316

316

 

Chapter Thirteen

Second Summer Camp

Part Three

 

Authors Note:

The following was inadvertently omitted from the last chapter, at the end of breakfast.

After everyone was done eating Denson stood and addressed the scouts.  “Jo is passing out a packet to each Scoutmaster.  Inside is a card for each scout that is not going on the Baden Powell overnight hike.  I’m sure you boys, and maybe even an adult or two, have noticed the white sashes being worn by some scouts.  These are members of the Order of the Arrow, or OA.  The OA is a select group of scouts that have been recognised by the others of their troop as being good examples of scouting.  They are a service organization and today is OA day.  On your card you will see a list of projects that will be ongoing today.  If you give an hour and get it initialed, you will earn a special patch.

“Now go out and enjoy your day.  Don’t forget to collect youryou food for lunch and dinner.”

# # # # # #

And now back to the story.

 

When the conversation wound down, Sheriff Henry and Eddie Richards volunteered to take the wagons back to the Medical Lodge. As they exited the trail from the woods near the parking lot, they noticed what looked like a body lying between two parked vehicles. Their training kicking in, Eddie and Eric ran toward the form still holding onto the wagons.

 

As they neared the person on the ground they were somewhat relieved that it was an adult and not a youth. He was drenched in sweat, moaning and clutching his right side. "Help, it hurts…"

 

Eric and Eddie quickly checked the man and found no signs of physical injury but he was burning with fever and very flushed. It didn’t take long for them to load the man onto one of the wagons and move off to find the Doc at the Medical Lodge. Eddie's years of Marine training really paid off as he was pulling the occupied wagon at a full run. The patient had lost consciousness as soon as he lay down on the wagon. Sheriff Henry, pulling the empty wagon, was hard pressed to keep up with the retired Marine. As they approached Leo’s First Aid class the doc saw them running his way with the wagons. A second look and he saw that there was someone on one of the wagons.

 

“Boys, practice head bandages and arm splints.” That direction given, Leo rushed to meet Eddie and Eric.

 

Eddie filled Leo in. “He was barely conscious when we found him, burning with fever and in great pain. He was clutching his lower right side.”

 

Doc did a quick check, “Get him inside, STAT!” As he entered the trailer he yelled, “’Philip!Prepare the OR. Eddie, did you have any medic training?”

 

“Sure, battlefield stuff.” Eddie replied.

 

“Close enough. Eric, go and keep the boys busy. Send one of them to Mr. Denson and have him call for a Medevac. helicopter.” Leo turned and saw that Eddie had an IV started and was cutting the clothes off the unconscious patient. “Good work, we need to scrub up.”

 

Half an hour later, the helicopter was landing on the parade grounds. The medics were led to the trailer where the patient was. Doc had just finished fastening the final suture when they arrived. As soon as the bandage was completed the patient was loaded on the gurney from the helicopter, the IV hung and the patient was on his way to the hospital.

 

Leo talked to the EMTs all the way back to the helicopter filling them in on the case. Most of the camp was gathered to watch the excitement. To their great disappointment the identity of the patient was concealed by the EMTs. After the Mercy Flight raced out of sight everyone headed back to their activities. John Denson invited Leo and Eddie to join him in his office.

 

“Well that was interesting. How is he Doc?” John asked.

 

“Not good. His appendix was infected and had burst, probably some time yesterday. I’ve run into some members of that church before, that feel the Lord will heal them and therefore refuse help unless they have to do something or die. A lot of them don’t even get their kids vaccinated unless they absolutely have to, such as for school or Scouts.” Leo looked disgusted.

 

“Well his troop only had two adults here so we now have a two deep leadership problem,” John informed them.

 

Eddie said, “We have plenty of adults so we could cover them.”

 

John smiled. “Maybe, not Tom or Jeff.”

 

Eddie said suppressing a grin, “Aw, my nephew Tommy would so enjoy it.”

 

John nodded in agreement, “Exactly. Why don’t we get together after lunch and discuss this with their remaining adult leader and whoever from your troop will be willing to help out.”

