Troop 681 - Camp Rodney 2008

Saturday Update

2008-07-12T18:51:00.001-07:00

Troop 681 on the parade field

Rodney staff on the parade field

Our first year "Brown Sea" guys with their awards

Our Scout leadership team demonstrated the best in leadership qualities. We applaud them for their hard work and excellent example over the past week. Our scouts give me great hope in the future of our nation

Troop 681 brought in many awards including Outstanding Scout, Outstanding Scouter, First Place in Camp-wide games, and Baden Powell award. We are very proud of Troop 681 and their accomplishments at Rodney Scout Reservation.

Friday Night

2008-07-12T18:43:00.000-07:00

The troop assembles prior to flag lowering

Friday night campfire is by the bay with the sunset behind. Another great campfire with both original acts and songs, and some old standards, including a full solo telling ot the Creamation of Sam McGhee. There are strange things done, in the midnight sun, by the men who moil for gold...

Prayers

2008-07-12T18:26:00.000-07:00

Last night, one of our scouts broke his finger and lost a finger nail in an unforunate accident. Please pray for him that he has a fast and full recovery.

This scout was very brave during his evaluation and treatment. He demonstrated strong character - even though he was injured an in pain, he made sure to thank everyone who assisted him. We salute you!

We also thank the Rodney health staff and the staff of Union Hospital.

Friday PM Update

2008-07-11T10:52:00.000-07:00

Brothers at camp

Scout has an apple...and a elfish look

Scout rappels down the Tower of Doooom

Scout rappels nicely

Scout nails a clay pigeon - out of ten shots, this scout missed the first four then nailed the last six. Outstanding for a novice shooter.

The older scouts have set an excellent example to the younger scouts through their hard work and dedication

Father and son at camp

Troop 681 Senior Patrol Leader for the campout (above). Our SPL led the boys brilliantly, demonstrating calm under pressure, great organizational skills, and outstanding motivational techniques. He always set a good example and ran a tight ship. The boys respected to him and listed to him. This summer's camp was very educational and enjoyable for all thanks in large part to his leadership. We congratulate him on his great success and thank him for his service.

Friday Update

2008-07-11T09:06:00.000-07:00

Scouts hanging out after breakfast and before merit badges.

Father and son at camp

Board game skills have improved over the week

The scouts lit a nice fire last night

Sailing on the bay

Metal working merit badge session

The scouts are enjoying their last day at camp. Spirits remain high as the merit badges are beginning to roll in. The weather has cooperated - nice days yesterday and today and cool evenings. It makes us want to stay for another week - if only we could!

Tonight we will have a camp-wide flag ceremony in full uniform and then the camp-wide campfire event. We'll have the Rodney camp closing ceremony and award ceremony in the morning following by our campsite inspection. Once we get the all clear, we'll head home - probably around 10 or 10:30am. We should be rolling into town around 12:30 to 1:30pm.

Thursday Update

2008-07-10T10:15:00.000-07:00

The Nature Lodge is one cool place

The Nature Director is a science teacher and completely in his element. He is known for his vast knowledge of nature, fun and spirited teaching style, and his strong coffee. He carries his Tabasco sauce in a holster. Here, he poses next to the Nature Lodge mascot, Johnny Unitas.

Scouts working on the forestry merit badge

Hitting the books for the weather merit badge

An impressive scout craft structure in front of the nature center

Service projects help build muscles

Scouts fill in low spots at the camp that collect water after the rain

Scouts clear out brush from around tents

Service project gets put on hold while scout strikes a pose. Fashion waits for nothing in scouts

Munchkins has been the game to play

Wednesday - Final Update

2008-07-09T17:45:00.000-07:00

The ever popular fire building competition

Scouts relaxing between merit badge programs

Camp life can't be beat

Everyone chips in to clean up. Don't let mom see this picture, it will ruin my reputation

Food is still good

I'll even eat thsi green stuff it will help with the mile swim

All meals are delivered to our camp via 'heater stacks'. These are insulated boxes that hold containers of hot food - such as delicious turkey and mashed potatoes and mixed veggies - the best meal of the week.

In line for food

Chow line

More chow line

Brothers enjoying each others company.

The weather looks great for the rest of the week - looks like 80's in the day and high 60's in the night - perfect! We have lots of stories to share when we get back home.

