Mr. Spahr writes:

As promised to Troop 828 parents and scouts, the Troop left Friday night for Pecan Park Retreat on time (6:00 P.M.) for weekend of fun and excitement. And it was all that, and then some.

Following a brief stop at LOVE’S for a quick sugar fix and ‘Necessity’ breaks, we reached our final destination at 9:30 P.M. and had our tents up and ready to hit the sack by 10:30. OK, maybe it was closer to 11:00 P.M.

It appeared all of the boys were sprite and ready to go until we heard some thunder at a distance and felt some sprinkles from above. The boys settled down after a few adults pointed out ‘why does it matter? You are going to be in a river most of the day.’ They accepted the fact they were going to get wet one way or another.

After having lunch on the river and portaging 28 canoes over the dam, the boys took some time out to try their body surfing skills. The cool (COLD) water was refreshing and awakening. Even the GEEZER patrol took their chances down the rapids. And they didn’t lose any of their britches going over the rocks. Arriving back at the camp, the troop partook in a round of acting like ‘TARZAN’ by swinging on a rope out into the river. It was hard to say who was the best actor.

Boys were eager to eat after spending time out on the river. Each patrol had their menus prepared and ready to cook. They had meals consisting anywhere from Roman Noodles, Spaghetti, Pizza and Silver Turtles. While the Geezer patrol had pork ribs (Mexican style), corn on the cob, beans, frozen potato salad rounded off with peach and apple cobblers.

Once the censor board was established, the creative and impromptu scouts were eager to perform their standup comics. The scouts were eager to hit the sack after reflecting on the weekend events.

Following a prayerful service by First Class Scout William P., (GREAT JOB) the troop departed for St. Laurence Catholic Church without a hitch.

BIG THANKS goes to Mr. Lee Mendoza and Dan Clark for organizing this campout, appropriating food for the adults and keeping us on time. Want to also thank Mr. John Rankin for his leadership and support in addition to the other 16 adults who pitched in without hesitation. My hat goes off to each and every one of you. SEE YOU NEXT YEAR.

by Robert T.

After a three-hour ride, we finally arrived at Pecan Park Retreat. We set up camp and went to bed. The next day we woke up at 5:30 AM and each patrol cooked its own breakfast. At about 8:00 AM we headed to a warehouse where we were told about canoeing safety on the San Marcos River. We were taken up the river, where we boarded canoes and started paddling. For most, the canoeing was fun, with occasional weak rapids and obstacles in the river. For the inexperienced few who mowed down overhanging branches it was a slightly painful and very muddy experience. Once we got to the dam we veered away and transported everything about 20 yards down the river. Then we ate lunch and played in the rapids. After having a bit of fun we all boarded our canoes and headed back to our campsite’s river area, where we played in the rapids and on a rope swing. Most patrols then started making fires to cook dinner and dessert. Following dinner and dessert was a campfire where there were skits, stories, and jokes. The next morning we ate a quick breakfast, packed up, cleaned up and pulled out. This camping trip was fun and it helped many on their way to First Class.

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