Here are a few pics of most of the guys. Didn’t catch a few before they went to serve as waiters in the dining hall, but will add them later. All smiles, though the fun thing was to show game face for the camera, trying to duck out, or even saying “I don’t do pictures.” But, all seem to be having fun!

Great first day! Scouts found their classes and seem to be happy with their choices. Mostly clear skies today with a few clouds, but great weather overall. I’ll post some pics tomorrow, when I’m next to wi-fi but everyone seems to be all smiles!

New Scouts went to Swimming and Mountain Man. They’re working hard on requirements and should be much more knowledgeable on their return. I overheard learning how to identify and avoid poison Ivy, make fires, ID animals, and more. 

Other classes I checked in on we’re Bird Study, Communications, Wilderness Survival, Cooking, Archery, game design, Fishing, Kayaking, Lifesaving, Emergency Preparedness, and Photography. And these are just our Troop’s classes! Certainly lots of opportunities to gain new skills and experiences at summer camp. 

The afternoon was filled with off-camp adventures, and they fit the bill: Rafting trips to the Ocoee and Nantahala Rivers and horseback trips. Personal experience on the Ocoee was amazing. Water was cold but refreshing; Rapids and waves were impressive; and guides kept us safe and hitting the sweet-spots! That was a fun river. And reports from the Nanty were similar. Cold but cool! First year Scouts handled it with style and grace. Yes, some fell out, but that’s part of the experience! And horse crew had a great afternoon exploring trails near the Ocoee. They’ll finish up the Horsemanship Merit Badge tomorrow, as well!

Several favorite times today but one has to be one Scout when learning he was scared of the horses: “yes sir, but I’m less scared of the horses than I am of the river!” Unnamed Scout, but parents will easily identify him!

Signing off to the night,

Scoutmaster

Wonderful opening campfire last night.  Nearly 1,000 of our new closest friends joined us at the council ring. Opening skit is always impressive with lots of activity: hoopla-hoops, flame-throwing, bikes, frisbees, boats and skiers, and fireworks. Pretty cool way to kickoff the week. 

Great first night and ready for our first day. Everyone seems to have had a good night’s sleep and looking forward to taking on the week! It’s a beautiful morning at Woodruff, a few clouds and sun peaking through, after a night that cooler overnight forcing some guys into their sleeping bags. River and horse trips this afternoon should be fun!

On March 28-30, 2015, Troop 79 conquered another section of the Pinhoti Trail in the southern Appalachians that extend into Alabama. With this accomplished, Troop 79 has done about 30 miles of this trail. Next year, we’ll have to go north of Cheaha to continue our visiting of Pinhoti.

We had a small group with a few Scouts sick the week before and having to cancel at the last minute. We also experienced a last cold front for Alabama’s spring with temps dipping to 25 and then weathered a rain storm with some thunder and lightening on the last morning.

Great trip overall with great Scouts, great trail, great views, and memories that will last a lifetime!