Summer Camp 2009

Troop 718 attended it's annual summer camp July 6-11 at Lost Valley Scout camp. Nine scouts and 3 adults were present for the week.

Located at Grizzly Flats in Camp Irvine, the troop had a great time earning 37 merit badges, awards for camp cleanliness and performing very well in the Ironman Triathalon. Below are some pictures and video from the camp.

June Whitewater Rafting

Troop, team and crew 718 from Fallbrook Second Ward LDS church went to the Upper Kern river 18-20 June for a joint campout and half day of whitewater rafting on the Upper Kern River with Whitewater Voyages (http://www.whitewatervoyages.com/). We camped at the Goldledge Campground north of Kernville and spent some time fishing and swimming in the cold Kern River. On Friday, we rafted the Upper Kern filling four boats. David A. was the first to fall out of the boat. Nick A. joined him later that day in the water.

We ate well and enjoyed one anothers company at the camp.

Thanks to the leaders who attended: Bryce P, Dale A, Jim M, Brian B, Dave J, Kenn S and Garry B. It was an outstanding event!

Youth Climb and Rappel Activity

In April, the Scouts of troop 718 led a climbing and rappeling activity to Lake Dixon. The Scouts who have earned the climbing merit badge taught the "ropes" to the Youth of the LDS Fallbrook 2nd ward (safety procedures, knots and equipment). The group then practice their new skills at Lake Dixon climbing area. Here are a few photos from the activity

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March Court of Recognition

Scouts of Troop, Team and Crew 718 conducted their quarterly Court of Recognition in Fallbrook on March 31st in Fallbrook, CA with Devon A master of ceremonies.

Scoutmaster John awards Devon A his rank advancement and merit badges.

Connor H. earns his Life rank and also a few merit badges.

Sam F, Tanner M. and Cesar C. were awarded their merit badges as well.

Ian W and DJ A receive their merit badges and are preparing for the Eagle projects.

Rock Climbing at Granitica

Scouts and leaders had a great campout and climbing adventure in February at Granitica in Anza-Borrego.

After a great night sleep at Cottonwood Campground, listening to frogs croak in the springs and coyotes howl, we trekked over to to a boulder field on a nearby hill named Granitica.

Scout leaders Bryce and John scouted the area and found a great rappel and some good bouldering.

Connor H checks out the landing area.

Tanner M is a real hot dog on the cliff.

Galo F shows the young men how it is done.

David A has an attitude on his fourth trip down.

Devin A and Connor H chill on a granite slab.

Spotters are key for safe bouldering.

All scouts posed for a photo on top. Rico, Conor, David, Devin, Tanner, Connor and Sam.

Rocket Launch 2009

The scouts of Troop 718 enjoyed a breezy day near Ocotillo Wells for our annual Rocketfest.

12 Scouts and 10 adults made the trek on Friday, Jan 23rd. We enjoyed foil dinners that night and did some awesome stargazing with Paul H. The Andromeda Galaxy was cool!

Devon A. had the toughest and heaviest rocket due to overuse of the hot glue gun.

After a hearty breakfast, the rapid launch sequence began. It is estimated we had over 100 launches with a 100% recovery rate, if not always completely intact. Thanks for Dave J. and Bryce P. for chasing down wayward rockets.

Big Bertha is always a hit.
The Rubicon is launched and recovered for the second year!

Great work Scouts and thanks Dads and Leaders. The Mean Machine started at 6 feet tall but after the first launch had to be cut down to 5 feet. It made three other successful launches and recoveries.