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Scout Campout Reports Battle Chefs I believe this years Battle Chefs was no exception to its history of fun, and competitive cooking. This years theme for lunch was “Sandwiches from around the world”, and for dinner it was “Different parts of New York”. This campout is also the first campout for any incoming 1st years. This year at Battle Chefs the incoming scouts got a chance to work with one of our instructors to help them learn the skills they need to earn their Totem Chip. This includes sharpening knifes, working with axes and saws and proper technique for all of them. But the biggest challenge for all of the patrols this years was probably the weather! Dinner cooking was interrupted for 15-30 minutes from a howling storm that made us all retire to a cabin until it blew over. But nothing could keep us down. Once the storm was over we came out a finished are meals like nothing happened. After dinner was served and judged it was time to announce the winners. And this year the Indians came out on top putting a stop to the Dragons 5 year winning streak. Glider Campout The Glider Campout was really fun. We rode in a glider hooked up to a winch that pulled us from stand still to 60 miles per hour in only 4 seconds! It didn’t seem that fast in the plane, but I really enjoyed it. When the winch releases, you get the sensation of free fall – like peaking the top of the “big hill” on a roller coaster. The day began with getting up early on Saturday morning to join the Scouts going on We had lunch, and then hung out. And finally, we had glider rides. After dinner, we played two large games of Capture the Flag. I learned a lot about glider safety, plane safety, airport safety, and how to read aviation maps. We earned our Aviation Merit Badges. Second Annual The weather was beautiful. It was warm and sunny. Activities began first thing in the morning around 7:15am with a short car ride to the Habel’s cottage in the Irish Hills. Everyone arrived around 8:00am. Ben, Brian, Jake, Domenic, Patrick D., Patrick Z., Matthew and Michael were accompanied by Ms. Friman, Mr. & Mrs. Diefenbach, Mr. Dame, and Mr. & Mrs. Habel. Within several hours, the on-the-water badge requirements had been completed for the Motorboating Merit Badge by all participants. Patrick, Ben and Matthew also worked on the Waterskiing Merit Badge. The group took a break for lunch and then spent the afternoon swimming, jumping and diving from the swim raft and tubing behind the boat. Several Scouts had smiles so large that their faces were sore by the end of the event. The day was so warm, all the adults were in the lake too. They said it was to cool off, but we knew better, they didn’t want the boys to have ALL the fun. If you want to participate in this event the next time it is offered, contact Mr. Habel and complete all the prerequisite merit badge requirements. Note: The prerequisite requirements are the ones that don’t require a lake and a boat to fulfill. Summer Camp - A Great Experience Sunday - July 8, 2007 - We gathered at the Middle School, packed up vehicles with boys and gear, and left for Camp Tapico near Kalkaska about 10:00am. Leading the troop was Mr. Habel, pulling our trailer. We stopped about noon at a rest stop to eat our lunches that we had packed. It was very hot and humid when we arrived at Camp Tapico about 2:00pm. We needed to spend most of the day checking in, receiving camp instructions, setting up, cooking and eating dinner, touring the camp, and attending the evening flag lowering ceremony, vespers and opening campfire. We packed it in after that so we would be well rested for our first full day at camp. Monday – We woke up to pouring rain! We prepared our breakfast in the rain and the boys left for their merit badge classes. It finally cleared up in the late afternoon and the temperatures turned much more comfortable. Tuesday - We spent some time drying out from the rain on Monday. A fun, competitive event was scheduled this day, the Land Carnival, with a root beer chugging contest, Wednesday - Cool, windy and rainy (again!) The rain cleared up before lunch and the sun came out. We had some unexp Thursday - Parent Visitation Day – since Camp Tapico is about a three-hour drive from Saline, we didn’t have many visitors. However Bill, Janet, Jillian and Grant Santos, and Sue, Robbie and Doreen Bridges braved the drive to check up on us. We were able to treat them to a gourmet meal of steak and potatoes cooked over our campfire and fresh salad. Of course, what would dinner be without another rainstorm! After the rain, it turned COLD! Our visitors left quickly after dinner. Friday - The morning was free for the boys to complete any merit badge requirements. They wanted to finish up so they could attend the Water Carnival by 2:00. The boys had fun at the
carnival participating in various competitions/ We all attended Camp Tapico’s closing flag ceremony at 8:00pm and then to the fire bowl for the closing campfire and skits. Enzo R. and Brian M.
