Spring Fling 2016 is just a Week Away!

Things are Heating Up!

Here it is Spring Fling time once again and Pack 285 is headed for a campout!!

With the start of nicer weather, everyone is eager to explore the Great Outdoors and Pack 285 is no exception.  With every passing year, our little Pack stretches and grows.  Back in October we participated in our first-ever Spooky Ree campout at Bert Adams Scout Reservation.  This event was a great learning opportunity for the adult participants and a fun weekend for the scouts. Based on feedback from that event, we were eager to try out the Spring Fling campout which also at Bert Adams.

This camping trip offers new challenges to both the leadership, the parents and the scouts. For the first time ever we are providing and cooking our own meals.  Last summer a neighboring Boy Scout troop helped us celebrate our first campout by providing us with meals and expert chefs. In October we purchased meals from the Bert Adams dining hall. The purchase option made sense as we had no idea what cooking facilities would be available in our campsite. Now, however, armed with prior knowledge and with several dens who have cooking experience, Pack 285 is ready to prove themselves at meal time.

All of the activities are pretty much the same as in October with BB guns, archery, slingshots, a wildlife demonstration, campfire activities and an evening nature hike. What proves to be different is that our den leaders have been encouraged to use this time to complete any last minute adventures, electives or tasks necessary for scouts to make their rank. I am excited to have both the Bear and Webelos Den Leaders in attendance. Wolf families are also encouraged to use this time individually or as a den to complete activities with a parent.

Even more exciting is our visit to Panola Mountain State Park for a Tree Top Excursion! Using a harness system scouts will learn to safely and respectfully climb trees. Early arrival at the park will allow for families to have a picnic lunch and explore! This is an exciting opportunity for everyone - spectators and scouts!

Thank you to everyone who is joining us on this trip!