During+the+week+of+July+11%2d17%2c+1999%2c+our+troop+attended+summer+camp+at+the+Buffalo+Trail+Scout+Ranch+in+the+Davis+Mountains+of+west+Texas%2e++The+camp+is+430+miles+from+where+we+live%2e+This+was+my+19th+trip+to+summer+camp%2c+and+I+thoroughly+enjoyed+my+week+at+BTSR%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aWe+had+58+Scouts+and+14+adults+at+camp+this+year%2e+Unlike+our+last+trip+to+BTSR+in+1994+during+which+the+daily+temps+were+in+the+100%27s+and+extremely+dry+and+dusty%2c+this+year+was+cool+and+WET+as+we+received+rainfall+during+all+six+days%2e++This+wasn%27t+a+significant+problem+as+most+of+the+rain+took+place+mid%2dafternoon+%28similar+to+afternoon+showers+at+Philmont%29+which+gave+the+tents+an+opportunity+to+dry+out+before+bedtime%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aI+think+this+was+the+first+time+I+didn%27t+have+to+use+sun+screen+at+summer+camp+as+most+of+the+days+were+cloudy%2e++We+enjoyed+the+cool+nights+and+low+humidity+which+is+certainly+different+from+what+we+usually+experience+at+summer+camp%2e++The+BTSR+area+was+very+green+and+lush%2c+something+one+doesn%27t+often+encounter+during+July+in+west+Texas%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aMost+of+the+merit+badge+classes+were+good%2c+with+Astronomy%2c+Geology%2c+Horsemanship+and+a+few+others+outstanding%2e++Since+BTSR+doesn%27t+have+a+lake%2c+aquatics+activities+are+somewhat+limited+but+the+camp+has+a+large+swimming+pool+%28with+very+cold+water%29+so+they+are+able+to+offer+Swimming%2c+Lifesaving%2c+Snorkeling+and+BSA+Lifeguard%2e++In+addition+to+the+merit+badge+program%2c+BTSR+offers+several+high+adventure+opportunities+including+a+backpacking+program%2c+a+mountain+man+program+and+a+horseback+cavalcade+program%2e++The+reports+I+heard+from+these+were+positive%2e++There+are+also+opportunities+for+Scouts+and+adults+to+hike+the+BTSR+trails+during+free+time%2e++Since+the+camp+has+6%2c000+acres%2c+hiking+opportunities+abound%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aOn+the+negative+side%2c+the+campsites+at+BTSR+are+very+small+when+compared+to+other+camps+I%27ve+attended%2e++Our+group+of+72+campers+was+very+crowded+and+we+had+no+room+to+set+up+camp+gadgets%2c+etc%2e++As+a+result%2c+we%27ll+probably+limit+our+future+BTSR+contingents+to+40%2d45+campers%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aOn+Tuesday%2c+many+campers+got+to+see+their+very+first+%22wall+of+water%22+during+a+flash+flood+in+the+creek+that+runs+through+BTSR%2e++After+seeing+a+2%2d3+ft%2e+%22wall%22+come+rushing+down+the+creek%2c+I+certainly+have+a+better+understanding+of+the+dangers+associated+with+flash+floods%2e+Hopefully%2c+our+Scouts+do+too%2e++We+even+got+a+repeat+performance+on+Friday+afternoon+but+the+water+wasn%27t+as+high+this+time%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aWe+had+planned+a+trip+to+the+McDonald+Observatory+for+Tuesday+night+but+couldn%27t+get+out+of+the+camp+due+to+the+flood%2e++As+an+alternative%2c+we+took+a+%22field+trip%22+on+Thursday+night+and+transported+our+whole+group+of+a72+campers+to+Alpine+%2850%2b+miles+from+BTSR%29+for+pizza%2e++Then%2c+we+traveled