In February, Troop 410 Scouts took part in the annual Patrol Campouts, where each patrol plans and executes their own outdoor adventure. This year, the Ravens and Cyclops patrols teamed up for an exciting backpacking campout at Lake Georgetown. The scouts hiked over 6 miles round trip, testing their endurance and honing their backpacking skills. They planned and prepared their own backpacking meals, packed their gear, and carried both their personal loads and shared patrol equipment into the backcountry. It was a great opportunity for the scouts to experience the challenges and rewards of backpacking while working together to support each other.

During the day, the scouts engaged in various advancement activities, including cooking with a backpacking stove and learning to filter water from a nearby stream—a crucial skill for any backcountry adventure. They also found time for fun and relaxation, playing several rounds of capture the flag with the Ravens versus the Cyclops patrols. The Cyclops patrol took the lead in mentoring the younger scouts, teaching essential skills like fire building, site preparation, tent setup, and backcountry stove use. It was inspiring to see the older scouts step up as leaders and share their knowledge, reinforcing the importance of teamwork and skill development.