Members from Boy Scout Troop 715 spent their fall break at Potato Creek State Park.
While there, they did some hiking, pumpkin carving and did a lot of Dutch oven cooking.
Nicholas Bazzoni worked on his first-class rank requirement by helping to prepare beef stew for the troop, which seemed to not only fill their stomachs, but also provide warmth for the cool, crisp fall temperatures.
Following a meal, the Scouts went on a special night mission where they were able to put their Scout skills to the test. Newly elected Senior Patrol Leader Bryston Canada led the way, accompanied by Nicholas Bazzoni, Cub Scout Jacob Hawn, Nick Hawn and Tail End Charlie, Kole Smith.
Beginning their mission by adopting code names and listening to the orders given, they were allowed 10 minutes to gather what they thought they would need for their night hike using the Boy Scout Motto “Be Prepared.” Orders were also given to bring back eight hidden objects.
Maneuvering their way through a physical obstacle course where they had to use their Scout skills of equipment use, physical endurance and knot tying, they then proceeded to a station where they had to use their observation and memory skills.
Next they had to word by word piece together the Scout Law.
Hiking on to the next station led them to the blind man’s house where they had to work as a team to put up a tent in the dark night, find and gather tinder, kindling and fuel wood to start a fire all within 14 minutes without the use of any light.
Continuing onward they made their way to identify and name constellations. They then had to draw a detailed map of headquarters and decode a message before returning to base camp to correctly identify tracks of different animals. After a small debriefing to discuss their successful mission, they had hotdogs and hot chocolate to close the evening.
Sunday morning they woke up to more Dutch oven cooking and had peachy French toast (thanks to the menu planning of the Shark Patrol), smoke sausage and leftover pork roast made by Scout Leader Mike Canada.
Other adult leaders on the trip were Joe Hawn and Kevin Smith.
John Bazzoni and Julie Canada assisted with developing the Secret Spy Mission theme for the weekend.
