Mel's 2008

This is the 7th time that Troop 374 has camped at Mel's Timber Farm.  Six of those have occurred in November.  Yes it was cold.  There was even some light snow.  Our scouts like this campout because they have total freedom to enjoy 150 very beautiful acres.

Departure time was at 5 PM On Friday, November 7.

On the way up we stopped for dinner.

After arriving the scouts set up camp in no time.

After warming up at the campfire for a few minutes, we headed down into the valley for a Midnight Hike.

Most of the scouts were in their tents by 12:30.

We awoke early Saturday morning to some light snow flurries.  For breakfast the troop chowed down almost 100 sausage biscuits and some scrambled eggs and a few gallons of hot chocolate.

After breakfast our ASPL called the troop to attention to post the Colors.  This was a very special day because this was to be the final day for these flags.  They would be retired by the end of the day.

Our host then briefed the scouts with a gun safety class.

The scouts then headed to the valley for some rifle shooting.

The shotgun range was up and running later in the afternoon.

Honoring Veteran's Day:

After a huge dinner the ASPL once again called the scouts to attention.  For the sixth year in a row we performed a flag disposal ceremony for hundreds of flags that were showing wear.   Our scoutmaster lead the ceremony, the flags were retired for the very last time.  The flags were disposed of as our troop bugler played taps (an additional trumpet played the echo part from inside the forest).  As each flag was placed into the fire, the scouts saluted.  After all of the flags had been disposed of there was about ten minutes of reverent silence.  The scouts reflected as they gazed into the fire.

Then the crackerbarrel began.  There were brownies, cookies, apple crisp, pies and gallons of hot chocolate to help celebrate the conclusion to a perfect day.

Most of the scouts (and adults) were extremely tired by 8 PM.  Most were in their sleeping bags by 8:30 PM.  The wind gusted and howled throughout Saturday night and into Sunday morning.

For breakfast our troop donut guru created hundreds of donuts.

Some of the scouts headed back down into the valley to continue to work on their rifle merit badges while others stayed up at the shotgun range.  Others just hung around and enjoyed the scenery.

Before wrapping up camp and heading back to Wheaton the scouts gathered together to thank Mel, our host, for another wonderful weekend.

The troop stopped in the Janesville area for a late lunch then returned to Wheaton.

It would not be possible for a trip of this magnitude to happen by the efforts of one person.  It takes many active volunteers working together to pull it off.  The Scoutmaster, his assistant scoutmasters, committee members and the Scouts of Troop 374 would like to thank those very faithful dads who took the time & substantial effort to attend this trip, as well as those individuals (Clara Wolf, Shirley Pearson and Diana Pearson) behind the scenes who prepared all the meals in advance.

Photos by Tom Maude and Dan Pearson

This trip was orchestrated by Dan Pearson

Please use the back arrow of your browser - Updated 11/15/2008