This summer our troop continued its unique, 50-plus-year tradition of building its own summer camp at a lake in the high Sierra.  20 participants in the Advance Camp prepared the camp by cleaning up what others had left behind and creating facilities that included a large kitchen, three latrines, impressive flagpole, waterfront and much more.

The troop endured several miles of rough roads to reach Sawmill Lake where they were richly rewarded.  Summer camp included 40 scouts (patrols, Senior Patrol Leaders and the Instructor Corps) who participated in swimming and boating, navigation & ropework skills, working with others, (propane-fired) campfire experiences and having lots of fun, all in a beautiful wilderness setting.

Some advancement opportunities included a 5-mile troop hike, First Class orienteering course, Trail to First Class requirements and various merit badges, including Camping, Canoeing, Communications, several crafts merit badges, Emergency Preparedness, Environmental Science, Fishing, Geocaching, Lifesaving, Nature, Orienteering, Photography, Pioneering, Sailing and – of course – Swimming.

There were patrol contests such as canoe races, wood chopping and the two-man saw.  The scouts enjoyed games like Tug-O-War, Two Ball and the very popular White Bomb.  Five scouts completed the mile swim as well.

Highlights included a night of lightning and heavy rain, crossing the Lake Faucherie spillway during our 5-mile hike and bridging new scouts across a monkey bridge.  We will remember the beautiful scenery, clear water and relationships that deepened during the outing. Of course we followed “leave no trace” principles and restored the area to its natural condition before we departed.  Overall, this was an outstanding summer camp experience!