(A Reflection from July 25, 2021; by David Keen, Scoutmaster)
Now that we’re all back home, had a shower, slept in our own beds and hopefully have begun the task of cleaning all the sand and dirt out of our camping gear, it is time to reflect back on an amazing week at Camp Meriwether! This was the first Boy Scout camp I ever attended 11 years ago. As a matter of fact, we had the same campsite at Council Bluff overlooking the beach and Pacific Ocean. I was even able to place my tent in the exact same location again to fall asleep to the constant crashing of waves against the pristine shore. Not only was it my third time at Camp Meriwether but it was also Mr. Impala’s as well. He had been there as a Boy Scout at the ages of 11 & 15. Now he was able to come back as an adult and be there with his son. Lots of special memories for both of us!
Enough of the nostalgia, let’s move on to Camp Meriwether 2021. Was it different from most years, yes the lingering effects of COVID did change a few things but most were for the better. Our scouts were divided into 3 cohorts, in which they all went to the same activity areas together. We placed the younger scouts together in Cohort C so they would have plenty of time to work on rank advancement. The middle-aged scouts were in Cohort B and they were able to spend time on advancement and fun activities. The oldest scouts were in Cohort A and they were able to enjoy the privilege of rank by taking advantage of the best activities that camp had to offer.
Talking to the scouts, some of their favorite areas were the beach, the mountain bike area, the waterfront, the shooting range and the fort. At the 2.5 miles of beach, they had sandboards, volleyball and sand carts. What are “sand carts” you ask? They are low to the ground tricycles that have a sail, which propels you back and forth across the wide beach. You were supposed to be 14 years old but we did have a couple of 13 year old scouts jump in and take advantage of the opportunity when allowed. The camp had recently spent $180k on a new bike area that had two remarkable tracks. The scouts really took advantage of this area. Of course, the waterfront was very popular and the waterfront staff were very friendly and accommodating. While there, you could free swim, paddle board (SUP), kayak, row, fish (Mr. Impala caught a 10” trout) or just hangout by the shore and catch salamanders. Lastly, 3 of our scouts (Max, Andrew and Neo) joined the dime club at the .22 rifle range and earned a very cool Camp Meriwether patch.
Now what made camp really special this year? First off, being together again in a normal outdoor setting was so needed for these scouts! They bonded, hung out and just got to act like boys again. Because they didn’t have camp-wide events, we were able to spend a lot of special time together as a troop. We had two outstanding evenings down at the beach where we built bonfires, played volleyball, ate smores and the youngest scouts even treated us to a very creative skit. 14 people did an overnight on the beach and 11 did the Polar Bear Plunge in the Pacific Ocean the next morning. Yes, I’m still getting sand out of my sleeping bag and from behind my ears.
This troop time was so special that even the camp director said she might forgo some of the camp-wide events next year so the troops could continue to take advantage of these spectacular surroundings. In addition to all this fun, it gave us more time for advancement activities as well. I was so proud of how our scout leaders stepped up and spent a lot of time helping everyone with advancement. I had 10 Scoutmaster Conferences and the other adults held at least 7 board of reviews. Rylan, Max, Neo and Andrew all earned their First Class rank and will be wonderful leaders in our troop moving forward.
In addition to all the efforts from the scouts, the adults this year really had to step up and put in much more time than usual. Between driving a long way to and from camp, having to accompany each cohort to the activity areas, working with the scouts on rank advancement, they all stayed extremely busy. I can’t thank Mr. Showalter, Mr. Impala, Mrs. McFadden and Mr. Boyd enough for all you did to make camp go so well and be the fun time it was! A special thank you as well to Mr. Bachmeier for making a last minute trip down so we had a vehicle to tow the trailer back yesterday.
Camp Meriwether was my first camp and with heavy heart, it will be my last camp. I cannot tell you how much I’ve enjoyed spending a week with these amazing scouts and adults in this ideal location! Watching the growth that takes place through this critical weeklong journey fills my soul beyond what any person can truly imagine. I am grateful!
