Camping/Backpacking 101, 2011

This year, we had countless crossovers attend Camping 101 at El Rancho Cima. We also had many of the older scouts attend Backpacking 101.

Camping 101 was a great experience for the Dynamite, Thunderbird, and Nacho patrols. They learned many great skills such as how to safely start, maintain, and put out a fire; how to properly use various tools like the pocket knife and an axe; and how to tie different useful knots. These skills covered the requirements for the Totin’ chip, the Fireman’s chit, and some requirements for Tenderfoot and First Class.

Backpacking 101 was a great experience for all the scouts that attended. We covered around 2 or 3 miles in trails. One of the things we learned was how to adapt to the situation you have after we took a wrong turn. We hiked up to One Tree Hill after a long hike around camp that included a long, steep stairway. After we spent around 30 minutes at One Tree Hill, we hiked back to the main campsite.

After the backpackers got back to camp, they and the younger scouts attended a small campfire ceremony with many hilarious skits. All of the campers had a great time whether they were hiking or learning.

Thomas Crain, Historian

Phoenix Patrol's First Campout

This year, we had 9 new crossovers attend Camping 101 at El Rancho Cima as the Phoenix patrol.

On Friday, the scouts learned how things worked, like how we setup troop gear before our personal stuff. They also learned 2 other things-
-Setting tents up in the dark is tricky, and
-They should get used to setting up in the dark!

On Saturday, they woke up and had breakfast. Everyone pitched in for a quick and easy clean up. After that, a few of them participated in a flag ceremony. They then proceeded to the three stations, where they earned their Totin’ Chip and Fireman’s Chit. They also learned some very important knots. In between the second and third stations, we had an easy lunch of sandwiches, preceded by a food safety talk. After the stations, we relaxed, played some games, and worked on the Tenderfoot fitness requirement. The scouts also earned their scout ranks! We ate a dinner of hot dogs and chili. We also had a campfire made up of hilarious, almost made up on the spot skits, which were followed by smores.

On Sunday, we packed up, ate, met the older scouts, and did thorns and roses.
Then, we left.

A short summary:
The scouts had fun, earned some awards, and had a great experience at their first Boy Scout campout

-Thomas Crain
Phoenix patrol leader