Troop 589 starts the year strong!

On the weekend of September 18-20, 2020, Troop 589 from Victoria, MN, started their new scouting year off strong with an epic “Skills & Bike” campout. After months of planning protocols to camp during COVID and successfully attending Many Point Scout Camp in July 2020, the Scouts of Troop 589 kicked off the 2020-2021 Scouting year with a Socially Distanced, COVID safe, Troop campout.

We made a little video to show off our spectacular weekend campout:

After several group campsite options canceled their group campsite, the Scoutmaster and Committee Chair, Mr. & Mrs. Patz, hosted the Troop in their 4-acre front yard.

With over 30 Scouts from the Troop and 19 Adult leaders, the Scout Skills and Biking camping weekend was well attended. The Troop also used the opportunity to invite 7 AOL scouts (and 7 adult leaders) from a local Pack to camp alongside them. Each of the five patrols and the AOL patrol (den) had a separate camping area. Each patrol cooked their meals, which included five scouts completing the First Class Cooking requirements. An orienteering course was set up and provided an opportunity to teach the Second and First Class Navigation. Four senior Troop Guides worked with the AOL Scouts to complete AOL (and future Scout rank) skills. Our youngest Scouts (The Eager Eagle Patrol) had several Scout instructors help them progress along in their advancement. Two separate groups (of less than 25) bike riders headed off on two different 15-mile treks from Victoria to Excelsior. (completing a Second Class requirement and Camping MB requirement)

Our first evening was filled with a socially distanced outdoor movie and cracker barrel. Our second night consisted of a socially distanced campfire, including patrol skits and our Grey Wolf alumni-led songs.

At least ten merit badge blue cards were completed, and 4 Scoutmaster conferences were conducted.

Our Scouts are excited to get outdoors and camp as they start the year strong. For October, they have already started planning a canoe campout, and November will be a horseback campout.

Scott Patz
Scoutmaster
BSA Troop 589, Victoria, MN
www.troop589.org
(612) 396-7795
[email protected]