This large rock proved to be a big source of entertainment for the boys. It was located right next to all the tents and it was irresistible to the young men.
The mountain meadows were beautiful at the camp and a small waterfall can be seen from the snow melting in the distance.
Oh man these chairs were the best thing since sliced bread. Braden and Bridger were so pumped they could hardly contain themselves.
This shot is just for you moms out there. Dinner most nights consisted of mashed potatoes, gravy, and then some type of vegetable. We did cook them separately but the boys (Bridger) loved this meal so much he put it all in one pot ha ha. The biggest thing to note here is that they did clean this pot. So don't let them tell you that they cant do dishes :).
The next few shots are of the boys drinking their freshly boiled creek water! I am glad they had the chance to prove it to themselves that it can be done. This is a valuable skill that will come in handy. Nice job guys. This was part of the requirements for Wilderness Survival merit badge. I had sign a note for each boy that read "<Insert Name> drank boiled creek water with VIGOR!" to get the councilor to sign off.
This shot is kinda silly but if you look in the background you will see about 10 cups of dirt sitting along the rock. This was part of their Environmental Science merit badge. They had to watch these cups all week.
One night during camp I actually thought a bear had come to eat us. It turned out however to be this very daring deer. The doe was looking for some yummy grass right next to the boys tents.
Breakfast at camp was a variety of oatmeal, pancakes, eggs, and bacon/sausage. These special creations were called "MAN CAKES". The next few photos are of the leaders and boys at the rifle range. These were fun because we got to shoot as a troop. For some it was their first time shooting a rifle. The Dime club was for those who could put 10 rounds into the size of dime on the target. Brock Ball and Austin Fontes were able to complete this marksmanship award. Danny, Brock and I had the opportunity to try the mountain man challenge. The challenge was to shoot a 50 caliber musket round at the blade of an axe 25 yards away. On each side of the axe blade were two clay pigeon targets. The objective was to split the lead ball in two by shooting the blade of the axe and then breaking each clay pigeon. We were all successful and had a lot of fun. Some of the boys went on to earn their rifle shooting merit badge which meant shooting 5 groups the size of a quarter. They did really well and I think found a lifelong sport.
The video below shows Dannys attempt at the mountain man challenge.
Alex had his war paint on this day.
TJ had some fun and then later tried the iron sights .22 rifle.
Easton and I learned some knots and I tried to show him the makings of a snare with this tree.
The face trail was posted with this ominous warning.
The trail began with a very steep climb for about 2000-3000 feet of elevation gain. We stopped to take a look at the surrounding area when we got close to a clearing.
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About 4-5 miles in we reached the ridgeline. There it was not as steep but we encountered several pockets of snow to cross.
Along the top of the ridge there are some junipers and mountain meadows. They were we a welcome change to the steep face climbing. The view was nice too.
Several places the trail was close to the edge looking into North Teton Creek. It was a spectacular view. The next challenge was the rock field. We had to hike through snow in some parts and try not to hurt an ankle on all the rocks.
The last obstacle was the scramble up to the 11106 ft. elevation on top of table rock.
These footprints show just how many hikers and had plunged into the snow during the trek to the top.
Kenishi and Caleb pushed hard to the top of the mountain. This was a gigantic achievement for all of us. The view from the top is amazing. We were all tired but we will all tell you we felt a huge sense of accomplishment by reaching the top. In the distance the Grand Teton can be seen. It was truly majestic.
I thought this moment was pretty cool. Way to go Braden and Dave. These are moments that will last a lifetime.
I don't think I can express how cool it was for Danny and I to help get these boys to the top. At the top we all celebrated with a "victory dance" by drinking our favorite drink. It is hard to put into words how proud I was that we all made it. The troop was excellent and cheered everyone to the top. These boys looked the mountain in the eye and won. I hope they will continue that same attitude in life. They learned to persist when challenge after challenge comes. President Monson once said "Courage not compromise brings the smile of Gods approval", these great young men showed courage every step of the way climbing this mountain. Great job guys.
We reached the bottom at 5:30pm and took this manly photo.
The next day we prepared for the "Battle of the Tetons". This game pits each campsite against eachother to try to swamp canoes. The only rule was no metal and 6 boys to a boat. We made these sweet shields to fend of the water splashed from other boats.
On the final day we played games down in the parade area. This game was the human knot. The boys also sawed a log. The big game was relay race called Chiefs Challenge were they had to carry a match and run to different stations all across the camp. Part of the leg was through the lake where they match was held in the Jaden's mouth to keep it dry. At the end the match had to light.
Danny and I also won the scoutmaster belly flop contest. Luckily there were no photos of this crazy event :). We were the dynamic duo of Gandalf and Batman or as Alex called it "BatGalf". Our awesome prize was a coupon for 2 fat boys at the trading post.
The last night of camp a program was put on. The program had to be moved to the lodge due to a thunderstorm that drenched everyone. Thanks to all the parents who came up that night. The support was very much appreciated and the boys were glad to see their families.
Final Thoughts
Overall we had a fantastic time at camp. The boys brought home 3 rank advancements and 44 merit badges. They also won the spirit stick one day, climbed to the top of table rock,
and completed devotional every night. They participated in skits, cheered, sang songs, and walked the honor trail. These young men are living the principles of scouting. They exemplified the scout law by being trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. I know that each boy learned something new about himself and had a lot of fun. Thanks for all leaders and parents that supported this great event for the young men.
