Site logo
Site logo
myExtraContent1
myExtraContent5

Shooting Sports Weekend, October 28-30, 2011

Shooting Sports Weekend, Robert E. Knox Scout Reservation
Photos - - - - Trip Report

By now I'm sure you've heard the stories....... If you haven't then, well, what happens in camp stays in camp!
 
On Friday eve 17 Scouts and 8 adults loaded the trucks and set out for Robert E Knox Scout Reservation.  Packing in light rain, the group chased daylight down the road to encounter continuous rain and dark skies.  Just before rolling into the campground though, the rains held and "some" of the best were able to get the tents pitched, trailer unloaded and after getting the plan of the day from the acting SPL Henry R., scurry into the shelter of their tent.  Good thing, because it rained all night! 
Morning found the group up at 6:30 and setting up for a cold breakfast.  The rains had stopped and we were soon joined by our new SPL Jed, and two others.  (He got an excused late slip, they won the game.)  The safety brief at the rifle, shotgun and archery ranges began at 8:00. 

The air was soon filled with the sound of .22 rifles as the Ray Charles Open kicked off under the watchful eyes of our rifle instructors.  Shotgun commenced soon after and archery followed.  Hoots and hollers were heard all morning as targets fell, holes appeared and hay bales turned into pincushions.  Shooting broke for a quick cold lunch, with some of the early qualifiers remaining in camp for football, Frisbee, etc
Nobody wanted to swim this year, maybe the 40 degree air had something to do with it.  About 5:00 the instructors closed the range and all headed back for a hot dinner and desert (or not.)  The three patrols cooked separately after starting cooking fires and thanks to the "encouragement" of our Scoutmaster most were able to eat within the next few hours!  Once finished, the Scouts got to experience the sweet smell of Hoppes as their after dinner treat as we learned to clean our guns!
Saturday night all enjoyed skits, jokes and a great campfire.  You could tell by the thorns and roses that everyone had experienced a great day doing what many don't get to do very often, BLASTING AWAY AT TARGETS WITH REAL GUNS!
 
Sunday morning the group arose to a quite cool morning, feasted yet again and headed down to the ranges to finish those last few quals and test their mettle in the T537 Fun Shoot.  Single elimination quickly pared the number and Ryan C came out as this years winner.  A comment noted from our esteemed rifle instructor was "at least I got beat by one of the Scouts that I had qualified last year."  By 10:00 we wrapped it up, headed back to pack and clean, eat a quick lunch and have a chapel service.  By 12:15 we were on the road, right on schedule. 
In all 19 Scouts and 9 adults participated.  No holes appeared anywhere they shouldn't have, the fish were safe and the worst that happened was a skinned knee after an "awesome wipeout" on the concrete in the pavilion.  7 Scouts qualified for the rifle merit badge and 5 for the Shotgun.  Jared B., our lone archer also qualified.  This is a really high percentage, congratulations to all.  This is also a very adult intensive trip and special thanks to all the adults who came.  If you missed it this year, be sure to make it next.  Robert E Knox is a wonderful rustic campground just perfect for this trip.  Our group had the whole 700 acres to ourselves that weekend. 
 
Those Scouts entering the 2011 Shooting Sports hall of fame included Henry R, Ben T, Matthew M, Michael M, Emory L, Alex M, Noah M, Jared B, John H, Benjamin H, Daniel B, Craig K, Ryan C, Mark B, Jeff B, Jack B, William S, Jed W and Wyatt W.  The adults included Steve M, Skip T, Shawn T, Hermon C, Rich B, Steve H, Geof G, Bob B and Dick W. 
myExtraContent7
myExtraContent8