Fall Campout Recap - A Weekend to Remember at Camp Ho Non Wah!

Getting to the beautiful Camp Ho Non-Wah on Friday evening was quite an adventure with traffic all over Charleston, but the breathtaking campsite nestled along the shores of the Bohicket made it worth the journey.

Our weekend began with families setting up their tents and preparing for an unforgettable adventure. Friday night kicked off with a night hike, where scouts explored the grounds and learned about the history and layout of Camp Ho Non-Wah. The fun continued with an epic game of flashlight tag, and the evening wrapped up with a cozy cracker barrel featuring milk and cookies.

Saturday: Learning, Fun, and Bald Eagles!

After a chilly night with lows in the 40s, everyone woke up to the smell of a hearty breakfast of pancakes, sausage, and fruit, lovingly prepared by our fantastic grubmasters, Joseph and Ruth. While breakfast was being cooked, Ben guided the scouts in mastering the three-bucket system to clean their dishes, teaching valuable scout skills.

Our opening ceremony was led by the Wolves (Elle, Ayden, and Ian), who posted the flags and led the Pledge of Allegiance, Scout Law, and Scout Oath. Holden, our lone Webelo, recited the Outdoor Code, inspiring everyone to remember their responsibilities to nature.

The morning programs split by ranks were filled with hands-on learning:

• Tigers and Wolves, led by Den Leader Monica and assisted by Den Chief Kennedy, focused on Outdoor Ethics, Leave No Trace, and the Outdoor Code.

• Bears and Webelos, led by Ben Beasley and assisted by Den Chief Ryanne, practiced knife safety skills essential for outdoor adventures.

The highlight of the morning was an awe-inspiring moment when a bald eagle swooped into the campsite, perched on a nearby tree, and seemed to oversee the scouts' activities. Everything came to a halt as everyone gathered to admire this majestic bird — a rare and unforgettable experience.

Lunch was a crowd-pleaser with sandwiches, chips, and fruit, giving everyone a much-needed energy boost for the afternoon activities.

Saturday Afternoon: Racing, Fishing, and Service

After lunch, the scouts raced in an epic boxcar derby using their handcrafted cardboard box cars. Even the youngest participants, siblings Audrey and Ramona (our honorary "Dragon Scouts"), joined in on the fun!

Next up was fishing! Ben Beasley shared the rules and ethics of fishing while Ben Buchanon, our unofficial fishing ambassador, helped scouts set up their new poles for success. While no fish were caught, the Tigers (Jude and Kingstyn) had their own memorable experience "catching" plenty of trees!

In the late afternoon, the scouts participated in a conservation

project requested by the park ranger. They eagerly raked pine straw into three large piles, demonstrating teamwork and their commitment to leaving the campsite better than they found it. It was a joy to see their enthusiasm for this meaningful service project.

As dinner was prepared — hamburgers, hotdogs, and all the fixings — the scouts worked together to prepare for the campfire program. The evening featured songs, skits, jokes, and even ghost stories, with scouts show casing creativity and humor. Everyone enjoyed campfire s’mores cones, while the adults indulged in an incredible cheesecake cooked in a Dutch oven — a dessert masterpiece!

Sunday: Reflection and Farewell

On Sunday morning, everyone packed up their gear and participated in a patrol line to ensure the campsite was spotless. We then gathered at the chapel for an interfaith Scout’s Own service, where we reflected on reverence and gratitude for the weekend’s experiences. After a grab-and-go breakfast, it was time to say goodbye to our beloved Camp Ho Non Wah.

The fall campout was a perfect combination of learning, adventure, and camaraderie. The weather was beautiful, the activities were fun, and everyone left with great memories and an eagerness for the next adventure. It was truly a weekend to remember!