Twenty one new Boy Scouts joined Troop 57 during the months of March and April.  A New Scout Campout was held at Camp Wisdom on April 25-26 to introduce them to Boy Scout camping.  The new Scouts were trained by the boy leaders of the troop in the skills of safe knife, ax and saw handling, fire building and stove operation, and Leave No Trace principles.

The campout began on Saturday morning with the Scouts gathering in Troop 57’s meeting room at First United Methodist Church.  The two new Scout patrols planned their menus for the weekend with the assistance of Troop Guides, the Senior Patrol Leader and Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders.  Adults planned their menu separately.  Camping gear was gathered and loaded in the troop trailer.

The Scouts left First United Methodist Church and headed for the grocery store.  Each patrol bought their groceries and supplies according to the menus they had planned.  After the groceries were stowed, the troop traveled to Camp Wisdom.

Upon arrival at Camp Wisdom, Troop Guides Jenor Rasmussen and Drew Amyx instructed the new Scouts in proper camp site selection and tent set up.  After lunch, Senior Patrol Leader Eli Johnson and Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders Alex Johnson and Brad Shine put on Totin’ Chip and Fireman’s Chit classes.  The Totin’ Chip card certifies that the Scout knows how to safely use knifes, axes, and saws.  The Fireman’s Chit certifies that the Scout knows how to safely use fire and stoves.

Rodney Amyx, a Leave No Trace trainer, helped the boys understand ways to minimize their impact on the environment when camping and hiking.  He emphasized the seven principles of Leave No Trace - Plan Ahead and Prepare, Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces, Dispose of Waste Properly, Leave What You Find, Minimize Campfire Impacts, Respect Wildlife, and Be Considerate of Other Visitors.

Sunday morning the patrols made breakfast, loaded gear, and cleaned the campsite.  The troop gathered for a flag ceremony and recognitions.  Scoutmaster Tom Cooper presented Alex Johnson with the BSA Paul Bunyan award.  After a brief prayer service, the troop returned to First United Methodist Church.  With the addition of 21 new Scouts this year, Troop 57 has a current membership of 76 Boy Scouts and 35 registered adults.