 

When Eric and Eddie returned to camp they were quickly surrounded by the other adults. Mike took the lead, “Okay, what the heck just happened that needed the Medevac helicopter?”

 

Eric responded, “Not much, don’t worry Neal was not involved. Just our nemesis needed an emergency appendectomy. Of course now his troop is lacking the two leaders required. Our Marine here has volunteered us to fill the gap.”

 

Eddie broke in, “How better to keep him completely snafued than smothering him in kindness.”

 

Tom smiled. “After all, ‘A scout is Helpful.’ I’ll do it.”

 

In unison everyone said, “I don’t think so, Tom.”

 

After much discussion it was decided that two adults would move to Troop 582 to cover for Br. Michael. Who could question the character of the County Sheriff and a retired Marine. (Well no one with any sense. Why does Merry Pason come to mind?) ( or maybe Franklin Furtter?)

* * * * *

 

By lunch time, everyone was talking about the medical emergency. No one was sure what it had been, but the helicopter landing had been super kewl. After lunch, Neal led the rush back to camp to check out their inspection score. Another 100 had them grinning. He then had a patrol meeting to discuss the skit he and John had devised for Friday night. The boys laughed a lot and couldn’t wait to get their parts.

Neal was also looking at the OA projects.  There was trail maintenance, road maintenance and trash pick-up, painting the storage building and a special project for OA members only.  “Hey John, which one of these do you want to do?” Neal asked.

“I get enough picking up trash here, I guess the painting sounds best,” John replied.

“I was thinking so, too.  Let's head down there and see what we can do.” Neal stood ready to go.

Mr. Little said to them, “If you boys are going to paint, be sure you are in clothes that can get paint on them.”

“Thanks, Mr. Little,” the two boys said and detoured to their tents to change.  The rest of their patrol followed suit.

When Raccoon Patrol arrived at the building there were two scouts with OA sashes already there.  “Welcome,  each of you will get a small bucket and a paintbrush and we will show you where to start.  I’m Bill and that is Jack.  Be sure your card has your name and troop number on it.  If you work less than an hour we will put the time on it and initial it.  If you work an hour we will keep it, and turn it in to Mr. Denson.  We will also be happy to answer any questions about the Order of the Arrow.”  Neal and John were given blue paint and the rest got white paint.

“Okay, blue paint guys, you paint over the green paint, the rest of you paint everything else, but try not to paint each other.”

* * * * *

Sheriff Henry and Major Richards, USMC Ret. went to Troop 582’s campsite and timed their arrival with the first after lunch merit badge class. John Denson was there with another adult. “Ah, here are our volunteers now. Noah Benderson, this is Eric Henry and Eddie Richards. They have offered to move to this site and fill in for your missing Scoutmaster.”

 

“I really appreciate you offering to help us. It’s just that our church is really strict and I don’t know how well they will take you filling in here,” Mr. Benderson said.

 

Eric replied, “Well, I’m the Sheriff and Eddie is a retired Marine, so we should be okay. You can talk to the parents if you want. We just want the boys to be able to complete their week and enjoy the camp.”

 

“Okay, that seems okay. We have an empty tent over there if you want to sleep here.”

 

“Sure, we need to stay if we are providing the two deep leadership for your troop,” Eric said.

 

By the time Eric and Eddie had their gear situated in the tent, some of the boys were returning to camp. Seeing the strange adults in camp they were, of course, very curious as to what was going on. The oldest boy approached them and asked, “Ah, excuse me, but what is going on?”

 

Eric answered, “We are filling in for your Scoutmaster who had to leave for an emergency. I’m Mr. Henry, and this is Sergeant, I mean Major Richards. We are both Assistant Scoutmasters.”

 

“Oh. Thanks. I’m Brandon, the Senior Patrol Leader. I was looking for the Scoutmaster to tell me what to do now.” The SPL said. “Mr. Benderson said you were filling in as Scoutmaster and I should ask you.”

 

Eddie smiled and replied, “Hi Brandon, I’m Major Richards, our troop is youth run. So what do you think you need to do?”

 

“Ah, well, I guess I need to be sure we get to dinner on time?” Brandon questioned.

 

“Nope, don’t guess. You are in charge.” Spoken like a Marine.

