August 2 - 8, 2009

In my opinion, coming to summer camp this week was a lot better than going last week with much of the Troop.   One reason would be meeting a a lot of new people. I was able to experience coming together with complete strangers to win first place on one of the inspection days.

We had won third overall and our campsite received the Spirit Stick one day. Since everyone bunched up on the top with their decorations, we decided to take up almost all of the rest of the stick by flipping it so we had the top and put a flamingo with a wizard hat on it to make sure it stay the top. Our decorations consisted of our campsite name (Swartzel) in red, white and blue, lightning balls all over the stick and a leather handle honoring all of the Troops in the provisional Swartzel group along with Bob Swartzel and our Troop Guide Mike.  We also created a "Spirit Stick" staff for the Staff with everyone in Swartzel's name and Troop numbers on it.

While there, I attended a Venture meeting along with an OA ceremony which inspired be to become more active in OA and Ventures again.

I was able to get one more Eagle-required merit badge than expected and was able to wander around when I didn't have merit badges, so I could see the staff and how they work, which inspired me to get an application so I can work as staff next year.

- Merlin M,  Hippos Patrol

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