performed “Royal Tragedy” and received a standing ovation! We returned to our campsite and built our own final campfire. We were feeling quiet and contemplative at this point. Saturday - July 14 Then, of course, the perfect way to finish off our trip… to break camp in the pouring rain! Despite the cool, wet weather, we all agreed that it was a successful trip and are ready to do it again (next summer). Philmont … Thomas and I arrived at the Ann Arbor train station at 7:00am. Except for our food, everything we would need for the next two weeks was either in our back pack or a duffel bag. So it was with great anticipation that we boarded the Amtrack train along with our 10 fellow crew members and 45 other contingent members. We felt reasonably well prepared as Council’s High Adventure Staff did a fantastic job telling us what to expect (and how to survive). We arrived in Chicago a bit before noon and had time for lunch at the station. Then it was back on another train for the long ride to New Mexico (boy, Kansas is a really, really long state!). Both breakfast and dinner on the train were pretty good and there was plenty of time for reading and card games. I have to admit, for those of us over 4-feet tall, the seats are a bit uncomfortable to sleep in. Finally we arrived in Raton on June 25th where we boarded a bus. A quick stop to eat at McDonald’s and we were off to Cimarron, NM and Philmont Scout Ranch. The first day was spent meeting our ranger, getting our gear and doing our health check. That night consisted of a church service and opening campfire. The platform tents that night seemed as wonderful as any triple-diamond hotel. The next morning we picked up our food. After a leisurely morning we headed to the welcome center to await our bus. Our packs were weighed and after some adjustments, most weighted between 45 and 50 lbs. Finally at about 3:00pm, Laura, our ranger, and 11 man crew headed via bus to Zastrow Turn Around and we were on the trail! A short and easy 2 mile hike and we were at Rayado River Camp, our first stop on the trail. So we set up camp, cooked and ate dinner. After some instruction by Laura, it was time to hang our bear bags and crawl into bed. We awoke early the next morning and broke camp, which took about an hour (by the end of our trek we were breaking camp and on the trail within one-half hour). The next hike was only slightly more strenuous as it was about 2 miles again with a gradual 800 foot increase in elevation. Along the way we stopped at Abreu to learn how to milk goats and for a root beer at the cantina. Once at Carson Meadows, we participated in the program and learned about search and rescue. I personally learned that one should not skimp on bringing Tylenol and Motrin on backpacking trips as my hip “acted up”. I had brought some but at this early in the trip I questioned my wisdom regarding leaving the rest in camp to cut down on excess weight. That evening the adult advisors had a wonderful time sitting on the porch of the staff camp, watching rain showers in the distance, a fantastic sunset and talking with other advisors and the camp staff. This scenario was repeated numerous times at each of the staffed camps. The staff goes out of their way to make the scouts feel at home. After about an hour of “adult-only” time, the boys came up to the cabin and would typically play cards or talk to the staff. The next morning we said goodbye to our ranger and headed out on a 5 mile hike along the river to Fish Camp. At camp we learned how to fly-fish and tie flies. The cabin there was one that belonged to Waite Phillips and is quite impressive from its massive stone fireplace to its game room. Equally impressive was how one of the staff turned our boisterous and rowdy scouts to quite and attentive competitors by teaching them a new card game. The next day was a short 3 mile hike to Apache Springs, undoubtedly one of my favorite camps. We spent 2 days there, where we learned Indian lore and spent a most refreshing couple of hours in a sweat lodge. We did our conservation project (stump and limb removal) there the first afternoon. Believe it or not, another highlight was being able to wash our clothes. The wild life at Philmont is really something to behold. We were able to come within 10 yards of mule deer; the chipmunks (minibears) are fearless, and the birds are spectacular (especially the summer tanager). Apache Springs also had some of the most interesting weather with very unique cloud formations and a hail storm one evening that delivered an inch-and-a-half of quarter size hail right at dinner time (ouch). After a two-day stay, we were ready to get back on the trail. This marked the start of our more
challenging hikes. Wild Horse Trail Camp was a 10 mile hike with a half-mile change in elevation, most of that during the final couple miles. Along the way we stopped at a homestead at Crooked