 

“Yeah, Oh, wait. I have to cook on the site.” Brandon said.

 

“It’s your job to see it gets done, not to do it. The menu is with the food.” Eddie told him.

 

It didn’t take Brandon long to find the menu for ‘Hamburger-a-la-foil’. “Hey, we've done this before. There is a bag of charcoal in the supply tent.

 

Eric stopped Brandon before he went very far. “Whoa, what are you doing?”

 

“Getting the charcoal to cook dinner.”

 

“Why?”

 

“Huh?”

 

“Are you the only one who can get it?” Eric asked.

 

“Ah, no. I guess anybody could.” Brandon answered.

 

“So why were you getting it?” Eric asked. “You are the leader. Your job is to be sure things get done, not to do them all yourself.”

 

“So just pick someone?”

 

“That’s one way, or maybe pick a patrol and put them in charge of starting the cooking fire. Then maybe the other patrol in charge of getting the rest of the food prepared so everyone can put together their ‘Hamburger – la – foil.’”

 

Brandon grinned, “Hey that might work.” He went off getting things started.

 

Mr. Benderson, who had watched the whole interaction, was amazed. “You guys really handled that great. Br. Micheal always just told them exactly what to do.”

 

Eddie grinned, “We may have just ruined the troop for him.”

 

“If this works, you may have liberated the boys,” Noah said.

* * * * *

The Baden Powell program boys stopped for lunch about three miles into their five mile hike. They made short work of their PB&J or Bologna & Cheese sandwiches, chips and water. Another two miles and they made camp for the night. Each patrol had an area to set up and there were eight small fire rings in each site.

 

Once the camp was set, the patrol leaders were called together. Jo Proximal was there with the camp ATV. “Okay, guys, Each boy is to build a small fire and burn it down to a nice bed of coals to cook their dinner. Over there next to the ATV is enough wood for everyone, and on the back of the ATV are bags of food for each patrol and instructions for putting together your foil dinner. Any questions ask your instructors. Have fun and good eating.”

 

The 316 boys went to work and got their fires built and then made their dinners. They each had a frozen hamburger patty, a potato(e for you Dan Quayle fans), two carrots and a quarter onion. After the meals were prepared and double wrapped ion heavy aluminum foil they were ready to start their fires. They were way ahead of almost all the other boys. Maybe it was because they were older or maybe they had been paying attention when they were taught how to do this.  (and maybe because they had done this before) 

 

When the 316 boys  were finished  they automatically began to2 go around and help the other  boys just as they had been helped before. The instructors were very impressed at how well they did this. 

* * * * *

 

Eric and Eddie watched the 582 boys adjust to the new leadership style.  One of the second year boys mentioned that last year they did this dinner in like an assembly line.  Brandon heard this and took the initiative and organized things.  Carrots were peeled, onions peeled and sliced, foil was cut to length and boys lined up to fix their dinner.  The group tending the fire were the first to go through the line to fix their meal, then the peelers.  The adults waited til the end and cleaned up the leftovers (not much).

 

Mr. Benderson was amazed at what the boys had done with very little direction from him or these two new adults.  Better than that the boys were happy and the leaders were proud of themselves and their patrols.  Noah said to Eric and Eddie, “I really like what I see here.  The boys are really doing this tonight.”

 

Eric replied, “They’ll surprise you at how well they can do.  The more you let them lead the better leaders they will be.”

* * * * *

 

Neal and the rest of his patrol ate their foil dinners like they hadn’t eaten in years. (So nothing new there.)  Mr. Little made his rounds to each patrol.  “Neal, how are you and your patrol doing?”

“We’re great Mr. Little.  We helped paint the storage building and the OA guys were impressed that we actually got it done.  It was our patrol and four other guys.  We all got our hour of service.”  Neal was obviously proud of his patrol.

“Good work Neal.  How is everybody doing on their merit badges?” Mr. Little talked to each boy in turn and encouraged them to keep working hard.

* * * * *

 

Sean Partridge Got one of the older Phoenix Scouts aside and told him, “John, I got a sort of problem.”

“What kind of problem?” John Gieger asked.

