The 1999 Raven Knob Camp trip was one to be remembered. Of course, there were the usual activities that attract so many scouts each year, such as the merit badges, swimming or canoeing, hiking, trying to choke down the food, etc.

       Most of the time, the weather was ideal. It was warm and breezy throughout most of the week, with only one major exception.  On Wednesday night, with all of the parents and scouts at the 'camp fire' it began to rain and the wind kicked up. Normally this would be no big deal, but the weather didn't change. Right in the middle of the OA ceremony, when the scouts were being inducted into the Order of the Arrow, it became so bad that some of the parents left, right through the OA ceremony! It wasn't long after this that the assembly was canceled and everyone left for their campsite.

       The rain didn't stop then, however. It kept right on pouring for several hours afterwards. Many people's tents were flooded, and a few scouts were caught unprepared and got soaked. Most of the troop gathered under the awnings, and thanks to a few thoughtful scouts, no one became hypothermic. Those that weren't soaked or helping or checking on others were under the awning passing out chips, sleeping bags, spare clothes, flashlights, and other essentials. It was an outstanding demonstration of the cohesiveness and thoughtfulness of Boy Scouts, as many took it upon themselves to help the less experienced scouts make it through the storm.

       The rest of the week passed relatively uneventfully, with no more bad weather to speak of. Everyone who wanted to got to climb the Knob, and after the rainy Wednesday night everything was back to normal, and it didn't take long for the mud to leave and make the mountain climbable again. As usual, the Knob showed a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains and valleys, as well as the scout camp below.