Creek Staff Camp, ate lunch and had a tour of their home. Then our long The next day was a wicked 5 mile hike up to Mount Phillips Trail Camp at 11,711 feet above sea level. Along the way we stopped at Clear Creek where we learned how to trap, throw axes and fire black powder rifles. We FINALLY made it to the top of Phillips in the late afternoon. The view was well worth the climb (easy to say once you’re up there). Personally this was my most rewarding day as there is nothing like watching your son climb a mountain! The next day we hiked 6 miles down through a very scenic gorge to Ciphers’ Mine. At the mine, we explored an old gold mine and panned for gold. Unfortunately, no one got monetarily rich, though our memories are priceless. That evening everyone in camp squeezed into a small cabin for The Stomp, a show put on by the staff, full of good humor and great folk music. The next morning was an easy 6 mile hike to Cimarroncito. Along the way, on perfectly level ground, I managed to do a “face-plant,” falling face first into the trail. Go figure, I had lots of opportunity to fall over rocks and roots on steep up hill and down hill portions of the trail. At camp the boys went rock climbing while I rested my knee, did laundry and took a shower (yes, a real one with hot water!). From Cimarroncito, it was 6 miles to Clark’s Fork and our Chuck Wagon dinner. Before dinner there was time to learn about branding (and brand my hat with the Philmont brand) and learn how to rope cows (made out of sawhorses). After dinner we had a rigorous 2 mile climb to Ponderosa Park Camp where we spent our last night on the trail. We were up before the sun on our last day so we could get an early start on our 13 mile hike up and down the Tooth of Time to Base Camp. This is where I learned that a steep down hill climb could be more difficult than any up hill climb. Base Camp looked mighty fine that afternoon and the cots in the tents that evening felt even better then they did when we first arrived. We went into town for lunch. I learned that your body can act in strange ways to “real food” after 10 days of trail food! That night, just before bed, we attended an awesome final campfire that was very inspirational. We toured the Phillip’s villa our final morning in camp. Their summer home is spectacular. We also had time to buy our souvenirs from the camp store (do you know that they make a patch for every campsite … a serious temptation for all of us patch collectors). In early afternoon the contingent met and boarded the bus back to the train station in Raton. Before boarding the train we were treated to a first class steak dinner with all the trimmings (I assume it was needed to help me put back on the 13 lbs I lost on the trail). From there we boarded the train, tired and with memories enough for a lifetime. At this time, I would like to thank Council’s High Adventure Trainers who prepared me so well, with a special thanks to Bill Haeske and Siegfried Herliczek who made learning soooo enjoyable. Finally, and most importantly, I want to thank Doug Frantom and Randy Harris, my fellow crew leaders who passed along their wisdom (and wit) to help a novice like me have a great time. I would not have enjoyed myself nearly so much if they were not there to guide me. This brief account does not begin to describe how wonderful the trek was. It in no way captures the grandeur of the scenery or the camaraderie shared by all involved. I can truly say that Philmont is a very special and life changing experience. I highly recommend going; you will not be sorry. Goof-off Campout The Goof-off Campout was the first troop outing of the summer. Twenty-one scouts and six adults shoved off from the Saline Middle School on June 22nd. Mr. Tappe was the designated troop trailer hauler. He was traveling up Saline-Ann Arbor Road amidst busy early weekend traffic when he heard a clunk. He stopped so he and Mr. Alexis could get to inspect the trailer. They found that the tongue had loosened from the ball hitch and the trailer was about to continue on its own to Applebee’s. The trailer was reconnected and they were on their way. The 4˝ hour trip to Leelanua State Park was broken up with a rest stop near Clare, Michigan. The campsite setting was beautiful, heavily treed and jutting into Lake Michigan. On Saturday morning the group traveled to the massive sand hills of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore. They were joined by the Marquardt brothers who immediately organized a Capture-the-Flag contest in the burning sun. That night – in the middle of the night – one of the scouts became ill. Paper towels were needed from the troop trailer. We opened the trailer and were surprised to see three raccoons staring back at us! The looks on their faces said, “Hey, close that door. Can’t you see we’re having a midnight snack!” The troop flag pole was used to encourage the raccoons to exit the trailer. It was a too late though. They had eaten the half the breakfast supplies. They especially enjoyed the Oreo cookies. Chows On!
