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Troop Quotes was originally started as a Twitter account in which Boy Scouts and members of the Venturing, BSA program could get a laugh at common thoughts and ideas, along with quotes from fellow scouts, and yet could share there scouting memories. While the Twitter account remains true to those values, this blog is more. This blog gives you honest experiences and lessons learned by scouts, both adult leaders and youth leaders, along with awesome ideas for camping and activities. So welcome to the all new Troop Quotes!

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

The Perfect Spring Camp-out

Being from a troop that camps every month, or even more, I know that the first Spring camp-out can be a bit of a hassle. It's always with the new Webelos that you just recruited, and it's probably done at a District Camporee at a public park or Scouting campsite. Also, it can be hard to get back in the groove of camping if you didn't go camping all winter.

There are some things that can make your first Spring camp-out easy, however. You can try a District Camporee, but try one that's a little relaxed. Some Camporees are a little over structured, which isn't optimal for your first Spring camp-out. The first spring camp-out should be something that is relaxed for the boys, to let them enjoy the cool, sunny (or rainy) weather, and yet still let them have activities to do. If you can't find a Spring Camporee to go to, make one just for your troop.

What you will need to do is make a schedule. Make it have a balanced amount of set activities and free-time. Maybe let the boys plan the activities. For instance, have maybe 2-3 major "fun" games, and then about 1-2 "classes."

Along with these activities and free time, you should have some quick bursts of advancement for Tenderfoot through First Class. It's hard to do all the requirements at meetings (most of them require camping), and it's easier than going to a first-year camper program at a Summer Camp (however, I am a big supported of first-year programs when run the right way, so use your own judgement).

These are just some ideas for a spring camp-out. The main reasons to remember are 1. Keep in relaxed and simple, and 2. Keep it fun.

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