Troop 281 Cincinnati, OH

An Unusual (But Fun) Way to Give Gifts      This week we had our Christmas party, consisting mainly of our white elephant gift exchange. Everyone who attended this week’s meeting brought some type of gift. (The recommended cost was $5-$10.) All of the gifts were put on a table in the middle of the room. Then we all made a circle-ish shape around the table. Jackson T. explained the rules: we would go around the circle, one person at a time. Each person would choose either to pick a gift from the table, or to steal a previous person’s item. One item could only be stolen up to three times, and someone could not steal something that they’d already had.      It was a great time. There were some cool gifts, and lots of laughing over the events unfolding. Sometimes, just as someone got exactly what they wanted, it was stolen from them. Some items of interest that were stolen three times were a Gerber knife, a waterproof stuff-sack, a lantern...

Feast Fest     This month, we had one of our traditional troop camping trips… Feast Fest! Feast Fest is a campout dedicated to having fun and good food. Traditionally, the troop holds this event at Boy Scout Camp Oyo, near Portsmouth, Ohio.      It all started with the long drive (2 to 3 hours) to Camp Oyo. The large procession of vehicles left the lockup in the dark. Before we knew it, we were out of Cincinnati and on our way down State Route 52. We passed quite a few power plants situated cozily along the Ohio River, while seeing rolling farmland and old barns on the other side of the road. We went through several towns with beautiful Christmas decorations and long strings of colored lights along the road. About halfway through our drive, we stopped at our usual Marathon station to get snacks, drinks, etc. and to go to the bathroom. With all of our Scouts and leaders lined up all the way across the convenience store, it was probably one ...

Preparing for Feast Fest       This week, our meeting involved preparations for the Feast Fest campout. One of the first things we did after the opening flag ceremony was patrol leader nominations. Yes, that time of year had come again. The patrols went to their corners to nominate their new patrol leaders, who would be sworn in at the January Court of Honor. Then there was trailer loading, accompanied by a nice long game of dodgeball. Later, we had patrol leader elections. After the loading, voting, and dodgeball throwing was finished, we circled up and concluded our meeting. Congrats to all of our new patrol leaders elect!

Dutch Oven Cook-Off      This week the troop had a Dutch oven cooking competition. Once tent inspections were completed, the meeting began. After the Eagles put on the opening flag ceremony, everyone went outside. Large tin trays were set up, filled with glowing coals. Each patrol got its Dutch oven and other equipment and set to work. The patrols competed fiercely, making things like cobbler, dump cake, and all kinds of tasty treats. It wasn’t long before ovens were on their coals and producing delicious smells. When it was time to plan meals for Feast Fest (coming up in a couple of weeks), everybody just did it right there, next to the Dutch ovens. Closer to the end of the meeting, the youth staff called for everyone to come inside for the final fall-in, except for two people from each patrol (to tend to the cooking food). After the troop fell in, everyone came inside to participate in circling up. Several Scouts received their rank patches: Hunter M. and ...

Dutch Oven Cooking        This week, we had a skill session on cooking with Dutch ovens. After tent inspections were finished (around 7:30), we fell in for the opening flag ceremony, put on by the Dragons. Some Cub Scouts were visiting, and introduced themselves to the troop. Then we began the skill session. Ryan Z. and David D. taught us how to cook a few types of cobbler in a Dutch oven. Delicious! Then Mr. Zink took us outside to demonstrate putting coals on the Dutch ovens. Then we went inside for one of those classic, crazy games of dodgeball. We had a fairly long game, and then fell in and circled up. Mr. Smotherman announced that four Scouts had passed boards of review, and then Mr. Todd gave his Scoutmaster Minute. Afterward, Mrs. Haught gave out eagerly awaited popcorn prizes.   For once, though, when the meeting was over, it just wasn’t quite over. Everyone had to get some of that delicious apple, cherry, and peach cobbler. Ask just abou...

Color Wars        This month, the troop had a classic campout at Camp Achewon. Yes, you guessed it, Color Wars! This troop tradition is all about teamwork and patrol competition. It’s a weekend of Scout skills, unknown challenges, and unexpected judging.        When we got to Achewon on Friday night, it was already getting pretty dark. Once we had finished the unloading of the trailer, it was time to get rolling: literally! The trailer drove to the parade field, and the three small carts were taken to the beginning of the trail to the back campsites. Patrol boxes, personal gear, tents, and much more were unloaded from the trailer and loaded into carts and people’s arms. The Scouts worked quickly on getting their things to the campsites so they could set up. This continued for most of the evening. After everyone was done, they relaxed a little at their campsites and then went to bed.        S...

Pioneering and Color Wars Planning        This week, the troop did a few things to get prepared for Color Wars. After the opening flag ceremony, which was put on by the Dragons, we went to our patrol corners. Meanwhile, the Sharks, who were in charge of putting on the pioneering skill session, came around to each patrol to give them rope, sticks, and an assignment. The patrols had to make different structures using lashings. After there had been enough time to complete the assignments, we fell in. Patrol leaders got their planning forms, we were all informed that dinner would be judged (Dun-dun-dun!), and then everyone got to work planning for Color Wars. Once the forms were filled, the meals approved, and the signup sheets turned in, it was time for another wonderful game of dodgeball. For nearly ten minutes, you could hear the SLAM! BANG! WHOOSH!!! of the epic battle raging. Then came the cry that instantly put it to an end: “Troop, fall in!!!” We fo...

Veterans’ Dinner        This Saturday, the troop held a special dinner at the church to honor veterans. The Scouts arrived throughout the afternoon, and they prepared the room for the big event. Curtains were put up, flags were placed in their stands, and lights were positioned. Tablecloths were spread, candles were placed, silverware was laid, and salt, pepper, dressing, and butter were set out. Meanwhile, carrots were cut, salads were made, food was prepared, and then the salad was put on the tables. The Scouts rehearsed their roles in the ceremony, and then, since they were quite hungry, went to room 123 to feast on boxes and boxes of pizza.        Once the preparations were made and the Scouts were fed, the clock indicated it was nearly time for the doors to open, at 5:30. After this, veterans and their families came in and found tables to sit at. As this was happening, table hosts were greeting their guests, Danny C...