Snow Creek Ski Camp
February 8-9, 2003

David Fuston on the Bunny Slope rope tow
Spence and Sean		Sean makes a wide snow plow
Look! I'm Flying!	Someone cut the cheese and the Scoutmaster can't wait to get off the lift	Chad wipes out for the 1000th time

26 Scouts and 13 Scouters from Troop 376 traveled to Snow Creek in Weston for a day of skiing and a night of cool weather camping. Skiers were dropping like flies with a continuous flow of stretchers taking people from the slopes. Our pre-camp ski training led by Brian Knop was obviously effective, however. There were NO injuries to Scouts or Scouters from Troop 376. A few snowballs were thrown from lifts (Tarik!) and a few people were sprayed with hockey style stops (Joe!) and at least one Scout and one Scouter were on the edge (of wiping out) at all times (Chad & Mr. Dodson!) but, overall, there was nothing but fun on the slopes.

Mr. Fish said the low temperature was 16 degrees at 5 am (if Mr. Fish can be trusted - there is some debate). Skiing was pleasant with most skiers removing layers throughout the day. At about 6:30 am the thermometer temperature jumped from 21 degrees to 42 degrees. Multiple Scouters swore to Mr. Fish that our Scoutmaster had not placed the thermometer on the lantern and in fact, never moved the thermometer at all. After briefly starting to believe the vicious rumors Mr. Goertz was spreading about his thermometer reading abilities, Mr. Fish noticed the thermometer's temperature reading was dropping before his eyes. It was then that Mr. Goertz admitted to placing a scalding coffee pot on top of the thermometer.

Mr Goertz' world famous cookies were discovered and eaten by the Scouts before the Scouters were able to try them. Tarik was caught with his hand in the powdered donut jar but managed to swallow the donut before Mr. Goertz was able to retrieve it. Sean was eating so much of Mr. Dunfee's fine cooking his braces revolted and unraveled. He and his braces were safely returned home for repair. Speaking of Mr. Dunfee's cooking: was that the wind blowing the tent flaps or was Mr. Dunfee's spicy chili and spaghetti paying a nighttime visit? Lunch and supper were in close proximity because Mr. Dunfee liked the drive from Liberty to Weston so much he made it three times before bringing all of the cooking pots and fixins.

Before the evening campfire could commence, Mr. Goertz and Mr. Salmon had to find the 6 scouts playing Hearts in the ski lodge and return them to the great outdoors. On the return walk to camp, the smallest scout (we won't name names SPENCER!) ratted out the four leaders who were also in the ski lodge. Mr. Goertz & Mr. Salmon returned to find the elder Fish, Knop, Otte & Grace watching basketball and returned them to the great outdoors, also.

The ensuing campfire was filled with exciting jokes, skits & songs. Planning also began for next year's ski trip to Winter Park. It is was unanimous, this trip should occur annually.

Scouts and Scouters participated in two church services with our chartered organization. It was nice to see Boy Scout uniforms in all aspect of the service from ushers to candle lighting to scripture reading. Dustin did the children's service and was outstanding. Did the congregation notice all of the boys & leaders had hat hair? They were kind enough not to comment if they did.

The ghost of Dick Davenport's chair did not appear (it was burned up at Weston in last year's campout when it blew into the fire).

Pictures from pre-Weston preparation and training

Joe & Dustin help the old man into his ski boots and skis	This is how you stand when you try to jump and land with one ski on each side of the snowboard rail	Brian discusses Snowboarding with the Troop He explains "It is better to look good than to be good."
Mr. Goertz shows the skis he uses from 1958	Jeff challenges Scouts to a race 1st One down eat gets the gas mask for sleeping after the Troop has eaten all of Mr. Dunfee's chili	Scoutmaster explains how to impress girl scouts on the ski slope

 

Good Links:

Guide to Safe Scouting - Winter Activities

Winter Camping & Hypothermia

Parents are invited & encouraged to participate in this exciting winter outdoor activity and should fill out a separate form.

Directions:
Take I-29 north to exit #20.
Turn left at top of ramp onto highway 273
Travel 0.7 miles to the next intersection and turn right following highway 273. Tavel 3.8 miles to the flashing 4 way stop.
Turn righ tonto highway 45 North. Travel 9 miles and the entrance is on the right. The camping area is at the north end of the parking lot.