Staff writer
Boy Scout Troop 102 returned to Marion Saturday after a week of camp, and scouts and leaders said it was a good week July 5 through 11.
Weather was pleasant for the week at Quivira Scout Ranch near Sedan, troop committee member Caroline Kelly said. The troop took 11 scouts on the trip.
Austin Molleker was chosen July 7 as King Peewee, recognizing the smallest scout in camp. That gave the scouts the first spot in line for meals, Kelly said.
First-year camper John Lind, 11, had a good time.
“Oh, I had a lot of fun there,” he said. “It was really interesting.”
He worked on requirements to advance in rank and took classes for woodcarving and environmental science merit badges.
In his free time Lind swam in the lake and explored the camp. He saw three armadillos and a tarantula while exploring.
At the end of the week he had to be silent for an entire day, a camp tradition for new campers.
Second-year camper Dylan Carpenter didn’t have to be silent. Instead he helped gather wood for closing campfire. If he returns in 2010, he will be responsible for carving his initials into a rock and carrying it for a day, much like his father did in 1975.
Todd Carpenter hopes to go with his son next year, if work allows. It would be the 35th anniversary of carrying his burden at the camp, and would be meaningful to see his Dylan do the same.
The scouts were more responsible and used more teamwork as the week went on, Kelly said.
“I saw a lot of good changes in the boys,” she said.