December 14-15 O'Neill Regional Park Campout

34 degrees F.!!! Konrad Howard, Wyatt Powell, Clay Coleman, Shane Stapleton & Christiaan Frost, with Bros. Chapman, Coleman, Howard and Powell camped at O'Neill Regional Park Friday, December 14, 2007 to Saturday, December 15, 2007. They used firewood, warm clothing, thick sleeping bags and hot food to fight off the cold.

Speaking of food, everyone went all out with their traditional "foil dinners," which tasted like gourmet meals. The starry night was an incredible backdrop for great food and some wonderful storytelling.

Saturday morning, Konrad and Wyatt made good use of their time passing off some of their requirements for ranks from Tenderfoot to First Class. They did well learning in demonstrating two half hitches and the taut-line hitch. Wyatt reviewed the Scout Oath, Law, Motto and Slogan for his leaders and discussed their meeting in detail.

In neighboring troupe from Mission Viejo, came by and visited our campground. We gave them a grand welcome and had a nice visit. We may organize some joint outings/activities in the future.

Everyone practiced their fire building skills which was essential in the cold. Saturday morning, Clay was up early carving wood shavings and getting the fire going begin. The Troop broke camp by about 11 a.m., Saturday morning, so that Wyatt and Shane - who are super star football players on their Pop Warner team - could make it to their end of the year banquet at noon.

Brother Chapman took a few pictures to memorialize the event.

How to Make a Patrol Flag

Every patrol needs a good name. Usually, the patrol chooses its name from nature, a plant or animal, or something that makes the patrol unique. A patrol might choose an object for its outstanding quality. For example, sharks are strong swimmers and buffaloes love to roam. The patrol may want to add an adjective to spice up the patrol name, such as the Soaring Hawks or the Rambunctious Raccoons.

A patrol flag is the patrol's trademark, and it should be a good one. Have a competition to see who comes up with the best design and who is the best artist. Make the flag out of a heavy canvas and use permanent markers to decorate it. In addition to the patrol name, the patrol flag should have the troop number on it as well as the names of all the patrol members. Mount the flag on a pole, which also can be decorated. Remember, the patrol flag should go wherever the patrol goes.

Every patrol has a patrol yell, which should be short and snappy. Choose words that fit the patrol's goals. Use the yell to announce to other patrols that your patrol is ready to eat or has won a patrol competition. Some patrols also have a patrol song.