This weekend, our troop went to Big Dalton Wilderness Area for Advancement Weekend. There, older boys in the troop helped newer scouts learn basic scouting skills. Among these included how to use knives and fire safely, and they also learned how to identify signs of wildlife while on hikes and around the campsite. Once the day was nearly over, we had a campfire, filled with funny skits and hilarious jokes. Overall, everyone had a great time this weekend.

Left: Scouts ready to go the the campsite
Right: Loading up the trailer with gear that we will be bringing

Rushing to set up camp so we can all go to bed earlier

Timbersharks patrol cooking breakfast for the troop

Leadership core teaches younger scouts on different topics, including knots, first aid, and knife safety

Mr. Marucci teaches the scouts how to sharpen their knives while also reiterating on knife safety

Benjamin teaches the scouts different methods to build and light a fire

Scouts practice building and lighting fires

The scouts prepare for the hike by checking their bags and finding the trail they will be taking

During the hike, scouts spotted several signs of wildlife, including tracks and burrows. They also came across poison oak

Mathew and Jack grilling chicken dinner for the troop

At night, we had our campfire program, featuring skits from the patrols and songs led by the adults

The next day, we had a Scouts' Own service

Taking down camp, as it was time to head home

This weekend, we held our Advancement Weekend. This is a 2 day camp-out that focuses on ranking up the younger scouts and providing a teaching experience for the older scouts. Once we got to the sight, we set up our tents, had dinner, and went to bed. The next morning, we were up at 6:30 to have breakfast and begin our advancements. A little bit after lunch, we had a water fight and had a lot of fun! Everybody got to advance either their rank or their teaching skills and had a great time doing it!