“It’s kind of, like, ah, personal.” Sean replied.

“Okay…” John encouraged Sean.

“Well, ah, it really burns and itches, you know, down there.” Sean finally admitted.

“How long has this been going on?” John asked

 

“Today on the hike it got a lot worse.” Sean explained.

“Have you been washing and rinsing down there like Doc said?” John inquired

“With all the guys around?” Sean replied.

“Oh, Jeez.  You got to wash there or you get an infection.  You got any powder?” John wanted to know.

“Powder?  Why would I need powder?” Sean wondered.

“To keep things dry.  Hold on here a minute.”  John went into his tent and returned with a small container of ‘Gold Bond’™ medicated powder.  “Here, go into your tent and put a good sprinkle of this on your stuff.  Get it covered real good.  You can keep that cause I think you are  going to need it in the morning.”

“Thanks, John.”  Sean went to his tent and John went to one of the Staff members to fill him in on the situation that he felt could be pretty serious.  The staff member said he would see that Sean made it to the medic (Doc Turnman) on the way back to camp, which was only a short hike away.

* * * * *

Neal got up and on his way to the latrine retied one of the ropes to the ax yard (Yesterday's camp improvement) and refilled the gallon jug with water for the hand washing station (today's camp improvement).

After taking care of his morning business, Neal set about getting his patrol moving and ready for inspection.  He even looked in his Dad’s tent.  “Hey Mr. Richards!  Good job on your Tent!”

Tom, who was enjoying a cup of coffee, mumbled to Jeff and Mr. Little, “Little weasel, wait till I get him home and I can do the morning inspection.”

Mr. Little chuckled. “He’s just showing his guys he is a leader.  You should be proud.”

“Oh, I am.  Doesn’t mean I can’t make him squirm a little.” Tom grinned. 

Jeff commented, “Tom you are an evil, evil man.  That's why we love you so much.”

As the troop left for breakfast it seemed a lot smaller than the day before.  It was, actually, with all the Baden Powell boys out.

Waiting for the flag to be raised, the Baden Powell boys came back and returned to their troops.  Mr. Little was one short it seemed.  He finally figured out it was Sean.  Before he could act, John Geiger(does he count?) approached, “Mr. Little, Sean is at the Medic’s.  He has something going on and I’m sure Doc will fill you in later.”

“Thanks, John, That saved me a trip to Mr. Denson.  Let’s go eat.”

“Yeah, I’m starving!”

 

After everyone was seated and had said the Philmont Grace:

 

For food, for raiment,

For life, for opportunity,

For friendship and fellowship,

We thank thee , O Lord.  Amen

 

Breakfast began.  About ten minutes later, Sean made his entrance.  He was walking like he had been riding a horse for a week.

Doc Turnman followed Sean in and helped him get settled with his patrol.  Then Doc joined the adults.  “Sean is one messed up young man.”

Mr. Little replied, “Yeah, so, what has he done, now?”

“Apparently, he let his modesty get the better of him.  He has not been washing under his swim trunks and now has a case of crotch rot worse than in the medical textbooks.  I, luckily, have a case of Tolnaftate spray (Tinactin®).  He is to come see me before every meal and before bed.  I made it clear he'd better show up or he would be sent home for his mother to treat him.  Poor kid cried and begged me not to tell her.” Doc explained.

“Can’t honestly say I blame him.  That woman hovers over him like a yellow jacket over a can of soda at a picnic.” Tom commented.

* * * * *

 

At the 316 campsites, the Baden Powell boys were quite tired and most were actually in bed and asleep way before taps.  The other boys sat with the adults and worked on any reports and things needed for merit badges.  At taps they went to their tents and all was quiet very quickly.

 

* * * * *

 

At the troop 582 site Eric and Eddie made a point to check with each boy to be sure they were on track and knew what they needed to do to complete their merit badges.  Eddie called Brandon over and asked, “How are you doing?”

“Well, Major, today has been really different.  I actually feel like I am doing something,” Brandon said.

Eddie smiled.  “It’s called leading.  I’m glad today went so well.  Just so you know, it isn’t always going to go right.  When it bombs, don’t crash, step back and try to figure out where it went wrong then try it again and correct the problem.  That may even take a time or two but that will allow you to become a good leader.”

