Photo Page: Snow Ball Open 2008 Camp Tanadoona

Many troops in the District area braved the bitter cold conditions, and set out for Camp Tanadoona, for the Winter Camporee. Most of the scouts and leaders had to have a strong will and warm clothes, because they had no choice but to sleep outside during the weekend. Troop 283 had the luxurious pleasure of sleeping in a heated cabin, only because they were the host troop, and helped plan most of the activities for the camporee.

On Saturday morning, all of the boy scouts cooked breakfast and prepared for the day with numerous layers of clothes. Later that morning, a blinding blizzard moved in (as shown in the picture above) just as we were playing mini-golf on the frozen lake. The host troop ended up in the worst position, because we really couldn’t move around that much. Instead, we were monitoring the activity. One of the only ways the host troops kept warm were taking half-hour shifts to go the main hall and sit next to the fire (which was very satisfying).

Around noon we made our lunches, which ranged from hotdogs to hobo meals. By that time we all were so hungry, we really didn’t care what we ate. That afternoon was probably what all of the troops were most excited and prepped for; The Klondike Sled Race. Since last year, some troops have had bitter rivalries because of it (take 283 and 570 for example). That just fueled the fire. Because of the cold, running that sled through the course was quite a challenge, but all troops managed to make it through. Troop 283 came out on top with the quickest time, and we were awarded for that Saturday night. Dinner was quick, but tasted good after all the exercise and excitement we had that day.

Some troops, like 283, left [Saturday] night so some of the younger Webelos wouldn’t have to suffer sleeping out that night because the temperature was well below zero. On Sunday morning the other troops that chose to stay the night pretty much ate breakfast, packed up, and left. Overall I thought it was good for those who love the winter camping experience.