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by Robert Tagliaferro I just got back from Buffalo Trails Scout Ranch yesterday. To me, it looks like the perfect summer camp for the troop next year.
To start off, the camp is beautiful with huge mountains surrounding it. It is pretty much sealed off from the public. The base camp is really nice, everything being a short walk away. The "Trail To Eagle" program is very good there. 3 scouts from Troop 498 (I camped with them) got 7 merit badges. Seven. That is a great way to start scouts off if you asked me.
Horsemanship is a widely popular merit badge to take if you are down in Base Camp. The swimming pool there is spring-fed and nice and refreshing during free time when it gets scorching hot outside. The food is good, and Base Camp overall is very nice.
Now, you may have noticed me using the words "Base Camp." This is because B.T.S.R. has many High Adventure programs to choose from. And seeing that this troop is formed of many older scouts, it would be good for them to do something other than be at Base. Here are the programs:
-Cavalcade- This specific program covers approximately 35-40 miles on horseback meaning you don't have to walk the distance. You spend the night at set up camps along the ride and take care of your horse (or mule) by feeding it, giving it water, brushing it, etc. You must be 13, have the Horsemanship Merit Badge, and weigh less than 250 pounds.
-Cavalry- This program lets you live the life of a Cavalry soldier from the 1800's. I went on this and you do a lot of activities. This is just a few of them: Horsemanship, Black Powder, Hiking, Marching, Napping, 'Saber' Fights, Eating Great Food, Marching Some More, Swimming, Go to Fort Davis, March there, and Sit by the fire at 2 a.m. You stay atop Forbidden Mountain and one night you go to the overlook of Base Camp. That's a great view. I highly recommend this one. You must be 13 years old.
-Mountain Man- I don't know much about this one but you hike out to some random place in the mountains and live life like a mountain man for the week. Once again, you have to be 13 years old and capable to carry a load out there.
-Outback- This one is the best one for the older scouts. You hike, hike, hike, rest, and hike again. The boys from 498 accomplished 57 miles in a span of 5 days. It is a good test for those wanting to go to Philmont in the near future. You will also do the Ranch Road hike, all twelve miles of R.R. 1832 that leads to B.T.S.R. Yet again, 13 is the age.
-SCUBA- I pretty much know nothing about this program, but my guess is you go scuba diving.
Ok, thats about it. The only disadvantage about Buffalo Trails is that it's around a ten hour drive. If you want to talk to me about the subject, I will be glad to. Yours In Scouting,
Robert Tagliaferro For more information, visit http://www.buffalotrailbsa.org/camping/btsr_summer.html |
