BSA Troop 156 - 2007 Summer Camp Photos
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Summer Camp for Boy Scout Troop 156 was at Camp Greilick (in the Traverse City area) from July 15-21. Our first stop was at the Clare, Michigan McDonalds. The Clare McDonalds had two invasions that day. The first one was our Boy Scout Troop. The second one was the Michigan National Guard. Another day in the life of a Boy Scout. Boy Scouts get opportunities that other boys who aren't wearing the uniform wouldn't get.
Boy Scout Troop 156 takes command of the Michigan National Guard's missile launcher.
A lot of Troop 156 had the chance to look at the trucks after they finished their breakfast. Then we headed northwest. We arrived at the Camp in mid-afternoon.
Welcome to Camp Greilick
Our troop checked in, turned in their medical paperwork and were led to their campsite. At summer camps, most of the time, tents are already set up for the scouts and scouters to use. This year there were the usual canvas platform tents that everyone lived in for the week.
Tent Mates
At Summer Camp Boy Scouts don't have to cook. The meals are prepared by the staff and are served at the camp cafeteria. Our first meal was dinner.
Camp Greilick's Mascot - George the Moose, located in the camp cafeteria
After dinner, at dark there was the opening campfire at Camp Greilick's Fire Bowl. The camp personnel greets all the troops that are in camp that week.
Camp Greilick opening Campfire
My oldest son who earned the rank of Eagle Scout in January of 2006, joined the Troop as an adult leader just before summer camp. My oldest son and I accompanied the new scouts on their Quest program. Quest is the program where new scouts can earn many of their requirements for the Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class Rank during the week of summer camp.
Thanks to our acting Scoutmaster, Senior Patrol Leader and Family
(Sorry about the unsteady camera hand!)
The first day the new scouts in our troop received instruction in orienteering.
Orienteering is a skill to be learned in which orienteers use an accurate, detailed map and a compass to find points in the landscape.
The Quest class was in the morning for the new scouts. In the afternoon, for the new scouts, and just about any time for the other scouts, there were many merit badge classes that were available. A week long summer camp is the best place a Boy Scout can get much work done toward advancing his rank. You can never be too early in your Boy Scout career to earn merit badges. There are a minimum of 21 merit badges needed for Eagle Scout. 15 of those are required. One of the merit badges offered at Camp Greilick was the Metalworking Merit Badge. The camp had a working blacksmith forge, the first one I had seen at camp in the nine years I have been in scouting.
Blacksmith Frank Leasure demonstrating Blacksmithing skills to a class of Boy Scouts
To earn the Blacksmithing Merit badge the scouts had to complete three projects. The first one was a small cast iron spoon, the second was a small metalworking project of their choosing(the one most chosen was a candle holder), and third an aluminum bowl.
The Scouts had to heat the cast iron to 2,500-3,000 degrees until it turned orange. Then they shaped it by beating on it with a hammer step by step until it was the shape required. This was a four day class for most scouts. My older son and I tried out Blacksmithing also and made two items.
Making the aluminum bowl, part of the Metalworking Merit Badge
The bowl started as an aluminum disk the Boy Scouts put into a form. Then they hammered it evenly for quite a long time. When it was deep enough and finished, the last step was to take some metal dies and hammer in initials or their name.
When the Scouts needed a break from the heat and the
pounding, they hopped on the Metalworker's swing.
In between the waterfront Livesaving and Knot tying, The Quest instructor had our Boy Scouts navigate a maze blindfolded.
Later, our Boy Scouts were taught how to save someone that was in the water.
The Quest Instructor showing a knot to a Troop 156 Scout.
That's enough for one morning. It's time to hang out at camp for awhile before lunch.
There were plenty of opportunities to swim at the beach!
Another busy day for the Quest Team!
Troop 156 Boy Scouts learning lashing skills. Lashing is the Art of securing wood together using rope instead of nails or screws.
First Aid Class
The Quest Instructor showing our Scouts how to carry an injured person by locking arms.
Part of lifesaving skills
When they are at camp, many scouts try to squeeze in as many merit badges as they can earn.
Troop 156 Scout working on one of three projects to earn the Basket Making Merit Badge
Dinner at camp
Look Mom, Two Merit Badges!
Log Surfing
Raising The Flag
Firing up the Camp Stove
Tote 'n Chip in the Ax Yard
Well, it's not exactly all work and no play. There is plenty of time for recreation too.
A Game of Egyptian War
There were plenty of opportunities to canoe, rowboat and kayak.
Dad and sons (one behind camera) rowboating and canoeing
There were also opportunities to shoot 22 rifles, shotguns, muzzle loaded guns, archery, and other fun events.
Troop 156 Scout about to take a shot with a muzzle loader
Muzzle loaded rifle shooting was an interesting time. Powder was put into the barrel, then a pad, then a round ball. You have to push the ball down into the barrel until it reached the right depth. The person helping you load and shoot the rifle had to light the powder once you aimed the gun.
A Scouter and his scouts
Father and Son
Time to Pack up and go home. Oh Darn!
Happy Trails to You Camp Greilick!
As we were walking out of camp for the last time, one of the parents broke into the Roy Rogers song, "Happy Trails to You", and I joined in. I don't think our Boy Scouts had a clue where that came from.