On March 16, the Boy Scouts of America Troop 319 went on a two-night camping trip on the beach of the Colorado River where they canoed three miles the first day, and 17 miles the second. The Scouts were stationed at Pirate’s Cove Resort, on the border of California and Arizona. Eleven scouts and parents from 319 have been going on many treks similar to this one in preparation for an outing they will be participating in this June. This outing, known as Atchafalaya Swamp Base, is an eight- day canoeing retreat in the New Orleans swamp, with approximately 60 miles of paddling cut out for those brave enough for the challenge. These Scouts have been conditioning themselves for the last four months.

Their Colorado River trek started with a five-hour drive, bringing them to the campsite late in the evening. Each Scout had to plan his own meals, only having one night when the group ate at the resort’s cantina.

On the first morning, when the rental service dropped off their canoes, they came bearing unfortunate news: every so often, the wind will get so bad that people cannot go out on the river or else the current will push them backwards. This was the case for the 319 crew. Refusing to admit defeat to the weather, the group loaded up their gear anyway and paddled around the resort’s bay for a total of 3.6 miles. While doing so, they also completed community service by picking up trash on the shore and in the water. This service will contribute to the 10 total hours of service required to earn the 50-Miler Award, which they will be completing at Swamp Base. To achieve this award, a Scout must travel 50 miles by foot or non-motorized vehicle, and document 10 hours of community service involving water conservation efforts.

After their time on the water, the “swampers” returned to shore tired but confident. Throughout their preparation for Swamp Base, crew members had been testing their limits in order to estimate how they will feel after a day of the real deal. Luckily, the only complaint they had throughout their last adventure was pain in between the thumb and index finger and, of course, pain from sitting too long.

As June draws nearer, the Swamp Base crew members still have a lot of training to do if they hope to survive what lies ahead. A key part to their preparation is to pass the BSA swim test. This is required for Atchafalaya because, in the event of a capsize, each individual must be able to swim or else they could drown. Canoers who go on this trek also face threats such as alligators, snakes, mosquitoes, wasps and other predators that may lurk in the Louisiana Swamp.

These Scouts’ hard work and commitment reflect the skills and ethics of Troop 319. If all goes well this summer, the troop is hoping to add Swamp Base to the list of treks that they offer to their Scouts annually.

Contributed by Jason ZIMMER

  Jason ZIMMER