+to+Marfa+to+see+the+%22Marfa+Lights%22+which+the+Scouts+found+interesting+for+about+ten+minutes%2e++For+additional+information+on+the+Marfa+Lights%2c+see+http%3a%2f%2fwww%2evirtual%2dmarkets%2enet%2fgo%2fbtcarrol%2fskeptic%2fmarfa%2ehtml%0d%0a%0d%0aBTSR+had+the+most+enthusiastic+camp+staff+I%27ve+ever+seen%2e++Both+the+Camp+Director+and+Program+Director+demonstrated+a+great+deal+of+humor+thoughout+the+week%2e+Somehow%2c+I+managed+to+attract+a+cream+pie+in+my+face+during+lunch+on+Monday%2c+and+a+pitcher+of+ice+cold+water+down+my+shirt+and+shorts+one+morning+during+breakfast%2e++Several+other+adults+in+our+troop+even+got+wetter+during+one+of+the+dining+hall+%22water+duels%22+between+the+Camp+Director+and+Program+Director%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aDuring+the+week%2c+the+camp+staff+led+a+pair+of+camp+fire+programs+and+two+religious+services+were+available%2e++The+Monday+night+camp+fire+was+especially+meaningful+as+the+staff+honored+a+long%2dtime+staff+member+and+council+volunteer+who+passed+away+earlier+this+year%2e++On+Friday%2c+the+Camp+Ranger+did+his+famous+%22watermelon+chop%22+which+was+thoroughly+enjoyed+by+the+campers%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aOverall%2c+we+had+a+great+week+at+BTSR+and+I+look+forward+to+returning+at+some+point+in+the+future%2e

The+camp+was+over+600+miles+from+home%2c+and+we+had+a+blast%2e+No+home+sick+scouts%2c+and+they+were+always+busy%2e+Yes%2c+it+was+hot%2c+but+%22Drink+the+Water%22%2c+and+as+much+as+you+can%2e+The+phenomena+of+the+early+morning+winds+blasting+through+the+campsites+like+a+Freight+Trail%2e+I+know+we+didn%27t+sleep+the+first+night%21%21%21+We+didn%27t+know+what+to+expect%2c+but+in+reality+the+winds+were+nice+and+cool%2e+Seeing+the+Wild+Mountain+Goat+during+the+morning+flag+raising+ceremonies+were+great%2c+as+if+they+were+going+to+work%2e%2e%2e+and+would+return+in+the+evening%2e+The+cook+staff+was+new%2c+but+they+pulled+it+together%2e+The+skies+were+clear+every+night%2c+and+the+stars+were+so+beautiful+that+most+of+our+scouts+slept+under+the+stars%2e+Will+do+this+again%2e%2e%2e+Great+Camp+Director%2e%2e%2e+Here%27s+your+plug+Mark%2e%2e%2e%2e++%0d%0a

+++++We+attended+Buffalo+Trails+Scout+Camp+inthe+Davis+Mountains+of+Texas%2e++It+is+the+Council+camp+for+the+Midland+%2fOdessa+Council+of+Texas%2e++Talk+about+rugged%21%21%21++You+feel+like+you+are+in+the+middle+of+a+Louis+Lamar+novel%2e++The+Camp+Director+is+a+fellow+named+Mark+who+is+a+Great+Personality+and+great+with+Scouts+and+Adults+alike%2e++Sunday+you+are+wondering+what+you+got+yourself+into+and+by+Wed+you+love+the+place%2e+Half+inch+rebar+and+a+12+pound+sledge+hammer+along+with+an+Adult+strong+enough+and+skilled+enough+to+swing+it+are+the+only+way+you+will+get+tents+set+up%2e++But+Ranger+Dan%2c+a+ten+year+veteran+of+this+camp%2c++is+working+hard+to+develop+a+better+surface+to+place+the+tents+on%2e++He+is+in+hopes+of+having+a+grassy+area+in+a+few+years%2e++It+is+rock+hard+dust+right+now+with+very+little+rain+in+that+area+in+the+last+twelve+years%2e++A+spring+up+the+Canyon+will+provide+water+for+the+campground+in+a+short+while+if+everything