The weekend of May 20-22 was rainy, but that did not deter many Boy Scout Troops from Patrick Henry District from camping at Fairy Stone State Park.
Saturday started with a lot of good food for breakfast. The day was spent learning about various aspects of Backpacking. This included many things, such as selection of pack (external frame vs internal frame), how to pack it (where things should go, lightest to heaviest), what to pack (clothes, first aid, etc.), water filtration to types of meals.
Lunch was prepared and eaten while on a three-mile hike through the park. While hiking the Scouts cleaned up trash and helped clear some of the trails.
After a great supper, there was a campfire on the beach where the Order of the Arrow conducted a Tap-Out of those selected to be a part of the OA. The Order of the Arrow is Scouting’s National Honor Society. It recognizes those who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives.
The weekend finished on Sunday with a religious service and announcement of the Campsite Inspection Award. Boy Troop 69, from Patrick Springs, was awarded first place with a score of 100.
It was a great weekend and the youth and adults had a wonderful time. This is one of several yearly events that Boy Scouts take part in that gives them the opportunity to learn and have fun.
The Patrick Henry District is part of the Blue Ridge Mountains Council, Boy Scouts of America. The district encompasses the counties of Franklin, Henry and Patrick, the towns of Rocky Mount and Stuart and the city of Martinsville.
The Boy Scouts are for boys age 11-18. Anyone interested in finding out more about scouting should contact the district director, Dan Cross, at (276) 229-9830, patrickhenryde@bsa-brmc.org or go to beascout.org for more information.
