Troop 63 Joins Troop 56 for Summer Camp Adventure at Camp Crooked Creek
Summer camp is a highlight of the Scouting year, filled with opportunities for adventure, learning, and camaraderie. This summer, Scouts Max Hawkins and Sam Miller from Troop 63 had the unique experience of joining Troop 56 for their week-long summer camp at Camp Crooked Creek, part of the Lincoln Heritage Council, from July 7th to 13th.
A Week of Fun and Challenges
Camp Crooked Creek provided the perfect backdrop for a week of Scouting excitement. Max and Sam, along with their new friends from Troop 56, dove into a wide range of activities and challenges.


- Merit Badge Mania: The Scouts pursued merit badges in various areas, honing skills and expanding their knowledge.
- Max dedicated his time to:
- Citizenship in the Nation: Learning about the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizens, exploring the different levels of government, and participating in a service project.
- Sustainability: Understanding the principles of sustainability and taking action to conserve natural resources, reduce waste, and promote environmental responsibility. Max successfully completed this merit badge.
- Cooking: Mastering various cooking techniques, planning nutritious meals, and preparing food safely in both indoor and outdoor settings.
- Wilderness Survival: Developing essential survival skills like building shelters, finding safe water, signaling for help, and navigating in the wilderness.
- Sam focused on:
- Cooking: Similar to Max, Sam also explored cooking techniques, meal planning, and food safety.
- Sustainability: Sam also delved into the principles of sustainability and environmental responsibility.
- Fishing: Learning about different fish species, fishing equipment, and responsible fishing practices, and demonstrating fishing skills.
- Chemistry: Exploring the fundamentals of chemistry, conducting experiments, and understanding the role of chemistry in everyday life. Sam successfully completed this merit badge.
- Exploration: Researching and planning an exploration trip, learning about navigation and safety, and documenting the exploration experience. Sam also successfully completed this merit badge.
- Max dedicated his time to:
- Aquatic Adventures: With the camp’s waterfront facilities, the Scouts enjoyed plenty of time on the water. Canoeing, kayaking, and swimming provided refreshing fun and a chance to build confidence and teamwork.
- Outdoor Exploration: Hiking through the surrounding woods, the Scouts experienced the beauty of nature and learned valuable outdoor skills. They also tested their navigation abilities with orienteering challenges.
- Campfire Camaraderie: Evenings around the campfire were filled with laughter, songs, and stories. The Scouts bonded with their fellow campers, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Benefits of Shared Experiences
The decision to join Troop 56 for summer camp provided Max and Sam with a valuable opportunity to broaden their Scouting horizons.
- New Friendships: They forged new friendships with Scouts from another troop, expanding their social circles and strengthening the Scouting community.
- Fresh Perspectives: Experiencing camp with a different troop exposed them to new ideas and approaches to Scouting activities.
- Increased Confidence: Stepping outside their comfort zone and adapting to a new environment helped Max and Sam build self-reliance and resilience.
A Summer to Remember
Summer camp at Camp Crooked Creek was a resounding success for Max Hawkins and Sam Miller. They returned home with new skills, cherished memories, and a renewed appreciation for the Scouting spirit. Their experience serves as a reminder of the power of shared adventures and the importance of building connections within the Scouting community.

