The Patrol leaders talked about the trip for a long time at the meeting. The main instruction for the next couple of weeks will be themed around backpacking.