Camp Cherokee - 2007
Whirling Smoke Weekend
Polar Bear Surprise
February 16-18, 2007

It was supposed to be a Weblo weekend -- a preparation for the games. Instead it was a weekend of leisure and fun. Hiking for the Philmont crew and leisure time for the rest. We shot rifles and shotguns and added Black Powder for the first time. We had as many scouts as adults. We saw a rebirth of our campfire and embraced a boy led troop by our SPL and ASPL.

We learned before we left our new scouts would not attend until the next campout so we put off our games until the then. We hiked in the morning and shot in the afternoon. The hike was a tour of the entire camp. The camp is an outstanding view in itself. We have seen it most at night (oh the cherished night hikes into the wilderness). Outside the impromptu swim into the icy waters by our SPL it was fairly light hike. Jonathan was awarded $20 bucks for is lunacy and later at campfire the "I will do anything for $20 bucks" award. (See pictures below).

The windy afternoon and poor shooting equipment kept the scores on the clays lower than we have ever seen. The black powder rifles were a hit-something new for 168. Nick M and Colby helped out Slade on advancement. Both demonstrated servant leadership and were awarded accordingly at campfire that night for their efforts. Saturday evening we had cooking contests. There was buried roast, stuffed bell peppers fried fish and all kinds of delicious desserts. All scouts participated and ate well. The Apache patrol had to dig up their dinner and cook it conventionally but was awarded "Most Creative". The Leprechauns led by Colby were awarded "Most Tasty " for their stuffed Bell peppers and steaks.

Campfire was a hit again with some outstanding jokes. Evyn harassed Aggies with his jokes. Skits were few but good. We had Thorns and Roses and Awards and turned in because we were all tired. Thorns and roses echoed a good time. Most enjoyed the camp, the weather, the food and the new friendships.

Sunday morning we were all surprised by the drop in temperature to 28 degrees. We broke camp quickly and had a nice Chapel Service prepared by Nick. M. He discussed the importance of Trust in friendship. It was a great message . With the extra time we went through our tents and discovered what was missing with each. After the productive morning we hit the road around 10:15am.

I was especially proud of 1) Slade and his efforts on advancement and his respect he shows toward adults, 2) Colby and Nick M. help with Slade, 3) Nick M. continual growth as Chaplain Aide, 4) Jonathan and Sam's leadership as SPL and ASPL, and 5) Elliot Grass for staying in and attending after his patrol and tent mates bailed on him in the 11th hour. Thank you to our Campmaster Paul Perry and Grubmaster Mark Edson. It was good to have Mark back in camp with his culinary delights. Thanks to our shooting instructors Bob Mundlin and Rich Jacot, our quartermaster Steve White and our scoutmasters Jeff Bennett and Scott Flynn. We also we be remiss not to thank Karie Edson for making the Awards and our other parents that make the weekend a success.

I guess I will remember most is the whirling smoke, the icy dip of our SPL, the surprise Polar Bear evening and the howling Saturday night at campsite "Howling Coyote".