Chelsea Scout Troop 354
attends Camp Sequoia

In mid-July, Chelsea's Boy Scout Troop 354 attended summer camp at Camp Sequoia near Heflin, Alabama. The week long camp helps each boy work toward his next rank and they can earn merit badges along the way. The camp is supported by the Greater Alabama Council of the Boy Scouts of America and has a seasoned staff that is well trained. Many of those camp counselors are from across America and have participated in national and international scouting activities.

The boys arrived on Sunday afternoon and the first order of business was to take their swim test to verify swimming competency level. Scouting makes use of the buddy system as this is a time proven method of swimming that assures that no boy is ever alone in the water and that trained lifeguards are always present.

Chelsea Troop 354 had eleven boys in attendance and a minimum of two adult leaders present during the entire week as this is a mandatory rule of the BSA. These leaders initially guided the boys from activity to activity to provide support or assistance where necessary. As the week pressed on, they were there to assist each scout as they worked through specific requirements to achieve a passing grade for the rank or merit badge being sought.

Each day was divided into specific time slots. In the mornings the boys went to classes. They could attend merit badge courses in swimming, lifesaving, leather craft, first aid and many others. The afternoons were set aside for troop activities where the boys would function as a group. Each day the boys had chosen to go swimming and participate in one other activity such as archery, rifle and shotgun skills. The evening was set aside to give the boys time to study, explore or have fun in the crafts shed.

The weather was perfect for camping. It rained a couple of times, the wind blew up a serious thunderstorm but no rain fell; but, during the days it was simply hot! Those boys working toward their swimming merit badges got an extra few minutes in the water during the morning before their daily afternoon swim.

One activity that all boys will remember is Adventure Valley. This is an obstacle course through the woods. The boys must run, jump, climb over walls, a rope bridge and of course the crawling through a mud pit just before jumping into the creek. Typically any clothes and shoes worn during this event are thrown away immediately afterward. They are totally unusable. Unless one witnesses this event it just cannot be appreciated.

The boys got three square meals a day provided by the mess hall. This was good food too and most the time it was all you could eat! Meals consisted of sausage, eggs, biscuits and gravy (with grits) for breakfast, sandwiches of all sorts for lunch, and Roast beef, mashed potatoes, green beans for dinner.

The boys are already looking forward to camp next year. But, before then there are many trips and adventures awaiting the troop. Most of those boys who attended for the first time this year will attend next well on their way to becoming and Eagle Scout.

Chelsea's Troop 354 has been charted for a number of years and has had numerous leaders. This troop has also produced a number of Eagle Scouts for the community. Ed Polke is the present scoutmaster and welcomes all boys 11 years of age and up to join in the fun. The troop meets every other Tuesday evening at Chelsea Middle School. Scouting helps build character and turns boys into leaders. Come and join the fun.

To speak with someone about joining Chelsea's Troop 354 please contact:
Ed Polke at chelseatroop354@bellsouth.net

Submitted by...
Ed Polk
Posted 07/29/2004

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