+goes+as+planned%2e++Aside+from+the+rugged+terrain+and+the+20+to+40+mile+an+hour+winds+that+blow+10+minutes+at+a+time+from+about+Mid+Night+on%2c+something+about+the+place+draws+you+back%2e++It+was+like+camping+on+the+beach+at+Corpus+Christy+and+missing+being+sand+blasted+after+you+left%2e++A+hard+thing+to+explain%2e+++++The+Program+had+some+problems+but+when+we+pointed+them+out+they+got+fixed+quick%2e++Real+great+results%2e++Geology+and+Astronomy+were+a+disappointment%2e++Only+seven+kinds+of+rock+are+available+locally+but+Mobil+Oil+sent+a+rock+collection++to+help+out+and+even+though+there+is+almost+no+light+pollution+in+that+area+of+the+country%2c+the+narrow+canyon+rising+1000+feet+around+you+restrict+the+view+but+the+Milky+Way+was+still+very+visible%2e+%0d%0a%0d%0a++++100+degree+days+and+70+degree+nights+in+that+near+desert+environment+was+actually+more+comfortable+than+Summer+Camp+here+in+North+Texas%2e++We+rarely+get+nights+below+90+with+night+winds+scarce%2e%0d%0a++++Davis+Observatory+is+a+short+25+miles+and+they+have+Star+Gazing+parties+on+Tuesday+and+Saturday+nights%2e++Unfortunately++they+got+a+two+inch+rain+at+the+Observatory+on+Tuesday+night+and+they+closed+up+shop+and+go+home+with+a+cloud+cover+and+nothing+to+see%2e%0d%0a%0d%0a++++The+Trails+are+tougher+than+Philmont%2e++I+had+two+adults+who+did+Treks+at+Buffalo+Trails+and+have+done+Philmont%2e++One+is+a+Viet+Nam+Vet%2c+Special+Forces+and+the+other+a+retired+Lt%2e+Col%2e++Both+said+Buffalo+Trails+was+much+rougher+than+Philmont%2e++Elevation+is+between+4+and+5000+feet+so+you+get+a+break+that+direction+but+the+heat+is+much+more+challenging%2e++The+views+were+great+but+lacked+the+variety+of+Philmont%2e++Both+had+a+great+time%2e%0d%0a%0d%0a++++Buffalo+Trails+has+a+strong+Horse+Program+with+Horse+Treks+heading+out+twice+in+the+week%2e%0d%0a%0d%0a++++All+my+Scouts+had+a+great+time+with+the+possible+exception+of+my+three+older+Scouts+who+allowed+not+wearing+hats+to+become+an+issue+and+still+is+as+they+will+all+have+to+re%2dcycle+to+gain+my+signature+on+Scout+Sprit%2e%0d%0a%0d%0a++++I+would+advise+making+a+stop+at+Balmorae+State+Park+on+the+way+in+or+the+way+out+for+nothing+more+than+a+swim+in+there+30+acre+spring+fed%2c+cold+water+Civilian+Conservation+Corps+built+pool%2e++Truly+the+oasis+of+West+Texas+about+10+miles+outside+the+camp+gate%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aYIS%2c%0d%0a%0d%0aJoe+Marsh%0d%0aScoutmaster+Troop+86%0d%0aBoy+Scout+Roundtable+Commissioner%0d%0aRoadrunner+District%0d%0aLonghorn+Council%0d%0a%0d%0a

Here+To+Update%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aBTSR+now+has+over+9000+acres+and+is+considered+the+largest+council+owned+scout+camp+in+america%2e++Outback%2c+cavalcade%2c+and+mountain+man+programs+are+now+growing+and+will+soon+challenge+those+of+philmonts%2e++This+is+2003+and+last+year+I+was+able+to+be+Cavalcade+Director+%28thats+the+outback+horse+riding%29++This+place+is+rough%2e%2e%2e+not+many+roads+so+safety+is+a+must%2e++BTSR+is+truly+the+jewel+of+west+texas%2e++If+youve+gone+and+hiked+or+rode+philmont+and+you+want+to+do+something+a+bit+more+advanced+I+recomend+coming+to+BTSR%2e++Hope+to+see+you+ther+check+us+out%2e%0d%0a%0d%0a+++++++++++Sincerely%2c+Bob+Hansler%0d%0a