“That sounds good.  What about Br. Micheal?” Brandon worried.

“I can see him trying to be a problem.” Eddie started.

Brandon laughed, “Oh, he won’t try, he will be a problem.”

“Yeah.  Let me ask you a question.  Whose troop is this?”

“I guess it’s his.” Brandon replied.

“Nope. Try again.”

“I guess the church.”

“Try again.”

“I don’t know.” Brandon finally answered.

“So Baden Powell was pretty smart.  He wanted his scouts to learn how to be good men and be the leaders of the future.  You are what he designed scouting for.  He once said, ‘No adult should ever do what a boy can do.’ That means this is your troop.  You and the other boys.” Eddie explained.  Our first troop rule is: This is a youth run organization.  You, Brandon, are the leader.  Mr. Benderson has been impressed with how you have done on your own.  I am sure you have an ally.  He will back up what you do as long as no one is in danger.”

“You sure give me a lot to think about.” Brandon commented.

Eddie grinned.  “Just doing my job.”

 

* * * * *

 

Thursday was a very busy day.  Mr. Little made sure Sean and his tent mate Jimmy headed down to see Doc Turnman when the waiters left so they would have enough time to make it to breakfast.  Most of the merit badges wrapped up and only a few boys still had to finish something, mostly reports.  Any leftovers could be completed or turned in tomorrow, Friday, morning.

 

* * * * *

 

Friday was a day of controlled chaos.  Merit badges were wrapped up, the adults were trying to get troop gear ready to be packed on Saturday morning.  The afternoon was set aside for free swim and several special events.  Most of the 316 boys were done with their merit badges so were participating in the special competitions.

Andy Roylat put together a tug-of-war team of six of the older boys, Neal just used his patrol, Hairy Henderson had the idea of getting the seven most weight challenged (fattest) boys as a team.  Brandon had the 582 boys volunteer for their team.  Every troop had at least one team entered and the event was a double elimination contest (a team had to be defeated twice to be eliminated.) 

Jeff, Mike and Tom set up their chairs in a nice shady spot to watch the fun and general chaos.  It wasn’t too long before they were joined by Jo Proximal and John Denson Joined them under the trees.

Jo asked, “Is your whole troop staying the weekend?”

Mike replied, “Yes, we are sending a crew to do laundry on Saturday but otherwise we will be here.”

“Well, I just want you to be aware that there will be an OA ordeal going on and please tell your boys and other adults that the candidates are sworn to silence and can not talk to them.”

Tom said, “Wow, I’d love to see Neal speechless.”

Mike smiles, “Careful what you wish for.”

* * * * *

The boys were still excited at dinner.  Raccoon Patrol had taken 3rd place in the tug of war.  The older boys took second place but first place went to troop 582.  Everyone agreed that their SPL yelled as loud as Major Richards and that gave them the edge.

When they returned to their campsite they relaxed and prepared for the campfire that night.  At 8:30 Andy lined up the troop and led the way to the campfire ring. The troop filled the right hand set of seats. Right at 9:00, Mr. Denson approached the campfire and welcomed the campers. Now that dusk was beginning he turned the campfire over to Jo.

Our first skit is from Troop 793, ‘The Submarine.’ The boys did a fair job but their bad German accents made it even more entertaining. Jo led everyone in a ‘Clam Clap.’

Three more skits later, Raccoon Patrol of Troop 316 was called. The boys scurried out with a tarp and a large cut out cardboard box. In just a few seconds they looked like a large machine. Neal and John came out looking like scientists (lab coats from Leo).

Neal, “I tell you I have perfected Artificial Intelligence.”  {I hear a ‘harrumph’ in my head.}

John, “You’ll have to prove it.”

Neal, “No Problem. Just step up and give it a name and it will produce a book that represents that person.”

John steps up to the machine, “Doc Turnman.”

The boys under the tarp made crazy machine sounds then a book appeared in the bin in front. John picks it up and reads the title, “Grants Human Anatomy. Wow, that was good.”

Neal says, “Try again.”

