July 14, 2014 at 1:52 p.m.
Troop 660 had unforgettable adventure in South Dakota
Troop 660 had unforgettable adventure in South Dakota
By By Michelle Bennett-
The boys knew they would need to work hard to turn this idea into reality. Research was completed online. Parks were contacted. Costs were calculated. Once the boys knew how much money they would need, fundraising efforts began. Fundraisers were held at Culver's and Hodag Lanes. Donuts were made and sold. There were bake sales and raffles. Popcorn, cotton candy, soda, nachos and coffee were sold. Finally, the boys had raised enough money to fund the trip.
On June 14, Troop 660 met just outside the Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport. After a brief overnight in Kimball, S.D., the group stopped at the Lewis and Clark Expedition Center in Sioux City, S.D. During a short walk down the trail to see the wide Missouri River the scouts saw their first "Beware of Poisonous Snakes" sign and realized their adventures were only just beginning. After they spent some time at the Visitor's Center learning more about the expedition, there was a brief safety lecture about snakes, sunscreen, and other safety awareness for the duration of the trip. Then it was time to get back in the cars and continue on to the Badlands.
The boys were awestruck by the alien landscape as they traveled the long, winding road to Sage Creek Campground, a primitive site in the upper prairie. On the way, in addition to the bizarre landscape, they saw a variety of wildlife, including many prairie dogs and a herd of buffalo, including several calves, crossing the road very close to the cars. They could almost reach out and touch them, but signs were everywhere warning not to approach the animals. After setting up camp, there was time to explore the area before dinner. Later that evening, a lone buffalo the boys nicknamed "Bartholomew" wandered around the campground within a few dozen feet of the campsite grazing and scratching on various objects in an effort to remove the last remnants of his winter coat. Unfortunately, Bartholomew insisted on using the latrine house for his scratching post, but fortunately, there was a second one available for the human use until Bartholomew went on his way.
The next morning, June 16, everyone was up early for a pancake breakfast and to pack lunches before a 10-mile hike along the Castle Rock trail system through the prairie. Everyone was reminded of the importance of using sunscreen and bringing plenty of water for a hike through the arid Badlands. Most of the scouts were able to finish the entire hike, but those who didn't will have plenty of other opportunities to complete the merit badge which includes five 10-mile hikes and one 20-mile hike as part of its requirements. The hike took longer than expected, so the troop was unable to go to the Minuteman Missile Silo, but instead visited Wall Drug for a little ice cream and shopping before heading back to Sage Creek Campground.
The next morning, the boys packed up camp before beginning their service project of cleaning the 12-mile stretch of road leading to Sage Creek, as well as the campground area itself, then headed to Scenic, S.D. for a picnic lunch. After that it was on to Medicine Mountain Scout Ranch in Custer, S.D., which Troop 660 used as a base camp for the rest of the trip. Since the service project was completed earlier than expected, a detour was made along the Wildlife Loop which circles Custer State Park where the boys saw mule deer, pronghorn antelope, more buffalos, and a few semitame burros. Next, it was on to Medicine Mountain Scout Ranch at the end of 11 miles of dirt road. Thunder, lightning, and hail began shortly after the troop arrived, delaying set up of tents. Fortunately, the weather stopped as quickly as it began, then tents were up and spaghetti dinner started in no time. After a bit of rock climbing, exploration, and some much-needed showers, it was time for bed so the boys could be up early for the next day's activities.
The morning of June 18, after a hearty breakfast of French toast and finishing the last few showers, the troop headed off to Crazy Horse Memorial, an audacious privately funded family undertaking begun in 1948 with hopes of it being completed in another 100 years. After Crazy Horse and a bit of vehicle shifting to various trailheads, the troop began its second 10-mile hike. Again, most of the group was able to complete the entire hike, with a smaller group taking a different route and finishing in record time. A tailgate dinner of burgers and hot dogs was enjoyed at the far trailhead, then it was off to Mount Rushmore to see Borglum's masterful creation honoring four of our greatest presidents. The evening ceremony provided the history of the national parks system and of the presidents honored at Rushmore. It also included a brief ceremony involving all veterans present that evening.
After a quick breakfast the following morning, Troop 660 traveled to the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, S.D., to see 61 mammoth fossils, as well as earn geology merit badges, which they started by meeting with Paul Ehlers at Nicolet College for a little advanced geology instruction before the trip. The scouts really enjoyed learning about how various land formations came about and how fossils were formed, and didn't seem to mind at all that lunch was late because the lecture ran longer than expected. A box lunch was enjoyed on the grass outside the center, then it was time to go to Wind Cave and head down 300 steps to tour an underground series of caverns, including the only boxwork cave formations in the world. From now on, every time the boys drink soda, they'll remember the carbonic acid in their soda is the same thing that formed the boxwork in the caves they explored. After a little souvenir shopping, the troop went back to their base camp for dinner, a fire and s'mores before bed.
On June 20, the last day full day in South Dakota, the oldest boys went off with the scoutmaster for a few days of backpacking before heading home, while the younger boys planned another 10-mile hike. Not all the boys were up to the hike up to 7,242 feet above sea level at the top of Harney Peak, only four participated in the last 10-mile hike. One boy got sick on the trail, but still managed to complete the hike! Those who didn't make the hike went to Devil's Tower National Monument in Wyoming, a smaller group tried panning for gold in Custer, and a few stayed around Medicine Mountain Scout Ranch for a little rest and relaxation. Everyone met back at camp later in the day to check out Deadwood Gulch, the paintball course at the Scout Ranch.
The morning of June 21, Troop 660 bid a fond farewell to the Black Hills of South Dakota, having packed up camp the night before to get an early start toward home. After another brief overnight camp in Rice Lake, the boys returned home safely. Troop 660 saw many wonderful and amazing sights, accomplished a great deal, and a fun trip was had by everyone.
All of this was made possible through the generosity of the people of Rhinelander and the surrounding communities. Troop 660 would especially like to thank Gary Knudson, Wayne Kulhanik, Park City Credit Union, United Steel Workers, Shopko, Hodag Gun Club, Bill Washburn, Bennett Law Offices, and the many other groups and individuals who made purchases and/or donations to the group to make this trip a reality.
Troop 660 is sponsored by Nativity of Our Lord Parish, but boys from any religious denomination are welcome to join. Troop 660 is part of Samoset Council, Boy Scouts of America. Boys between the ages of 11 and 18 who are interested in joining Troop 660, may contact Scoutmaster John Hagen at (715) 282-7190.
Comments:
You must login to comment.