Buffalo+Trail+Scout+Ranch+%2d+Outback+%2d+Team+Building+%2d+June+2007%0d%0a+%0d%0a%0d%0aWOW%21++What+a+great+program+and+beautiful+country%2e++BTSR+is+a+really+great+camp%2e++The+location+is+very+remote%2c+the+food+is+excellent%2c+the+staff+warm%2c+inviting+and+servant+oriented+and+the+programs+phenomenal%2e++I+would+highly+recommend+this+summer+camp+to+any+Boy+Scout+Troop%2e++After+touring+the+back+country+and+spending+5+days+hiking%2c+I+thought+it+would+be+nice+to+share+our+experience+with+others+and+help+other+troops+in+their+preparations+for+their+trip+to+BTSR%2e%0d%0a%0d%0a+%0d%0a%0d%0aSunday%3a++It+is+check%2din+time%2e++We+were+first+in+line+and+they+had+people+coming+to+the+car+to+give+us+tags+to+show+where+our+base+camp+was+and+where+we+could+park%2e++All+of+the+campsites+for+base+camp+are+on+the+right+side+of+camp%2e++The+left+side+of+camp%2c+%22Up+the+hill%22%2e++They+decided+to+try+something+new+this+year%2e++I+think+it+was+a+great+idea+but+still+needs+a+bit+of+tweaking+to+get+it+perfected%2e++All+of+the+base%2dcampers+stay+in+their+designated+campsites%2e++All+of+the+outback+%28backpacking%2c+mountain+man%29+and+cavalcade+stay+up+the+hill+in+some+large+army+tents%2e++They+had+plenty+of+cots+for+all+of+the+outback+folks+to+stay+in%2e++But%2c+a+windstorm+had+destroyed+one+of+their+tents+and+they+had+not+put+up+the+new+tent%2e++Because+of+the+chaos%2c+we+slept+in+the+Chapel+%28up+the+hill%29%2e++It+was+concrete+but+it+wasn%27t+rocky%2e+++Lots+of+fun+watching+fireflys+dance+above+your+head+as+you+go+to+sleep%2e++Basecampers+had+reserved+wall+tents+and+cots+and+they+worked+out+very+well%2e++Our+only+problem+was+that+their+site+was+the+very+farthest+away+from+the+camp+so+it+was+very+inconvenient+to+go+to+their+camp%2e++We+parked+our+trailer+close+to+their+camp%2e++We+showed+up+for+shakedown+at+the+flag+pole+right+before+dark%2e++It+was+a+little+chaotic%2e++We+kept+asking+who+our+ranger+was+and+they+didn%27t+know%2e++We+found+out+later+that+there+was+supposed+to+be+only+12+people+in+Team+Building+and+between+three+troops+we+had+26%2e++They+didn%27t+have+us+empty+our+tents+but+they+did+go+over+the+list+with+us+again+to+hopefully+help+us+identify+what+to+bring+or+not+bring%2e++They+recommended+not+bringing+tents+as+they+have+tarps%2c+rope+and+stakes+at+all+of+the+campsites%2e++We+took+this+advice+and+slept+under+the+stars%2e++WOW%21++What+a+great+way+to+backpack%2e++A+lot+less+weight%2e%0d%0a%0d%0a+%0d%0a%0d%0aMonday%3a++Breakfast+was+early+6%3a55am+and+then+we+met+at+the+Buffalo+Hall+to+find+our+Ranger+and+begin+our+adventure%2e++All+26+folks+showed+up%2e++Uh+oh%2e++The+staff+did+a+great+job%2e++They+split+us+up+into+two+groups%2e++We+had+7+boys%2c+two+2+men+and+they+put+two+more+boys+with+our+group%2e++They+then+assigned+us+the+Outback+director+as+our+Ranger%2c+Logan%2e++He+was+a+great+ranger%2c+teacher+and+guide%2e+++We+passed+out+a+bit+of+group+gear%2c+snacks+for+the+week%28+Peanut+butter%2c+trail+mix+and+other+items%29+and+our+lunches+for+the+day%2e+++We+did+not+know+the+logistical+challenges+that+the+group+of+26+was+causing+them%2e++They+had+Black+footlockers+at+each+campsite+with+all+of+the+tarps%2c+ropes%2c+cooking+equipment+and+food%2e++But+they+were+stashed+with+stuff+for+12%2e++I+don%27t+know+how+they+did+it+but+they+got+the+food+up+to+all+of+the+sites%2e++We+took+turns+using+the+cooking+equipment%2e++Each+site+had+a+dutch+oven%2c+frying+pan+and+pot+for+cooking%2e++There+was+soap%2c+and+a+sponge%2e+++The+tent+stakes+are+really+cool%2e++They+are+valves+out+of+large+compressors%2e+Virtually+indestructible%2e+You+can+use+them+as+hammers+or+stakes%2e+++We+set+up+our+tarps+in+case+of+rain+at+each+campsite+and+then+dropped+the+tarps+on+the+ground%2e++We+slept+under+the+stars+each+night%2e%0d%0a%0d%0a+%0d%0a%0d%0aWe+hiked+up+the+main+canyon%2c+passing+the+Needle%2c+the+notch+and+the+Park%28where+Mountain+Man+is+now%29%2e++We+continued+on+after+lunch+and+then+it+began+to+rain%2e++Not+to+bad+but+enough+that+the+creek+begin+to+rise%2e++Where+we+could+easily+hop+the+creek+earlier%2c+we+now+were+not+able+and+we+had+to+cross+the+creek+by+walking+through%2eWe+continued+on+in+spite+of+being+soaking+wet%2e++It+rained+on+us+the+rest+of+the+way+to+Jenkins+Cabin%2e++After+7+miles+of+hiking+in+the+canyon%2c+we+turned+right+and+went+up+a+steep+jeep+trail+for+2+miles+to+Jenkins+Cabin%2e++This+is+an+old+hunting+cabin%2e++You+can%27t+go+in+it+but+it+has+a+very+fine+front+porch+that+we+used+to+shelter+us+from+the+rain%2e++Also+in+the+back+is+a+new+looking+latrine%2e++Very+very+nice%2e++Supper+was+%22backpacker+pizza%22%2e++This+consisted+of+a+tortilla%2c+heated+in+a+frying+pan+with+tomatoes+sauce%2c+cheese+and+peporoni+added%2e++Folded+in+half+and+eaten%2e++Pudding+that+had+to+be+cooked+was+offered+but+we+skipped+it%2e++%0d%0a%0d%0aThe+tarps+at+the+camp+were+not+function+for+rain+and+there+were+no+stakes+of+tarps+here+so+we+all+slept+on+the+porch+like+a+bunch+of+sardines%2e++There+are+no+creeks+or+water+sources%2e++However+the+BTSR+staff+hauls+water+in+7+gallon+water+and+30+gallon+Blue+water+containers+to+the+site%2e++There+was+80+or+so+gallons+of+water+at+the+Cabin+when+we+arrived%2e%0d%0a%0d%0a+%0d%0a%0d%0aTuesday%3a++We+woke+up+to+clear+skies+and+soggy+area%2e++Our+breakfast+was+pancakes+and+ham+so+we+started+cooking%2e++It+took+a+long+time+cooking+one+pancake+at+a+time+for+12+people+in+our+group%2e++We+attempted+to+dry+out+our+gear+while+waiting+on+the+cooking%2e++It+was+very+nice+to+have+an+extra+pair+of+clean+%26+DRY+socks%2e++We+cleaned+up+and+packed+up+our+camp%2e++We+hiked+on+a+jeep+trail+for+several+miles%2e++We+passed+one+fence+line+that+shows+to+be+a+gate+on+the+map%2e++%22the+first+gate+on+the+map%22++The+other+group+had+left+before+us+and+went+to+the+second+gate+and+realized+that+they+had+hiked+past+the+%22west+gate%22%2e++We+arrived+at+%22West+Gate%22+as+they+were+finishing+up+their+lunch+and+moving+on+down+the+%22Silver%22+trail%2e++We+had+lunch+and+I+handed+out+my+surprise+for+the+guys%2c+two+fresh+cantaloupes%2e++Lunch+was+tuna+fish+salad%2c+crackers%2e%2e++We+stared+down+%22Silver+Trail%22+and+learned+the+hard+way+about+%22Cat+Claw%22%2e++This+is+a+very+viscous+pant+with+cat%2dlike+claws+for+thorns%2e++They+plant+grows+from+ankle+high+to+6+feet+tall%2e++It+is+all+along+the+trail+and+hard+to+avoid%2e++It+scratched+our+legs+until+they+were+all+bleeding+and+it+tore+holes+in+our+shirts%2e%2e++Very+tough+stuff%2e++We+learned+by+the+end+of+the+trip+to+step+on+it+with+our+boots+or+to+step+around+it%2e++We+were+much+better+by+the+end+of+the+trip%2e++The+%22Silver+Trail%22+was+good+and+steep+but+very+passable%2e++We+reached+the+bottom+ready+to+take+a+swim%2e++We+hiked+the+%bd+mile+to+the+Notch+and+enjoyed+a+Cold+swim+in+the+old+watering+hole%2e++The+boys+had+a+blast+exploring+the+around+the+Notch+and+even+jumped+off+of+the+high+ledge%2e++We+returned+to+camp+where+some+boys+were+able+to+go+rock+climbing+%bd+mile+from+camp+the+other+way%2e++We+put+down+tarps+again+and+even+enjoyed+a+nice+small+campfire%2e++The+dinner+was+%22pasta+with+Chicken%22%2e++Very+filling%2e++We+had+apple+cobbler+available+but+we+were+too+tired+to+make+it%2e++Instead+we+carried+it+with+us%2e++The+water+here+is+available+via+a+PVC+pipe+that+is+tapped+into+a+natural+spring%2e++The+spring+is+%bd+way+between+the+camp+and+the+Notch%2e++It+is+not+very+well+marked+but+a+piece+of+PVC+pipe+sticking+out+of+the+side+of+the+hill+should+be+pretty+obvious%2e++We+used+our+water+filters+to+filter+the+water%2e%0d%0a%0d%0a+%0d%0a%0d%0aWednesday%3a++We+woke+up+to+enjoy+a+quick+meal+of+oatmeal+and+granola+bars%2e+We+packed+up+and+headed+out+on+the+trail%2e+++We+hiked+past+the+notch+and+the+needle%2e++Then+turned+left+up+the+%22Lower%22+silver+trail%2e++This+was+very+steep+hiking+with+a+lot+of+brush+in+the+way+scratching+us+as+we+went%2e++We+made+it+to+the+top+and+went+through+a+gate+and+arrived+at+Ezra+Playground%2e+++It+is+just+a+wide+spot+up+there%2e++We+found+water+in+the+familiar+white+and+blue+containers%2e++Our+Ranger+conducted+several+team+building+exercises+with+the+boys%2e++They+had+a+great+time+doing+the+exercises+for+about+2+hours%2e++We+saw+a+couple+of+dignitaries+being+toured+around+the+camp+on+a+%22Mule%22+four+wheeler%2e++We+rested+a+bit+and+then+went+%bd+of+the+crew+went+on+a+%22short%22+day+hike%2e++Five+miles+later+we+had+walked+completely+around+Bear+Cave+Mountain%2e++Our+dinner+was+being+finished+up+by+half+the+crew%2e++The+dinner+was+Back+Packer+burritos%2e++Beans%2c+Summer+Sausage+and+%22Cheese+Whiz%22+in+a+tortilla+topped+with+Salsa%2e+YUM+YUM%2e++We+put+the+Dutch+oven+on+rocks+above+our+MSR+Stove+for+heat%2e++It+worked+well%2e++Then+we+heated+up+the+tortilla%27s+in+a+frying+pan+with+the+butter+that+they+gave+us%2e++%0d%0a%0d%0a+%0d%0a%0d%0aThursday%3a++We+had+rice+pudding+for+breakfast%2c+You+mix+a+bit+of+milk+in+your+bowl%2c++put+in+the+cooked+Boil+a+bag+rice%2c+add+brown+sugar%2c+butter+and+raisins+and+shazam%2e++Breakfast%2e++The+hike+was+very+light+and+easy+following+a+jeep+trail+towards+forbidden+mountain%2e++About+%bd+way+we+decide+to+participate+in+a+trail+service+project%2e++Our+ranger+helps+us+find+tools+and+we+help+select+the+route+of+the+trail%2e++We+mark+the+trail+by+building+Carnes%2e+++Then+we+clear+about+50+feet+of+trail+with+one+grubbing+hoe%2e++The+rest