As a Scout leader, I have had the opportunity to sit in on a number of “boards of review”, which are done when a Scout is ready to advance in rank. One of the questions that is always asked is what a Scout’s favorite thing about Scouting is and the answer is always the same—going to Scout Camp. One of the things I have heard our Scoutmaster state many times is that Scout Camp is where everything that happens during the rest of the year comes together. Despite it being 40 years since going to camp as a Cub Scout and camp being held in late July/early August, I decided I had to go see for myself–as a leader and father of a Scout–just what it was all about.

After arriving at camp, adult leaders are assigned a selection of merit badges the Scouts will be completing to monitor and track the progress of. While it isn’t required that a leader attend the merit badge sessions, being that it was my first year at Scout Camp, I attended most days. It gave me a chance to get to know where everything at Bartle was, and it is a big place with a lot to see. The merit badges assigned to me were the shooting sports and climbing (two of my hobbies). It was exciting to see as the Scouts progressed in their skill and confidence. I also enjoyed meeting Scouts and leaders from other Troops and getting to know the staff who make it all possible.

As camp progressed, I had a lot of time to observe our Troop’s more experienced leadership and one thing that stood out time and time again is how this Troop puts the Scouts first and works hard to help them reach beyond what many of them think they can do. For a number of Scouts, the swim test required for their First Class rank is no easy task. Each Scout hopes to earn a “blue band” to wear on their wrist which shows they passed the test and are allowed to swim anywhere in the pool. Within just a few days, due to dedication and encouragement of the leadership, every Scout in the Troop had earned their blue bands, which I can assure you is no small accomplishment and something that truly impressed me!

Speaking of impressions, the others leaders mentioned that the evening of Night 4 would certainly leave one as it was “Call Night”. When I asked a bit more about it, I was constantly met with the reply that it is just something you need to see for yourself. Looking back on it now, I have to say it was my favorite part of camp. For those of you who haven’t seen or experienced it, I have to echo the replies I got—it’s something you just have to see for yourself! What I can say is that it is where selected Scouts are informed they are under consideration for being called into Tribe of Mic-O-Say (Foxman) or called to begin their journey into the Tribe (Brave). This year our Troop had 4 Foxman and 4 Called Braves among its ranks!

Day 5 was an eventful day as well, but not because of camp activities, but because of COVID. Our Troop was informed that afternoon that due to direct exposure, we would need to leave the following day. While the disappointment in our camp was as heavy as the summer air, the safety and well-being of the Scouts had to come first. While this was hard to hear for the Troop, it was especially tough for the Scouts who had just been called into Mic-O-Say or who were already members and had earned advancement, as they wouldn’t be able to be awarded what they’d earned before having to leave the next day. Yet, even as we made preparations to go that evening, I overheard our Scoutmaster speaking to Camp leadership about making provisions for all these Scouts to return later that year and receive what they were due, which was a much-needed bit of encouragement on a day with too little. And it turned out to be a sign of something to come…

Earlier in the session, we had a Scout join us from another Troop who had attended an earlier session, but had to leave before he was awarded his Mic-O-Say advancement. But, due to our COVID exposure, it looked like he would once again have to leave Bartle without receiving his advancement. That evening, as I passed this Scout in camp, I told him how sorry I was about what happened and assured him that our Scoutmaster wouldn’t forget him. That next morning as we were packing up to leave, I saw someone in our camp I didn’t recognize with this Scout and one of our Scouts that was due the same tribal advancement. As I watched and listened, I realized he was a Mic-O-Say Chief and he had come to award this Scout and our Scout their Firebuilder paint. There are many wonderful memories I took away from my first year at Camp, but that will always remain a treasured one no matter how many times I am fortunate enough to return to Bartle and made me as proud as I can be to serve under our Scoutmaster.

As I reflect on my time as a first-year camper, my experiences exceeded my expectations and I can now join the chorus of those who sing the praises of Scout Camp. It truly is where it all comes together and you get a chance to see the ideals of Scouting on full display. On our Troop t-shirt, the word “PRIDE” is written in large letters. While I have always been proud of our Scouts and their accomplishments, it has taken on a much richer meaning for me after spending time among our leadership at Scout Camp. Troop 282 is a troop led by men and women who put the girls and boys first and work tirelessly to see that they are shown clear examples of what the Scout Oath & Law look like lived out. I am proud to have a son in Troop 282, proud to serve as a leader in Troop 282 and proud to be a part of Scouting!