April brought on our traditional Bushcraft Campout—a favorite among the scouts—to a beautiful private ranch west of Austin, where the bluebonnets were in full bloom. This year, the older scouts took the lead, using their years of experience to teach essential bushcraft skills to the younger members. They set up multiple stations where scouts could learn navigation and orientation, water filtering, shelter building with lashings and knots, and first aid. It was a fantastic opportunity for the younger scouts to learn valuable outdoor skills and for the older scouts to step up as leaders and mentors.

A few members of the Cyclops patrol also guided the scouts in earning their Totin’ Chip, teaching safe knife, ax, and saw handling. The hands-on learning environment allowed scouts to build confidence while working on their bushcraft skills, making it a truly immersive experience. Additionally, the scouts dedicated several hours to conservation work by creating dove habitats, contributing to the preservation and enhancement of the natural environment around the ranch. This project highlighted the importance of environmental stewardship and provided a meaningful way to give back to nature.

However, no bushcraft campout would be complete without a few challenges, and this year, Mother Nature had a few surprises in store, including encounters with asps and a rather lengthy rattlesnake. The scouts handled these situations calmly and with respect for nature, reinforcing the importance of awareness and preparedness in the outdoors.