“Okay, Mr. Little.”

More sounds and another book drops. Neal reads, “Scoutmasters Handbook.”

The audience applauds.

Next John says, “Mr. Denson.”

The machine produces a sixth edition (1963) Scout Handbook.

“The head cook,” John asked.

A book with a made up title appeared, “101 ways to cook Roadkill.”

Finally John says “How about the SPL?”

The machine shakes and makes distressed noises and explodes and every boy inside throws a roll of toilet paper into the air. The campers roar in laughter.

Joe led a one hand applause for the Raccoon patrol.

There were two more skits and then the awards began. Raccoon patrol’s skit won and they were awarded a red and white feather for their coup stick.

First award was from the camp commissioner for the best campsite score.  “Third place was Troop 782”. They got a yellow feather. “Next was Troop 212.” Their Scoutmaster collected the red second place feather. “There was a three way tie for the cleanest site. Normally this would be a problem except all three sites are Troop 316!” Mr. Little went and collected three blue feathers.

The most improved troop went to 582.  Troop spirit to 316.

When everything was done every one was asked to form into a circle around the campfire.  The boys and adults who were wearing their white OA sashes formed a second circle outside the other one.  When everyone was in place a drum started.  Thump a pause thump-thump.  This repeated and continued as four boys in full native American regalia entered the ring.  They took positions around the fire.

The chief stepped forward, “I am Allowat Sakima, Chief of the fire.  We have come to recognise those selected by their fellow Scouts as outstanding examples of Scouting.”

At this the drum got louder and eight boys dressed as warriors emerged and began circling in front of the campers.  Behind the inner circle white sashes were held up behind some of the campers.  Andy Roylat was holding his sash behind Neal.  One of the warriors stopped in front of Neal.  He reached out and tapped Neal’s right shoulder three times.  Then he grabbed Neal’s hand and led him off. This continued as boys were ‘Tapped Out.’  Tom was feeling very proud that Neal had been selected and was quite surprised when a warrior stopped before him and tapped his shoulder then led him away.

When there were no more raised sashes the remaining warriors went and stood in front of another of the Four by the fire.  One of them said, “Nutiket, We have selected the chosen.”  Nutiket nodded and the warriors retreated into the woods.  Then he turned to another by the fire, “Kichkinet, The candidates await your guidance.”

Then Kichkenet said, “Meteu I must go.  We will await you.”

Meteu was the medicine man and turned to address the remaining group.  “The ones you have chosen have gone.  They will receive some information and be sworn to silence.  They will return to camp to retrieve a few things and then return to us.  Do not try to talk to them.  Their ordeal will not be complete until tomorrow night.”

Meteu then raised his arms, “May the Great Scoutmaster of all scouts be with you until we meet again.”

With that the four left in silence.

When they were gone the rest of the campers filed out and returned to their campsites.

On the way back an adult from each troop went by the mess hall and picked up the paperwork for each troop.  Luckily Jeff went with Mike as there were several bags of paperwork and patches to carry back.  

Back in the campsite everyone was excited about the tap out and hoped that maybe next year they would be elected.  The adults settled at one of the picnic tables and began sorting.  All the Baden Powell boys had a sheet with all the requirements they had completed checked off.  They also had two blue merit badge cards, Swimming and First Aid.  The other boys had their merit badge cards that needed to be checked for completeness and sorted by boy.  After about forty minutes Mr. Little and Jeff Alexander started calling boys up by patrol and making sure the information on the cards was accurate.  

Neal, Tom and several other boys returned and went to their tents and grabbed their sleeping bags, a change of clothes and left again.

By Taps the troop was ready for sleep.

 

Author’s Notes:

Well finally this chapter is done.  The next chapter will have more on the Ordeal.  Don’t worry Brothers no secrets.

I can best receive mail at: mailto:str8mayb@gmail.com

 

Editor's Notes: 

Well, it would seem that troop 582 was less than successful, even with the extra help our adults gave them. Although, they did manage to learn some valuable lessons, and perhaps some good will come from all this.

 

I guess it takes a bit more than one chance to learn how to  act.

Darryl AKA The Radio Rancher