Upcoming trip - Winter Backpacking skills opportunity

Upcoming Trip - 2 night outing including rock climbing and mountain biking near Smith Rock

Upcoming Outing to Butte Creek Scout Camp, will spend one night, will hike, have campfire, and go on horse ride

Upcoming backpacking opportunity

Four scouts pedaled together to complete the peak requirement of the cycling merit badge.  The route started on Terwilliger, down to Portland, across Tillicum, then the entirety of the Springwater Trail to Boring and back again.  Scouts led the ride, making short stops and telling a little about history of each location along the way.  Finally a stop to refuel the tired legs with a Hawaiian lunch in John's Landing. 

We had a wonderful time at Camp Baldwin, even though our stay was cut short due to a nearby wildfire. Despite the unexpected change in plans, the Scouts made the most of every opportunity and enjoyed many of the camp's activities. Highlights included spending time at the swim area, riding and caring for horses, and testing their skills at the shooting ranges. Scouts also explored the nature area and participated in Scoutcraft activities, where they practiced outdoor and camping skills. Although our week was shorter than planned, it was still filled with fun, learning, and lasting memories.

This was an epic adventure, limited to older Scouts (ages 13+) due to the duration, mileage, and elevation gain involved. Although the trip itself lasted four days, this crew of six met several times prior over the course of a couple of months to plan every detail. From choosing where to hike in Olympic National Park to planning meals and learning about bear safety, they took ownership of the trip, and the result was a collection of incredible memories.
Highlights included breathtaking views and the experience of catching, cleaning, cooking, and eating a fish. This 26-mile trek, with 4,000 feet of elevation gain, was a tremendous learning experience, and now this close-knit crew of Scouts is ready for even greater adventures!

Each year on National Trails Day, we like to give back to our community by helping improve local trails. This year, we went to nearby Springbrook Park and spread a couple of yards of gravel. It rained on us a little, but we had a lot of fun laughing, telling jokes, shoveling, and running back and forth with wheelbarrows loaded with gravel.
It's always surprising how much gravel is needed to maintain the trails. Fortunately, many hands make quick work.