Troop 1131 left for Camp Raven Knob in Mount Airy, North Carolina at about 7:00 in the morning on Sunday, the 24th of June. After a long drive through all of Virginia, the vans trickled into the parking lot and we all met up on a grassy area near the Admin building. When our troop guide for the week came, we had our medical checks, had our pictures taken and went to our campsite, Piney Ridge A, B, and C. Scouts quickly changed into their swim trunks for the swim test down at the waterfront. After drying off, we changed into our Class A uniforms for a tasty dinner of fried chicken. Vespers followed after supper, and lasted about half-an-hour. At 7:00, the scouts made their way to the Order of the Arrow Arena for the opening campfire. The campfire contained many songs and skits by all of the areas in camp (a.k.a. Aquatics, Nature, etc.). With flashlights on, we all walked back to Piney Ridge and went to bed.
It was now Monday, our first day of classes. After a breakfast of bacon and toast, we started our classes at Shooting Sports, Aquatics, Nature, Scoutcraft, and Raven Scout. Andrew M. and Michael S. were part of the "Trek Program," a program with various out of camp overnight trips, and they were popping in and out throughout the week. A light and brief drizzle started and ended after our third period. We went to our lunch of Nachos and had a nice Siesta afterwards. Afternoon classes went fine, and after getting into our Class A's, we went to a dinner of Ham and Mac 'N Cheese. Those scouts who wanted to went on the Annual Knob Hike, the camp's namesake. While admiring the great view, we learned a lot about the camp's history. It started to drizzle at about 9:30, but those of us who were taking Nature or Reptiles merit badge had to go on the frog hunt. It started to thunder, so we were dismissed early, although we did hear the calls of various tree frogs and aquatic frogs. Tired scouts "hit-the-sack," resting from a tiring day.
Breakfast on Tuesday consisted of Bagels and Eggs. After a small downpour, which, thankfully, ended before we had to walk to our classes, we all walked to our merit badges for the second day. A lunch of chicken nuggets seemed to be enjoyed greatly by the hungry scouts. Another downpour occurred from right after lunch to the end of Siesta. Again, though, it ended by the time we left for our afternoon classes. Dinner was Steak and Gravy, and was actually pretty good. We had a Troop Shoot at the Rifle and Archery ranges. Scouts got to shoot the camp's rifles and bows for a little over an our. Free time followed until bed and Taps at 10:00.
Every one seemed to be enjoying their merit badge classes so far, which we again attended after a breakfast of toast and chicken. Merit badge classes last for 6 hours a day (3 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon). Lunch was made at the campsite in the form of a cold cut buffet. Scouts could make their own turkey, ham, or roast beef sandwich (or any combination of the 3). After the Siesta, the afternoon classes were attended. Dinner was made in the campsite again, with the famous Troop 1131 Taco Bar. Almost all of the fixings that you could think of were there, and scouts even had the choice of hard or soft taco shells! After Dinner, the Troop attended the Order of the Arrow ceremony, which always takes place on the Wednesday in camp. It was not even rained out this year! It was really neat the way that the OA chiefs came in on canoes from the lake. It made you feel as if you were back in time. All members of the Indian Lore merit badge classes were asked to come down and participate in the "stomp dance," and many of the new scouts and a few of the older scouts went down to do. Again, flashlights on, we retreated from the arena up to Piney Ridge campsite after another long day.
Before breakfast on Thursday, Troop 1131 went down to the waterfront for the Polar Bear Swim. When not participating in the "Take Down Ryan" contest in the beginners area, some scouts would swim out to the lifeguard chair and jump off into the lake. The water only seemed cold once you got out! Pancakes and Bacon followed for breakfast and scouts changed back into regular clothes during the rest period. Classes progressed as usual, and at lunch we had a choice of Sloppy Joe's or Salisbury Steak, both of which were very good. Afternoon classes followed the daily Siesta and a dinner of Ham and Veggies followed the classes. We had donuts, ice cream and cobbler in the campsite for the Troop and invited staff. The idea is that you invite your favorite staff members and as a thank you give them the best donuts you have ever had! Unfortunately, some scouts had to miss them because they went on the Camping merit badge and Wilderness Survival merit badge overnights, who then returned the next morning. Scouts from the Environmental Science merit badges worked on their reports around the campfire until Taps.
Friday, the last day at Raven Knob. Breakfast was eggs, sausage and the famous grits, which, when put under your cot for the day hardened into rocks. The last day of classes went just as the others, but every one now, if they had not before, was really having a great time. Tasty hot dogs and French Fries were for lunch, and were fast food quality (great in a scouts mind). The last classes were wrapped up in the afternoon, and some scouts and leaders, including Mr. Sternberg had to leave for the National Jamboree Pre-Campout before dinner. About half the Troop attended the dinner of BBQ meat and the closing campfire, in which Andy G. and Peter B. performed the "Who's on First?" skit. All of the other areas either performed a skit or had an award presentation, such as the "Golden Stick" from Scoutcraft or the "Nature Boy" honor from the Nature area. On Saturday morning, scouts packed up their things and left Camp Raven Knob, not to return for another year.