BOY SCOUT TROOP 3(SPACE)8 TAKES SUMMER CAMP BY STORM – EARNS COMMMISSIONER AWARD

Boy Scout Troop 38, sponsored by Calvary United Methodist Church here in Waynedale, literally took summer camp by storm or was stormed at summer camp, whichever you prefer. “It rained not unlike a typhoon,” according to their sopped and dripping Scoutmaster. But the rain was just starting to quit when this writer visited the troop at their annual summer camp at Camp Chief Little Turtle just outside Pleasant Lake, Indiana in the middle of their July camp week.

Scoutmaster Jerry Lloyd, Committee Member Dan Jobe, and Troop Advisor Richard Marshal were busy drying bedding, clothing, and mopping out tents when I waded into Iroquois Camp. In spite of the threatening weather, sprinkles, and a mild wind, the tents were open to air out and hopefully to dry out also.

I was greeted with smiles, laughter, and seemingly relieved looks after having challenged Mother Nature and surviving the worst she had to throw at them the night before. When asked if it was bad – and the old joke comeback of “How bad was it?” the answer came from the three tent moppers in unison, “It was sooooo bad the fish were climbing trees and wearing life jackets.” As they continued mopping up tent puddles I heard someone repeat over and over, under his breath, “Next week this will be funny; next month this will be funnier; next year this will be even funnier . . .”

When asked if they will come back next year, I got the same answer from all three, “YES, DEFINITELY.” I then asked about the boys; “Will they come back next year?” I got an astounding “YES,” again. It seems like with every seemingly near disaster the real pleasure is telling someone about it afterwards and listening to the “OOOH’s and AAAH’s from the mothers, the fathers, the boys that didn’t make it to camp this year, and the siblings of the Boy Scouts that did ‘live though’ the ordeal even though it was in reality just a thoroughly soaking rain storm with some tent flattening winds.

In spite of the seemingly crummy weather, Troop 3(space)8 brought home the highest possible earned honor from camp. It was their very first week ever at camp and they earned the coveted 1st Place Commissioner’s Award. They were presented with a ribbon to adorn the top of their troop flag so all of Waynedale will know they are one of the greatest troops in the area.

Is this unusual? It is if you consider the fact that all the members of the troop are brand new Boy Scouts that have just recently (in the last 6 months) crossed over from several different Cub Packs in the area to join the troop. This says a lot for the adult leaders as well.

In addition to the highly praised 1st Place Commissioner’s Award, they also brought home Camp Participation, Water Ball Participation, and Gateway Participation ribbons. We’re proud of you Troop 3(space)8; you’ve earned our respect and admiration. Thank you troop leaders.

NOTE: (Boy Scout Troop 38 got the nickname of Troop 3(space)8 when they were first chartered back in 1991. It seems that when they were given some old Boy Scout camping equipment to help get them started, they inherited a flag that once belonged to defunct Boy Scout Troop #318 that was sponsored by SouthWest Conservation Club.

The troop could not afford to have the flag professionally re-done. At the suggestion of their founder and first Scoutmaster Ray McCune, they simply removed the #1, thus becoming Troop 3(space)8, the nickname stuck, and a whole new Troop Yell was written, “Three Space Eight, We Are Great.” I was told they yell it out loud thirty-eight times each time their troop number is spoken. I didn’t test that rumor.

If anyone is interesting in joining Troop 38 (either as a Boy Scout, or by helping as a committee approved adult leader) please contact Ray McCune at 747-6512.