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Here we go again! Troop 521 returned to Boxwell Scout
Reservation for the 8th straight year. The day that we arrived it began raining as we were moving into our
tents. It didn't stop us from getting settled and comfortable though. |
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| Some of the guys created a new game that they played during their
spare time all week. |
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Eventually, THE GAME 2, ran out of poker chips and starting using
popsicle sticks as markers. Resembling a war game, there were many discussions about rules and strategies of
play. |
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On Wednesday night, we got to do something we've never done
before. We welcomed one of our own former Scouts back as an Assistant Scoutmaster. |
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There was lots of time for teaching and practicing
knots. Three of our Scouts had to practice knots they needed for a swim rescue test the next day. All
three passed and had a great time. |
| On Thursday, we had a big storm move through and got lots of rain.
Even so, everyone found things to do. We stayed dry and the cool air when the rain finished felt great. |
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Several of the Scouts participated in C.O.P.E. (Challenging
Outdoor Personal Experience). Two were in it for the first time and one was taking the advanced course for the
5th time. |
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During the first part of the week, participants work
on a series of team building exercises on the ground. They must solve problems and work together to achieve
goals. Toward the end of the week, the challenges become more individual as participants must find within
themselves the means to complete the course.
The second part of the course takes place in the air among the trees. There are two ways to ascend. One
is by a cargo net and the other by going up the Giant's Ladder. Each participant has to find a way to get
themselves to the top. This is one of the challenges they must meet.The best way
to come down is using the zip line and to hang upside down while doing it. |
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The best part of the course is graduation. Each participant
receives a t-shirt and certificate. The only time Scouts are permitted to wear anything other than a "Class A"
uniform to the dinner meal is on C.O.P.E. graduation day when they can wear their t-shirts and climbing pants. |
| Finally it was time to go home. After a light breakfast, the
Scouts broke camp and loaded up their gear to go home. It was a very successful trip. |
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- A total of 14 merit badges were completed in camp.
- The Scouts led "Baby Bumblebee" as the song during the Thursday night dinner at the Stahlman
dining hall.
- Famous for its creative skits, the Scouts of Troop 521 found a whole new use for peanut butter
this week and demonstrated it at the closing campfire.
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- Two Ordeal members of the Order of the Arrow completed their Brotherhood.
- Two of our 2nd Class Scouts passed their 1st Class Boards of Review
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