A tired but happy crew of 22 came down the Beeline this afternoon from a thoroughly satisfying, wonderfully cool, and totally productive week at Camp Alexander, located behind Pikes Peak in the glorious Rocky Mountains of north central Colorado. It was a week filled with full moons and cool rains, nights sleeping under a shelter during wilderness survival, or days riding the white water rapids of the South Platte. There were rousing games of cosmic bowling on an Air Force base, fly fishing, shotgun shooting, mountain boarding, and dozens of other activities by day, and the Follow Me Boys scout movie or a camp-wide carnival by night. Troop highlights included placing third by a whisker in the camp-wide Iron Man competition, and an absolutely hysterical rendition by our scouts of a hilarious Shaving skit during closing campfire, that had the whole camp and staff rolling in the aisles of the Kiva. The camp was one of the most gorgeous BSA facilities we have attended, and the troop made new friends of the energetic staff, and came together to represent T648 well in advancement and merit badge attainment.   A climactic event on the way home was a quick tour of Philmont Scout Ranch, providing a glimpse of future opportunities for high adventure or leadership training for some of our scouts as they continue along the trail to Eagle. Top to bottom, this may have been the best summer camp I have attended, and I thank the scouts’ families for sharing their sons with our troop this summer.
This week we finish our month of meetings examining interesting careers and lives by hearing from a combat pilot veteran who flew helicopters in southeast Asia. Come Tuesday night and hear his insights of being an Air Force pilot.   Upcoming events include our annual Patrol Leaders Council yearly planning session at Scottsdale Conference Resort on August 16-18 where our more senior scouts will schedule our 2013-2014 calendar of events over three busy, but fun-filled days. We also will have an opportunity to explore Sycamore Canyon in a backpack outing on August 23-25. And don’t forget that our family camp is coming up in September on the 20-22.  Family members will be coming to the pines at Fort Tuthill in our annual event in which all members of a scout’s family are invited to join us for a weekend of fun and adventure. Mark your calendars today!
See you Tuesday at the Troop Meeting!
Mr. Cole