This year, Troop 581 traveled to Clayton, Georgia for summer camp at Camp Rainey Mountain. Maintained by the Northeast Georgia Council, the camp is centered around Lake Toccoa, covers nearly 500 acres, and is surrounded on three sides by the Chattahoochee National Forest! The Patrol Leaders Council chose this camp based on its first-year program, a wide range of available scouting programs and a desire to see our adult leaders practice their long-distance driving skills.
Troop 581 always does summer camp in the most epic style possible, so before the formal summer camp even started, the troop went white water rafting. This was organized by the Nantahala Outdoor Center, and had the troop break into two separate groups. Older, more experienced scouts rafted on the Ocoee River in Benton, TN and the rest went to the Nantahala River in Bryson City, NC.
Once at Camp Rainey Mountain, the troop set up camp and prepared for a week of adventure. First year Scouts got a head start on completing rank requirements with many completing most of the requirements for Scout and Tenderfoot. Other Scouts also had time to work on rank requirements. All in all, the troop held seven Boards of Review for Scouts advancing in rank. Older Scout spent the week working on merit badges like First Aid, Shotgun Shooting, Wood Carving, Geocaching and Oceanography with over 50 being earned.
It was yet again, another great Summer Camp. The Patrol Leader Council will have to work hard to top it in 2022.