BSA Troop 451, Lewisville, TX

  Pow Wow  2022 I would say the the dog days of summer have arrived but it feels that we’ve been mired in them for months.     But an August weekend before school starts can only mean one thing.    Pow Wow.     Mic-o say’s    quintessential event, also the first event of the year following summer camp.     The new braves first opportunity to be with their peers from all 6 sessions of summer camp.    A crash course, if you will, regarding all things Mic-o-say.    Regalia, dances, traditions, and most importantly FUN.    This year partipants included Luke Goss, Winston Smith, Caleb Pratt, Nicholas Shook, Daniel Woehler, James Grantonic, Landon Pratt, Max Brooks, Jonathan Stephens, Marshall Hayden and The Rishi Bandlamudi.      Lance Brooks, Drew Gonzalez and myself were in the van with the tribesman.    Richard Covington, Mark DiCaccio, and Thomas Sorensen drov...

 The graceful quiet after a storm is always refreshing.  Last night Troop 451 endured an almost 9 hour battering of isolated thunderstorms and showers throughout the evening.  Lightning alerts started near dinner and the scouts weren’t to leave cover until early this morning.  Though if you have been to Geiger before, you know the pavilion is a wonderful sanctuary to escape the heat and rain but if the rain is sideways…you tend to get wet.  If you have read my blog before, you have heard me say it again and again.  Adapt and overcome.  Rain puddle in the corner, I can fit 2 on the opposite side and 1 here.   Just a giant puzzle in the middle of the night, wet, with kids as puzzle pieces.  You know, just a normal Tuesday night. Huge thanks to the Grantonic’s, Mrs Brinkerhoff, Mr a Hawkins and the rest of the adult leaders (apologies if I didn’t list your name, I retreated to my tent to get wet in a different spot) It’s a Wednesday tradition th...

False alarm… False alarm… There was no bear attack…I was promised to save that story for Philmont blog.  Besides, bears can’t type that well with…well…claws. The troop started to rise at daybreak with a level of humidity typically only felt in the Amazon.  A slight exaggeration but it was slightly sticky and damp start to the day.  The scouts were already up and about in their class B uniforms aside from the 4 scouts chosen to be part of the color gaurd for flag duty.  We were to raise our Texas flag as it is our privilege to do after winning cleanest campsite.   Breakfast served this morning was sausage, egg and cheese served on biscuits.  Another couple rounds of songs and games led us to the 2 minute drill.  A rapid fire process where the table is cleaned and all utinsels are cleared.  The scouts are starting to get into a rythm with the Geiger schedule.  They head off to class while the adults wait for our next a activity. David Fox is th...

  Unfortunately there will not be a blog entry for today, our blog master had a bear related incident at Herzog Lodge.  Apparantly he had been over confident in his Philmont training and word got back to the Geiger bear who did not appreciate Mr Pratt nor his blog. Your new blogger, next topic:  Is honey on bread heels sacrilegious?   Mr Grantonic thinks so.

The first day school…Mondays at camp Geiger always carried that first day of school vibe.  Meeting the merit badge counselor, new friends, mapping class locations…and slushies (they have slushies in school right?)   Today is not the first calendar day of camp Geiger but it is when merit badge programming begins.   First call is at 6:4am with revile is played at 7:00am.  A much needed nights rest for the troop, scouts and leaders alike.  Taking a look across the faces of the troop last night, you could just tell it was an experience we had all gone through.  It was hot for most of the day but Monday offered a token of redemption.  Partly cloudy with the temperature hitting at a picturesque 70 degrees with a perfect breeze.   I sauntered up to the pavilion, coffee cup in hand to enjoy a fine cup of hot water poured over burnt beans.  Our coffee bar started as a quick joke that has not morphed into a full blown franchise.  I assume Starbuck...

You would have thought that it was a rock band whose tour bus was pulling into the first Methodist church parking lot on a steamy Saturday night.  Oh no, it was the 2022 camp Geiger bus there to haul 40+ scouts and adult leaders the 600 mile trip to St. Joseph, MO.  The troop has competed this journey 21 years in succession.  A little organized chaos always shows it’s face when trying to corral the excitement of summer camp in addition to the bus ride up.  The bus all loaded, hugs abound, pictures and maybe a tear or two (high fives for some).    This year the movie selection took a small change as it sometimes will and the troop watched Up.  Some tried to sleep, some played with their electronics as much as they could as they are rounded up when we arrive at camp.  The excitement in the air has always been one of the most enjoyable parts of summer camp.  Whether you are a first year scout or a seasoned veteran, Geiger is a special place that...