Troop 99 just finished up a weekend Wilderness Survival Campout right here in Goffstown. Our assistant Scoutmaster Matt H. loaned the use of his family's property here in town and it was perfect for the camping weekend. Thank you!
This was a 2 night campout. The first night all the scouts slept in Troop tents. The second night, however, had the option of being a little different.
The goal of the Wilderness Survival weekend was for the scouts to build shelters out of available materials such as sticks, cut down small trees and branches, rope, tarp, etc. Once the shelters were built, the scouts had the option of sleeping in their shelter that night (rather than their tent).
The scouts came up with a variety of shelter styles.
Some of them even slept in them that night!
The next morning was very cold, but the best thing was to get the scouts up and moving around and making breakfast. They had a hearty breakfast of eggs, sausage and bacon, and pancakes.
On the second day of the campout, we had a visit from the Arrow of Light scouts from Pack 99. The Cub Scouts' visit fulfilled a requirement to visit a Boy Scout troop and learn the Patrol Method. Their patrol elected a leader, an assistant, and also created a patrol cheer. The cub scouts enjoyed a lunch with the Boy Scouts of grilled cheese and soup, and the boys helped with shelter building.
One thing that should always be said of Troop 99: They eat GOOD on camping trips!
The second day of the campout also featured the beloved Thanksgiving in the Woods, which is an activity that is loved by Troop 99 but we haven't been able to do it in a few years. This is a full Thanksgiving dinner cooked outdoors over coals and fire, including a full turkey cooked by the Scoutmasters in a metal trash can.
This "trash can turkey" is some of the best turkey anyone has ever had in their life. A turkey is propped upright on a stake, and then a metal trash can is placed over it with hot coals placed on top and around the trash can, acting like a big oven which cooks the turkey. The timing of this is never exact, but with a little patience and perseverance, the turkey eventually comes up to temperature and is cooked to perfection. The other side dishes are cooked by the scouts, and then everyone enjoys a feast together.
The big reveal!
This meal was served with stuffing, corn, mashed potatoes, carrots, and gravy.
Huge thanks to Mr. Wood, Mr. Follansbee, Mr. Hunter, Mr. Laurendeau and Mr. Eckles for all their help to make this great weekend of camping a memorable outing for the boys.
Looks like a lot of fun!!! Great job everyone!!