Members of Boy Scout Troop 1498 recently returned from the outstanding Camp Parson on the Hood Canal.
Camp Parson celebrated its 97th year as a continuous Boy Scout camp and this year had a new dining hall for the campers to break in. Eighteen members of the troop ranging in age from 11-15 enjoyed six days of of Scouting activities.
The young men completed merit badges in several disciplines, including: Sailing, Rowing, Lifesaving, Kayaking, Rifle Shooting, Plant Science, Fish & Wildlife Management, Soil & Water Conservation, Fingerprinting, First Aid, Climbing, Art, Leatherworking, Woodcarving, Canoeing and Water Skiing.
While at camp, the troop earned “Honor Troop,” the highest award given out to Scout troops during camp. To earn the award, the troop visited all areas of the camp and worked together on various tasks from an eco-challenge trivia game (similar to Jeopardy), going to the rifle range to shoot as a troop, to playing water dodge ball vs. another Scout troop (one of 1498’s favorite activities).
The week was a chance for the young men to demonstrate independence and leadership. Each Scout had the responsibility to be a “waiter” for the troop at various times during the week, setting, serving and cleaning up after their troop mates for each meal. Scouts were able to practice U.S. flag etiquette with the raising and lowering of the American flag each day in their campsite. As part of working toward “Honor Troop,” they also raised the camp flag in front of the other 400 Scouts, 60 staff and 100 adult leaders one morning. Scouts also worked on how to safely sharpen and use axes, knifes and saws, camp cooking and planning skills.
Troop 1498 members are Dylan Washburn, Hunter Davidson, Weston Mason, Mathew Craig, Ash Francis, Jake Emery, Liam Stevenson, Ozzy Krammer, Iain Thill, Zen Graham, Devin Anderson, Toby Bellis, Jace Francis, Douglass Peecher, Ben Wright, Fischer Jensen, Carl McIlmoil, Braven Headley, Zay Jones, Pascual Roybal and Alec Shingelton.
Troop 1498 is sponsored Sequim Elks Lodge No. 2642. The troop meets Thursdays from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Elks club, 143 Port Williams Road. See www.troopwebhost.org/FormHTML.aspx?Menu_Item_ID=373394.
