To all Troop 256 members, family, & friends,

This year Troop 256 had 14 scouts go to Camp Geronimo, the lowest number in quite a few years. The overall number of scouts at camp was down too; blame it on the Independence Day holiday or the economy but it was nice to be able to walk up to any activity and not wait in line for very long. Even the lines at lunch were so short that one did not have to "hurry up to wait" as everyone would get in to eat with plenty of time to spare (we were on the early meal schedule this year).

The troop at camp was lead by acting SPL Andrew Sanchez and they earned the Big G Gold, again. Our commissioner was Schu for the first time in five years; and the last time ever as he will retire from working at Geronimo at the end of the summer (in two weeks). We played our now annual volleyball game against Troop 607 (the "Altoids" troop for you old timers). And Mesa (Troop 653) showed up with about 30 scouts, 17 of them 1st time campers!). New to the camp this year was Troop 562 from Las Vegas and Canyon Ridge Church. They arrived at midnight on Monday due to transportation problems and somehow had chosen site 1 (Cardiac Hill) as their campsite! Notwithstanding they still earned Big G Silver.

Last year's Troop 256 SPL, Sam S., visited us for a day and gave Jeremy some tips for his leadership training interview with Schu. No rain this year yet the camp was open to fires in the campsite. So we were able to cook our Tue. dinner on coals from real firewood. The foil pouch meal was topped off by the best apple cobbler ever made thanks to Andrew B. A bruised arch (Andrew B.) and bruised kneecap (Oscar) helped us lockup the week's "Band-Aide" award for most use of the camp health lodge. Andrew's bruised arch came at the top of the 800 ft. climb on the Lower Miller Trail. He was able to ride back to the health lodge in the ambulance after getting a "ride" down the trail from Mr. Letkiewicz and Mr. Corral.

Some accomplishments done by the troop members at camp include: Travis F., 2nd place for best cook at the Cooking merit badge and Jon M. shot a 49/50 at the rifle range. Four scouts (Jared, Luke, Jeremy, & Andrew B.) participated in the Order of Arrow Honor Trail. Troop 256 also performed the “Cinder Block” skit at Friday's campfire. The scouts completed 41 of 48 merit badges class taken in camp.

The scout leaders of Troop 1, "Missing Schu Crew" patrol completed all 13 activities at Mighty Mogi in 63 minutes to get the blue ribbon with oak leaf cluster for Schu. We were the first adult patrol to finish and second overall. Scout leaders Letkiewicz, Flatt and Olsen earned the "I Did Enough" award from Schu after some very questionable hammock routines. Our two first time leaders at camp, Mr. Link and Mr. Movis, performed in the Big Splash; of course they were convinced to do so by our other 3 leaders.

Photos are posted on the troop website, don't miss Jared's "Flying Leap" over the East Webber River.