The Battle Chef Campout is one of the best campouts of the year. Patrols plan and cook both lunch and dinner for judging. The judges decide what your ranking is among the other meals cooked by other patrols.
Saline, Saline, How Does Your Garden Grow? A community garden is going to bloom in Saline this summer next to the one-room Blaess Schoolhouse on Woodland Drive. The Boy Scouts of Troop 457 helped build garden boxes for Saline’s new community garden. A big “Hip-Hip-Hooray,” goes to the six people who gave-up part of their Saturday for a worthwhile cause. I would like to present Bob-the-Builder Awards to the following adults and scouts: Mr. Markus, Mr. Marquardt, Mr. Henes, Brian, Kevin and Jake. During hammer time, this hard working crew built 20 garden boxes in 2 hours. Salute! Let’s give a special thanks to the Henes family, who provided a place to construct the boxes. The Community Garden grand opening is May 20th. Read all about it at www.salinegarden.org. Snow Tubing by Patrick Z The first day of the Tubing Campout was not too difficult. We chose a bunk bed, laid our stuff on it and waited around until Cracker Barrel (evening snack time) or worked on an advancement
requirement. After Cracker Barrel, you could kind of hang around. Then someone would turn the lights off and you would try to go to sleep among the sounds of whispers and the creaking of bunks.
The second day consisted of bustling, cooking breakfast, and then heading out onto the icy lake, slipping and sliding around. We all climbed big hills and ran around -- generally having a great time.
Next, we headed back to our cabins and prepared for tubing. Everything about tubing was good except for one thing, and that was leaving. You were pulled up the hill by tow ropes. The ride up the
hill allowed you the opportunity to throw snow balls at the person above or below you. Upon arriving at the top of the hill you raced to get into line for one of the slopes. Scouts went alone, went
in a pod or chain when descending down the hill. Toward the end of our tubing experience, a whole bunch of us joined together and went down as a huge blob. This was so much fun -- snow spraying
in your face and bumping into each other. Later, we went back to the cabin to make and eat dinner. Then we swept the cabin clean and packed up everything. On Sunday, our last day, we woke up at
6:00am and departed at 7:00am. It was a great campout, if you missed it, you should definitely attend the Order of the Arrow by Thomas C
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a Dutch oven cooking
contest and a dodgeball tournament. Of course Gary Marquardt entered the cooking contest with his famous coconut bread pudding and adobo chicken. We even had a group of boys enter: Kevin M.,
Lucas R., Patrick Z. and Sean D. with their beef curry and flan. The dodge ball tournament was a big hit with all the boys. We were able to form at least five teams from just our troop. Considering how
many teams there were in the whole camp, we were rather proud that one of our teams came in third. Our “winning” team, The Nobodies, was made up of Ty S., Keith C., Mitchell M., Brian D. and Michael H..
ected excitement while we were eating lunch. We heard a sound like
firecrackers and then suddenly a large paperbark birch came falling over, right into our camp site! It fell between the latrine and us. There was much alarm and excitement but after we determined
everyone was okay and the only damage was to our flagpole, we went back to our lunch. As it turned out, the fallen tree was a bonus. It gave the boys something on which to practice their chopping and
sawing skills, which they did with great enthusiasm. That evening rang with the sweet sound of young voices raised in song around our campfire. Thomas
C. and Michael H. led the boys in songs they had learned when they attended Deer Trails (national youth leadership training camp). However, it all broke up quickly when the skies opened up again
and everyone ran into their
Roses and Thorns was conducted and input from everyone was requested. 
Order of the arrow is scouting’s national honor society that both service and camping. I recently attended an OA workshop and as a result am now a Brotherhood
Member. While I can not reveal what went on at the workshop, all and all it was pretty fun. Our district’s lodge (Manitou 88) then had a winter banquet.
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