Kayaking at Fort Desoto (5-19-2007)

Kayak Trip Enormous Success

Let's do it again!! This seems to be the general consensus regarding Troop 177's recent outing to Fort Desoto. A big thank you goes out to Phil and Chili, our Sweet Water Kayak guides. Phil and Chili were on site early and were well prepared for us by our arrival.

Lessons on the proper technique and use of paddles started on shore and no one was injured!
Phil and Chili made kayak assignments and we were on the water in no time.

To our surprise, we had a strong wind out of the north which soon became a challenge in keeping our kayaks on course. An attempt to take a shortcut through a mangrove tunnel had to be aborted due to fallen trees and debris blocking the route, but spirits remained high as we backed our way out of the tunnel back into open water. Once recovered, we paddled around the island and got on the leeward side using the island as a wind block.

Even though we had a group ranging from some limited experience in kayaking, to no experience at all, everyone was soon capable of piloting their kayak and games of "flip the kayak" and "sink the guide" ensued. (Many thanks to Chili for volunteering to be the "target" of the boys attention.)

Chili and Phil demonstrated their skill in kayak rolling and water rescue techniques, while they made it look easy, this paddler had a hard enough time just staying upright.

After the kayak trip was over some of us went into the park and spent some time on the beach and playing on and in the water. Some quality time was spent teaching water rescue techniques to our new scouts in Phoenix patrol. Thanks you to Kyle E. and Henry G., and Jon W. for teaching and demonstrating the line tender rescue and a rope throwing rescue.

By the end of the day, I for one was exhausted! It was a memorable trip!

Thank you to all our parents, drivers, chaperones, and adult leaders, if not for you, we could not do what we do!

Photos provided by Judy E.

Scoutmaster's Review

Troop Meeting 5-14-07

Program Theme for the month of May is Leadership. SPL has planned a good meeting, with Inititive Games and Scout Skill activties from D.E.L.T.A. handbook. (Developing Ethical Leaders Through Action).

Phoenix Patrol (new patrol) had planned a seperate patrol meeting for tonight at a local pool for the purpose of working on swimming skills.

I infomed Blazing Lion and Gladiator patrols that they are also allowed and are encouraged to plan seperate patrol meeting, they just needed to present to the SPL a plan which is to include: Where they are going to meet; what are their goals; and what scout skills, merit badge work or patrol business will be accomplished during the meeting. They also must have a BSA Trained Leader and other adult supervision attending. (The SPL and PLC will review their plan and approve/disapprove or recommend changes after convering with me.)

I am willing to set aside one Monday a month to patrol meeting if all the patrols get on board with this idea. Patrol Leaders its up to you, this is your opportunity to run your own meeting, set patrol goals, and provide leadership to your patrol.

Strong patrols make for a strong troop.

The Scoutmaster.