The weather turned out excellent for our full day and overnight adventure. There were two small groups that came together to visit Camp Butler. The first group of older scouts met at Boston Store, got their gear together and backpacked over to camp. The second group was made up of first and second year scouts that started at the Old Church and headed over to camp by car. When the second group arrived they went through training on the proper care and pitching of tents. We then worked on personal fitness requirements for Tenderfoot. There was still plenty of time before lunch to go through the Tenderfoot First Aid requirements. For lunch we cooked up some delicious grilled cheese sandwhiches along with a side of veggies and grape drink. While eating the backpackers came into camp after treking a portion of the Buckeye Trail. The journey in went through a scenic part of the forest which included plenty of hills to get your heart and lungs pumping. After a short break they went to work fixing lunch and setting up their tents.

With lunch completed the younger scouts took a hike over to the other side of camp to see the lake, pool and other sites. There was a little confusion on the red trail because the markers were facing the opposite way we were traveling and the trail wasn't always obvious. However, we were able to get back on track and make it back after a little searching. The backpackers took a short hike, and spent the rest of their time having fun in camp. It was time for supper and both groups had good meals planned. The younger guys grilled up marinated chicken tenders over the fire along with salad and a side of apple sauce, it turned out great! The older scouts had a backpacking meal and there were zero leftovers. After clean-up there was some free time until we all got together for an evening around the campfire with chips and pretzels. It was a lot of fun telling jokes, putting on a skits, and singing a song or two. The next morning everyone woke up early and broke camp in record speed. The backpackers hit the trail and the other group hopped into their cars for a short ride home. Those joining in on the adventure were Allen(day only), David K.(day only), David R., Erich, Ian, Jimmy, John, Nick, Raymond, Richard, Stephen, Mr. Boblick, Mr. Makowski, Dr. Ryan, and Mr. Wrabel.

Camp Butler Backpacking and Camping Photo Album

Trip Plan for Backpacking and Camping

Date and Time of Departure: Saturday, May 18th, 8:00am

Departure Locations: Camping: Old Church -- Backpacking: Boston Store Visitor Center Parking Lot at 1550 Boston Mills Road in Peninsula, OH 44264

Purpose: This campout will have a program for younger scouts and those that have been in for over two years. Scouts over two years are free to choose which program they want to participate in. The first program is for working on scout skills and Tenderfoot to 1st Class advancement requirements. There will also be a short hike and service project.

The second program will offer troop members a taste of backpacking. It will allow scouts to get use to their gear and learn the differences between regular camping and camping while backpacking. The backpacking portion will set out from the Cuyahoga Valley National Park Boston Store Visitor Center Parking lot located at 1550 Boston Mills Road in Peninsula, OH 44264. We will issue crew gear here and then head out on our trek. We will go on the tow path and then vear off onto the Buckeye Trail toward Camp Butler. Once near camp Butler we will use a combination of camp trails and road to get to our site. Trip is estimated to be around 5-6 miles.

Location: Camp Butler, 800 W Streetsboro Rd, Peninsula, OH 44264, 330-657-2422

Cost: $15.00 - due at troop meeting on May 7th. If you can't make the meeting make sure to let us know that you are coming so we can order food for backpacking or camping.

Estimated Time of Return: Sunday, May 19th, Camping: 9:00am - Behind Old Church -- Backpacking: 10:30am at Boston Store Parking Lot

Trip Coordinator: Mr. Makowski (Primary) and Mr. Wrabel (Secondary)

Items to Bring:

• Scout Essentials (see handbook)
• Camping Gear and Extra Clothing (see handbook)
• Backpacking Gear (for those participating in the backpacking program)
• Be Prepared for the Weather