By John Stuart
Scouts from Weiser Boy Scout Troop 350 spent two nights camping on the Middle Fork of the Weiser River last weekend. A site near the FS Cabin Creek campground was this years site for the 7 Rivers District spring Camporee. The Weiser Troop was join by Troops 386 and 366 from New Plymouth, for a total of 18 Scouts, Troop Leaders, District Leaders and parents.
The weekend of learning and fun started out Friday evening with a presentation from Payette Forest Biologist about Grizzly Bears, Black Bears, Cougars and Wolfs. He shared 2 hours of information about each species and the best ways to handle those chance encounters with wildlife while camping.
After a hearty breakfast cooked by the Scouts on Saturday, they spent the rest of the morning learning about and improving their skills in fire building, lashing and first aid. After a lunch that included a dutch oven potluck with the other Troops, Troop 350 spent the afternoon on a several mile hike to the waterfall northeast of the camp. Saturday evening included swimming in the river, cooking dinner and some free time to just have a little fun.
The Troop broke camp on Sunday morning after breakfast, ensured that they left no trace of there camping and then returned home to Weiser early afternoon on Sunday.
Taking part in the adventure were Troop 350 Scouts Johnny Stuart, Bryan Bottomley, Ben Odoms, Josh Salmonson, Billy Nevarez and Bobby Nevarez. With Leaders John Stuart, Doug McGary and Kevin Bottomley. Troop 350 is sponsored by the Weiser Lions Club.