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Summer Camp, Camp Rainey Mountain, 2010, Page #2 THURSDAY, July 8th
The morning weather became noticeably warmer.  Tyler G completed the mile swim, with his Scoutmaster following behind, way behind.  Wesley P had been at Lake Jocassee, SC, completing his open water dives to qualify.  Later, Scott B passed with the highest score on the BSA Lifeguard written exam and gutted out a very difficult practical exam, rescuing his instructors as they struggled and writhed.  Because of his perseverance, Scott was offered the opportunity to spend the next 2 weeks at CRM as part of the Waterfront Staff, and he went for it.  Scott will remain at CRM for the next two weeks.  Ben B volunteered to be the victim in a E-Prep scenario and was made up look like he had been burned to a crisp (very realistic).  Ryan E completed his Scoutmaster’s Conference for 1st Class.  Since the CRM staff took the evening off, we prepared hobo meals (a Bubba Burger, onion, potatoes, and carrots wrapped in foil and placed into a hot charcoal fire until burned beyond recognition).  We invited Troop 149 over to Gordon to join us for a campfire (a stark reminder why forming a new Troop was a very good idea…60 Scouts in one camp…WOW!).  We were joined by Zack H, Randy W (home from GaTech for the summer), Jamie K, and Maria K (LCPL Craig K’s sister and member of Crew 149), all on staff this summer, as well as Miles B, Monty B, and Julie B.  Each patrol put on a skit, followed by one of Paul M’s scary campfire stories.  The evening held the day’s heat well into the night.  
 
FRIDAY, July 9th
Chandler D, Jared P, and 3 Scouts from Troop 149 arose at 5:30 a.m., along with Mike B and Charlie B, to depart for a 5 mile hike from Gordon to Big Rock.  With navigation by map and compass, we arrived on the rock in time to observe morning colors, announce our presence, and see the smoke from the cannon (followed by the boom 3 seconds later).  The gents returned from Gold Rush bearing new “duds” (cotton muslin over shirt, the uniform of successful mountain men).  The camp van carrying kayaker’s to the river caught on fire and burned up (there were no injuries).  That was cool.  Later, David B and Chris D rendered medical assistance for a messy, albeit minor, injury.   They received kudos from the camp doctor on their expertise and quick thinking.  Chandler D completed his Scoutmaster’s Conference and passed his Board of Review for 2nd Class.  Ryan E passed his Board of Review for 1st Class.  The final CRM campfire started as a light rain shower broke over the camp.  Jamie K, on the TNT camp staff this summer, received the top award offered by the SPLs in camp during week 5.  The rain showers ended, and the stars ushered in a nice cool night.  Our additional adult drivers arrived, and we stretched the accommodations to make room for all, some in tents.
 
SATURDAY, July 10th
We awoke ready to go home, but first we had to load the trailer.  We were scheduled to have our trailer hauled out of camp at 8:00a.m.  This meant some quick work by all to get packed and loaded on time.  Breakfast arrived a bit later, honey buns, apples and milk.  Afterwards, Jessie N, Kyle F, and Hayden Y hosted a very impressive chapel service.  We quickly cleaned up Gordon, turned it back over to our Troop Guide, Ethan, and started for home.    
 
Congratulations are in order to all of the gentlemen of Troop 537 for having completed 87 merit badges, 2 COPE, 1 SCUBA, 1 BSA Lifeguard, 4 Gold Rush, and 2 rank advancements.  This is a great accomplishment! 
 
I would like to offer my sincerest thanks to all of our Adult Leaders.  Behind the scenes, these folks helped coordinate our first summer camp as a new troop.  It went off without a hitch, and you made it look easy!
 
Forward,
Charlie
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