Locals Attend Boy Scout Camp And Write Their Own Article

Boy Scouts Dalton Curtis and JT Stewart prepare and emergency kit for the Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge.

The following article was co-written by Boy Scouts Dalton Curtis and J.T. Stewart. By submitting this article, the Scouts have meet a requirement for the Communications Merit Badge, required for an Eagle Scout.

​From June 19, 2016 through June 24, 2016, Scouts from Edmonson County Boy Scout Troop 597 joined other Scouts from across the United States for a week of camp at Roy C. Manchester Scout Reservation.

When Dalton Curtis from Troop 597 went to camp, he was able to choose from any six merit badges. He chose Kayaking, Canoeing, Indian Lore, Wilderness Survival, Emergency Preparedness, and Communication. At the end of the day scouts were able to participate in free time in the Aquatics center. They could also choose between swimming, participating in a large inflatable game,  kayaking, or canoeing.

On certain days after supper,  one could sign up for an after class, have game night or play volleyball. On Tuesday Dalton played in a volleyball tournament. His team (the Under Dogs) came in second place among the Scout teams.

On Thursday in Wilderness Survival, Dalton had to travel into the woods and sleep in a shelter that he constructed. Six other scouts wanted to return to their assigned camp after a storm passed through, but he convinced them to stay.

“I had the most fun camping this week than any other and it was the best week of camp," Dalton said. "It had its challenges and its perks. But everyone should join scouts and go to camp.”

Boy Scouts Dalton Curtis and JT Stewart prepare to raise the Troop Flag at Roy C Manchester Scout Reservation.

Boy Scout JT Stewart says the evening prayer as part of the evening flag ceremony.

​J.T. Stewart attended Summer Camp for the first time this year. Being his first year, he was involved in a program called “Eagle Bound,” where several skills were learned, such as handling hatchets and axes, chopping wood, tying knots, and sharpening knives with whetstones.

Other merit badges chosen were Indian Lore, Communication, and Emergency Preparedness. J.T. noted “In Communication, we did funny commercials, speeches, and made introductions. In Indian Lore, we played a game called ‘Dakota’, did a stick game, did a hula-hoop and arrow game, and made a necklace. After the day was over we could swim in the lake.” J.T. obtained what is known as a Fireman’s Chit, which allows him to make fires for the Troop.

While at Camp, all Boy Scout Troops are encouraged to perform some kind of service for the camp. While some larger Troops chose to clean bathrooms, the boys in Troop 597 (being a relatively small Troop) decided to conduct prayer at the evening meal on Thursday for the entire camp. J.T. Stewart, being the Troop’s Chaplain’s Aide, said Grace and was congratulated by several other Scouts on his good job.
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Edmonson County Boy Scout Troop 597 is sponsored by the Edmonson County Lions Club.