Wednesday Update - Part 2

2008-07-09T17:39:00.000-07:00

We woke up early this morning to attend the Polar Bear Swim at 6:45am. What a great way to wake up – better than Starbucks.

We had a brief rain storm that came just as dinner was starting – it’s a good thing dinner is being delivered to us. The storm blew down a rain fly, but the scouts had it back up in a short time.

The scouts began two service projects – a drainage improvement project and a brush clearance project. The boys jumped into the projects with gusto and the threat of having to attend 7am religious services if they did not participate really had no part in their decision to take part and do a good deed.

Wednesday Update - Merit Badge Programs

2008-07-09T12:11:00.000-07:00

The scouts are making their way through their merit badges with great success. They are focused and determined. Many were working on assignments last night.

I am extremely proud of this group of boys. They are demonstrating tremendous scout spirit and are demonstrating a strong understanding of the Scout Law. The older scouts are showing outstanding leadership by directing, coaching, encouraging and setting a good example for the younger scouts. The younger scouts are showing great eagerness to learn and determination in their scouting activities.

Below are pictures from various merit badge programs across the camp. Camp Rodney focuses on waterfront activities; however, you will see a strong diversity in the program.

Scouts at the rifle range. Rifle shooting merit badge is a tough badge to earn. Scouts must achieve a high level score to earn the merit badge, including five shots within the size of a quarter. Our scouts have been advancing nicely - and our adult leaders have been assisting with individual coaching to help them along with great success.

Scout participating the the rifle shooting merit badge

Nice shoot'n!

The scouts say that the archery instructor is one cool dude!

Part of the reptile and amphibian merit badge involves a stealthy frog hunt. What's for dinner?

First aid merit badge teaches practical and important techniques. Many of the counselors are young and scouts - they keep it informative and fun at the same time.

More of the first aid merit badge program

Many Troop 681 scouts are earning the canoeing merit badge. Here, they demonstrate a tight formation while canoeing on the bay

Tuesday Morning Update

2008-07-08T08:12:00.000-07:00

Morning flag raising before breakfast

Board Games Rule

Scouts enjoying down time between merit badge sessions. The scouts have been in great spirits.

Preparing for merit badge class is tough work

The fire warden is ever vigilant and keeps an eye on every log in camp. Truely, he's doing a fanstastic job

Yummy - the food's been great.

Scouts are happy after the best meal of the week - the roast pork and potatoes.

The pies are under the close supervision of the adult leaders...of course, a taste test is in order

Sunset at the water front is amazing. Scouts have sailing, motor boating, and sail boarding sessions.

We are having fun at the pool. Here a first year scout participates in the swimming merit badge.

We are experiencing fantastic weather. The days are warm and the nights are cool. The boys are settling into their routine with merit badges and the camp. It's a wonderful camp with friendly staff.

Great Monday - Mid-day Update

2008-07-07T11:41:00.001-07:00

Monday has been fantastic so far. Weather has been great and the boys have started their merit badge classes. And tacos for lunch - can't beat that.

Leaders Ready to Go

Yum, pancakes and sausage on a stick!

Smiling faces at Breakfast

Breakfast goodies

On the way to the pool

Smiling faces after lunch

Hanging at the trading post

Pics from Day One

2008-07-06T16:27:00.000-07:00

Waiting with our health forms.

Yeah! We passed the health check!

Setting up camp

Safety discussion

The guys are doing great today - all helpful and in good spirits. Especially after dinner!

Sunday - Off to a Great Start

2008-07-06T16:16:00.000-07:00

We all arrived at Camp Rodney with no issues and the fun has begun. Today we checked in and got set up in our camp site. We had a delicious dinner brought right to our campsite! The boys ate well, and so did the adult leaders.

I'll try to post at least daily updates.

Rodney

2008-07-04T15:14:00.000-07:00

Rodney Scout Reservation is located on over 900 acres of rolling upland woodlands at the head of the Chesapeake Bay and boasts over a mile of prime bay frontage. It has been in continuous operation since 1923.

Check in Here for News From Camp Rodney 2008!

2008-07-04T14:31:00.000-07:00

If there is Internet connectivity at Rodney, we will post news and pictures from Rodney on this site. Stay tuned.