We arrived safely at Woodruff and quickly got through check in. After a Troop photo we got briefly situated at our campsite before it was time to get our swim tests done. We quickly changed back into our Class A uniforms in order to meet on the parade ground for the retrieval of the colors and then a delicious camp meal of chicken fingers, mac n cheese, corn, and a salad bar. Yum! We finished the night with an always fun and entertaining campfire program put on by the staff.

Today we awoke to reveille at 0700 followed by breakfast of French toast, sausage patties, and cold cereal. Then we were all off and running (not really; no running in camp) in different directions where we worked on merit badges such as Citizenship in the Nation and the World, Communications, Riflery, Emergency Preparedness (or E-Prep as the cool kids say), Chess, Swimming, Shotgun Shooting, Environmental Science, and the list goes on and on. The newest scouts spent a good chunk of the morning at the Mountaineer program where they started working on the Totin’ Chip where they learn the safe use of woods tools (blades of all shapes and sizes!) and worked on the bowline and sheet bend knots.

After a hot dog lunch we had some free time to fish, hang out, drink Peace tea (it’s a camp thing), swim, or enjoy the open ranges at the shooting sports. We did get organized enough to even attempt some Troop orienteering late in the afternoon with mild to moderate success. It was our turn to clean the showers this evening, but presently we are enjoying some refreshing mountain air after a busy but productive day. We can’t wait to update you on all of the fun stuff we get to do tomorrow! (Oh, and if you were wondering, it was chicken fried steak for supper.)

Troop 79 is excited to once again be headed to the north Georgia mountains to attend summer camp at Woodruff Scout Camp. We will be gathering at All Saints’ Episcopal Church at 7:00 AM Sunday July 14. Please arrive wearing your Class A uniform and bring a sack lunch and snacks for the drive. Please check back regularly for updates on what the Troop has been up to while at camp. See you Sunday!

The troop had a great trip to Noccalula Falls to welcome the Eagle patrol and go mountain biking. The campground had several trails, and our favorites were the Mine Drop, Rooster Ridge, and the Family Loop. In addition to riding, the older scouts taught the Eagle patrol how to set up tents, patrol area, how to cook and clean. We also had a campfire on Saturday night with songs, skits and ghost stories. Overall, this was a great campout for all involved!

The troop had a great day fishing at a private lake in Heflin, AL. Mr. Garner was instrumental in locating a place for us to still fish, after the Hiwassee trip had to be cancelled due to the TVA running the turbines this weekend. We were told there would be plentiful Bass, Bluegill and Crappie, and we were not disappointed. Everyone caught a fish, with many catching more than 10! They were hitting worms, Sinko lures, and anything green! Here’s to some good eating tonight!

The troop had a great trip to Cloudland Canyon state park in Georgia this weekend. After driving up on Friday night, we backpacked 8 miles in Saturday, and arrived at camp around 3 pm. After a relaxing afternoon, each patrol had a nice dinner and sat around the campfire before going to bed. We woke Sunday to cool temperatures, but we’re in the trail by 10 am to hike 5 miles back to the cars. We made it back to church on Sunday afternoon with 13 miles under our belt, more backpacking experience, and had a lot of fun throughout!