As I sat in the fort at Krupp Scout Hollow, thrilled to be in out of the chill of Troop 1010’s first Winteree, I thought about the past year.
Well, almost a year. If I remember right, we held our first troop meeting at Tiebreaker Elementary in March, after we organized the troop in February – and that after a long drive to the Pocatello scout office because dealing with the folks in Idaho Falls wasn’t something Michelle could do after getting stonewalled with every bit of paper she presented to them. We had six girls, two leaders, a place to meet and a lot of enthusiasm.
We held our meetings. Our first campout was in our backyard, where we tested out tents and looked to see how the girls would get along.
And what a difference almost a year makes.
As with the boys, progress and maturity. Of the original six, five are left, but two more have joined. We have one First Class scout and three others who are so close one trip to the swimming pool will get them there. As of our last meeting, all have a rank – some progressed quickly as with our newest member, and others, more slowly. But progress has been made, and will continue, with other ranks waiting in the wings.
We’ve been to scout camp.
We’ve camped out in all kinds of weather, including the freezing drizzle the night of the Winteree.
Oh, the Winteree.
The girls worked hard. We tried with what little skill we have, and with what little time we had, to get them ready. But they came through. If they didn’t know how to do something, they worked to learn it there. And they improvised a Klondike sled out of some rope, twine, and about $25 worth of lumber I raced to Rigby to buy for them that very morning.
During the award ceremony, I lowered expectations. They might win something, but we were there with a dozen seasoned troops who knew the Winteree competitions like the backs of their hands. They came with runners prepared for their sleds – within the rules. And they came with a lot more experience.
But those girls of ours. What they lacked in skill they made up with teamwork. We’ve had our rough moments, but it seems when the pressure is on, they work well together. And Michelle and I, we didn’t have to do much of anything except carry some staves and a show shovel.
They came home with four second-place ribbons (Knots & Lashings, First Aid, Signaling, and the Sled Race) and took home the traveling trophy for the first day, among those who weren’t staying for the second day (a Sunday, which we decided we just weren’t interested in).
Was it by default because by the time the award ceremony rolled around, those who were staying only for Saturday had mostly left?
I don’t know. I don’t think so. And the presenter, Dave Shaw, was great, because with the presentation of the fourth ribbon, he said “I present this and love the looks of surprise on their faces, to Troop 1010.” I love that they were surprised. I love more that they worked so hard.
I’m still trying to get gear dried out. It may be ready for our next campout at Green Canyon Hot Springs, when we’ll likely push those three to First Class and set the stage for others to get there. By that time we’ll have one Star Scout, which is exciting. Need to work on those merit badges. And two will want to start planning their Eagle projects.
One year. We’ve done a lot. And we’re still doing.
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