January, 2005

New Year's minute:

It was a January Sunday morning and very cold. The view from on top of the ridge was magnificent. We had just broke camp with Alan and Tom leading the boys to a spot where we could safely go down the cliff into the gorge. Snow covered the ground and the bare trees. The boys were in a line going down into a wooded draw. They had on a hodge-podge collection of gear with every brand and color available, yet they were uniform. Huge tightly-fitting packs rested on their backs. All gear was neatly stowed away. What impressed me was how much they looked like a Himalayan mountain expedition with their large boots and gaiters. They were laughing and joking and very eager to be on the trail. How different they behaved from the night before. The previous night the cold was wicked and the wind blew ferociously. We were wet from the many stream crossings we conducted earlier. Our feet were in agony and there was no way to warm them. Hands could not be exposed to the cold but for a few seconds. The boys quickly cooked dinner and were off to their sleeping bags. We were in bed by 7:00 pm and would stay that way for 11 hours. You may think we would have been well rested but you would be wrong. The cold permeated the best sleeping bags. Every few hours muscles would have to be flexed to warm the body. Adjustments had to be made for limbs that fell asleep or muscles that cramped. Outside the tents, the wind howled viciously and snow rained against our tent covers. Tree limbs rubbed against each other like eerie violins. Between the cold and the ever-present noise to listen to, we rested little. We awoke to boots that were giant blocks of ice, frozen into fixed positions, and could not be put on. We must have a fire to melt their frozen boots. Eventually we were on the trail, our spirits high with the satisfaction that comes from accomplishment.

Those were my thoughts as the boys made their way into valley below. How could young boys be so capable of such rugged adventure? How could they withstand such hardship and still have fun? Why do they choose to be in scouts when so many other easier options are available to them? Other than your son, do you know of boys that backpacked in January? They have made their choice to be different. Support them in their adventure. Buy them the gear they need. Help them arrange their schedules to find the time for scouting. Encourage them to participate. Are you doing your part to help your son and his friends to develop their character? You may say "Dave, I don't want to sleep in the snow!" That is fine; we have outdoor assistant scoutmasters that do. We need you on the troop committee. We need fund raisers, merit badge instructors, advancement chairs, bus drivers, community service project mentors, etc. There is a place for you that does not involve camping. Get on board and join the fun. Even though I know he can handle it, don't leave your son out in the cold. Do your part. Be involved. You will find no more rewarding activity than helping a boy become a man.

See you on the trail,

David Dierken, Scoutmaster
BSA Troop 315
Scoutmaster@Troop315.org