Summer Camp at Meriwether

On July 5-11, 2009 our Troop headed down to Tillamook on the Oregon coast to attend summer camp at Camp Meriwether, a property of the Cascade Pacific Council. Thirty nine boys + 4 Adult leaders stayed for the full week, with a handful of parents visiting throughout the week. We were among 380 Scouts at camp that week.


What a great summer camp! The camp is located on the Pacific ocean with 2.5 miles of beachfront property. The camp even has its own lake. Our troop was assigned to the “Lookout” campsite which has 7 adirondack shelters and is located on a bluff overlooking the ocean. It’s a prime site for sure. The theme for the week was “Accomplishment”. The guys completed a total of 115 merit badges during the week. In addition to keeping busy with Merit Badge classes and other advancement programs (for those below First Class), the Scouts took part in other fun activities ranging from blackpowder rifle shoot, shotgun, archery, climbing wall, canoeing to tomahawk throwing and candle making.

Checkout photos here

A few highlights from our week there:

- The camp held a triathlon between Troops. Our team consisting of Ricky A. and Cory B. (Runners), Jacob D. and Kevin H. (Swimmers), Jeffrey P. and Calvin N. (Canoers) came in third place!

- Thursday night was the sand castle and sculpture contest, and our Troop won first place with its creation: "Scout-eating Giant!"

- We also had a few scouts complete their Wilderness Survival merit badge which required them to sleep out overnight with just the clothes on their backs in shelters they had built - those brave scouts were Scott G., Max O., Calvin N., and David Y

- Mr. Young earned the Pioneer Award by participating in a list of Pioneering activities at camp

- Mr. Cambron and Mr. Young completed the Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat Certification

- Mr. Kwik, Mr. Cambron, and Mr. Young completed the Paddlecraft Safety Certification

- Mr. Cambron and Mr. Kwik completed the Water Rescue Certification

- Mr. Black and Sam R. (one of only three Scouts at camp) trained for and completed the Mile Swim

- Our Polar Bear swimmers braved 6:00 a.m. 53 degree ocean water to earn bragging rights and the Camp Meriwether Polar Bear Patch - They were Logan S., Lazare H., Illian H., Gabe R., and Ajay M.

- Cory B. received the "Boom Chicka Boom" award for shooting two disks in the air with a double-loaded shotgun.

- Our Troop signed up to serve as color guard for the closing flag ceremony on Friday. This is the most widely attended flag ceremony since many of the family members visit for the final dinner at camp. A color guard team of 10 scouts was put together and began training on Thursday and Friday. The team included: Caller = Logan S., American Flag = Gabriel R.+Zachary D.+John T. , Washington Flag = Illian H.+Lazare H.+Alex W., Oregon Flag = Charlie H.,+Sam R.+Owen D. The Scouts did an excellent job!

It was a successful week for sure. Thanks to all the parents who helped make this trip happen. Congratulations to all!

Posted by: Mr. Black and Mr. Kwik

Boy Scout Troop 626
Bellevue, Washington
www.Troop626.org