BSA Troop 541, Bird Track Springs

I am thankful for the enthusiastic spirit the Scouts in Troop 514, La Grande, show on outings, and I am thankful I still have both the health and the joy in joining them on many of their outings.

This past weekend, we camped at Bird Track Springs, a USFS campground about a thirty minutes from here. The weather was quite cold, fourteen degrees overnight, but the boys did not flinch or complain. They pitched their tents, lashed several projects, including a flag pole, cooked dinner dutch oven and stove meals from scratch, and pancakes and sausages over the fire for breakfast.

The boys respectfully retired a flag after our flag ceremony Sunday morning. They like each other, support each other, young and old. Scouting continues to instill practical skills and leadership opportunities. The boys are as fun and exciting to work with as they were thirty years ago.