+of+the+crew+uses+their+hands+to+clear+the+grass+that+is+growing+up+in+the+middle+of+the+new+trail%2e++We+work+for+over+2+hours+and+earn+our+%22Pond+Weed+award+for+the+crew%22++We+hike+a+bit+farther+to+a+pond+and+break+for+Lunch%2e++Lunch+is+peanut+butter+crackers+which+we+add+more+peanut+butter%2c+apple+sauce+and+a+cookie%2e++The+Camp+Ranger+and+a+couple+of+BTSR+staff+pass+us+by+busy+doing+work+for+other+groups%2e++We+arrive+at+forbidden+camp+and+find+the+cabin%2c+Water+supply+and+another+great+latrine%2e++The+water+is+pumped+up+from+the+Base+camp%2c+stored+in+an+elevated+tank+and+then+piped+to+a+water+spigot+that+we+use+to+fill+our+water+bottles%2e++We+hike+about+a+%bc+mile+more+to+a+clearing+and+set+up+camp%2e++++After+a+brief+rest%2c+we+gather+with+our+sister+crew+to+compete+in+a+GPS+Geo%2dcaching+race%2e++There+are+8+Caches+scattered+over+%be+mile+by+1%2f3+mile+area%2e++Very+large+area+to+cover+but+we+find+out+that+one+of+the+boys+dad+is+an+expert+and+he+helps+to+lead+our+team+to+victory+finding+all+8+items+45+minutes+before+the+other+team+returns+to+announce+they+have+only+found+7%2e++We+kid+each+other+back+and+forth+and+we+return+to+camp%2e++We+rest+some+more+as+the+rangers+have+been+out+exploring+a+couple+trails+for+us%2e++They+even+find+the+trail+to+the+scenic+over%2dlook+of+base+camp%2e++We+walk+over+to+the+edge%2c+take+some+pictures%2c+yell+at+the+crews+below+%2ewe+Don%27t+know+if+they+heard+us%2e+++And+we+take+in+a+gorgeous+view%2e++We+return+to+camp+and+fix+our+Chili+and+Cornbread%2e++We+cook+it+in+a+Dutch+oven+over+a+fire+with+the+cornbread+on+top+of+the+chili%2e++Yum+Yum%2e++We+then+clean+the+Dutch+oven+and+cook+the+cobbler%2e++There+were+apples+and+such+for+desert+but+we+eat+the+cobbler+that+we+have+been+carrying%2e++We+notice+a+light+being+flashed+at+us+across+the+canyon+above+the+base+camp%2e++We+flash+back%2e++We+learn+later+that+it+is+our+Troops%27+%22Intro+to+Packpacking%22+group+flashing+us+with+a+Maglight%2e++Wow+what+power%2e%0d%0a%0d%0a+%0d%0a%0d%0aFriday%3a+++We+eat+another+meal+of+oatmeal+and+grapenut+bars+and+take+off+down+the+trail%2e++We+fill+up+our+water+bottles+and+see+the+other+crew+hiking+down+the+steep+road+to+camp%2e++They+don%27t+take+the+trail%2e++We+hike+up+a+trail+to+a+spot+above+yesterday%27s+pond%2e++We+hike+up+the+road+a+bit+farther+and+then+turn+right+to+begin+the+long+trail+down+Pigpen+cabin%2e++After+a+long+while+of+steep+loose+rock%2c+we+meet+a+creek+bed+that+flattens+out%2e++Then+the+trail+joins+the+dirt+road+and+gets+us+to+the+asphalt+road+into+camp%2e++%0d%0a%0d%0a+%0d%0a%0d%0aWOW%21++We+made+it%2e++35+miles+in+5+days%2e%0d%0a%0d%0a+%0d%0a%0d%0aWe+arrive+at+camp+just+in+time+for+a+hotdog%2f+braut+picnic+with+watermelon+served+for+desert%2e++After+lunch+we+hike+over+to+the+swimming+pool+and+take+a+%22Bath%22+in+the+swimming+pool%2e++A+very+refreshing+reward+after+a+long+hike%2e%0d%0a%0d%0a+%0d%0a%0d%0aWe+hang+out%2c+get+cleaned+up%2c+shop+at+the+store%2c+fill+out+some+evaluation+forms%2e++We+meet+up+with+one+of+our+boys+parents%2c+go+to+a+barbeque+dinner%2e%28Don%27t+forget+to+bring+a+cup%29+and+then+on+to+a+campfire%2e++A+great+awards+recognition+event+with+a+slide+show+of+pictures+to+close+it+out%2e++OA+tap+outs+are+after+the+campfire%2e+%0d%0a%0d%0a+%0d%0a%0d%0aWe+hike+to+the+basecampers+camp%2e+Spread+out+our+tarps+and+sleep+in+our+bags%2e++We+get+one+more+great+opportunity+to+see+the+crystal+clear+skies%2c+with+an+abundance+of+stars+and+even+a+clear+view+of+the+Milky+Way%2e%0d%0a%0d%0a+%0d%0a%0d%0aSaturday%3a++Our+basecampers+had+pre%2dpacked+the+campsite+so+all+we+had+left+was+the+sleeping+bags+and+day+bags%2e++We+pick+up+our+cold+breakfast+at+6%3a30am%2e++Eat%2c+clean+and+get+Ms%2e+Euless%27s+approval%2c+check+out+and+begin+our+return+trip+to+home%2e%0d%0a%0d%0a%0d%0a%0d%0a+%0d%0a%0d%0a%0d%0a%0d%0aLessons+Learned%3a+%0d%0a%0d%0aYou+had+better+hit+the+Stair+masters+before+coming%2e++Even+though+it+is+not+Colorado+these+hills+are+steep%2e%0d%0aYour+boys+need+some+physical+training+before+hand%2e++Some+are+more+in+shape+than+others%2e++It+is+best+to+know+that+before+you+come+and+for+the+boys+to+be+in+great+shape%2e%0d%0aTry+to+get+your+boys+going+early+in+the+morning+to+avoid+hiking+in+the+heat%2e++It+was+light+enough+by+6%3a00am%0d%0aBring+extra+trash+bags+as+the+%22Cat+Claw%22+branches+will+tear+holes+in+the+gear%2e%0d%0aLearn+to+avoid+the+%22Cat+Claw%22%2e++Either+step+on+them+or+dodge%2e+Don%27t+try+and+push+through+them%2e%0d%0aDon%27t+bring+your+tents%2e++Use+the+tarps+and+bring+a+couple+of+spools+of+Twine%2e%0d%0aYou+only+need+2%2d3+bottles+of+%22White%22+fuel+not+five%2e++You+can+make+do+with+one+stove+for+the+week+but+two+is+better%2e%0d%0aChange+out+of+your+sweat+soaked+clothes+upon+arriving+at+camp%2e++Dry+them+on+a+tree+and+on+your+pack+for+the+day+after%2e%0d%0aTake+good+breathing+breaks+and+take+in+the+view+of+the+scenery%2e+++You+can%27t+take+in+to+much+scenery%2e%0d%0aPack+your+collapsible+water+bottle+in+your+pack+or+the+%22Cat+Claws%22+will+tear+a+hole+in+them%2e%0d%0aMake+sure+that+you+have+some+Diaper+rash+packed%2e++Some+one+is+going+to+get+a+Chaffing+rash%2e%0d%0a+%0d%0a%0d%0a+%0d%0a%0d%0a+%0d%0a%0d%0a+%0d%0a%0d%0a%0d%0a

In+June%2c+2007%2c+our+troop+attended+summer+camp+at+the+Buffalo+Trail+Scout+Ranch+in+the+Davis+Mountains+of+west+Texas%2e++The+camp%2c+operated+by+the+Buffalo+Trail+Council%2c+headquartered+in+Midland+TX%2c+is+about+420+miles+from+where+we+live%2e+This+was+my+29th+summer+camp+trip+and+my+4th+trip+to+BTSR+with+prior+visits+in+1991%2c+1994+%26+1999%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aWe+had+24+Scouts+and+10+adults+attending+camp%2e++The+camp+fee+was+%24200+per+Scout+for+summer+camp+and+%24225+per+Scout+for+the+high+adventure+programs%2e++The+adult+fee+was+%24120%2e++Additional+fees+were+charged+for+the+crafts+badges%2c+Rifle+Shooting%2c+Shotgun+Shooting%2c+and+several+other+activities%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aAs+far+as+the+evaluations+below%2c+these+ratings+are+used%3a%0d%0a++A+%3d+Excellent%0d%0a++B+%3d+Above+Average%0d%0a++C+%3d+Average%0d%0a++D+%3d+Below+Average%0d%0a++F+%3d+Unsatisfactory%0d%0a%0d%0aPre+Camp+Information+and+Ease+of+Arranging+the+Trip+%0d%0a%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0aGrade+%3d+A%0d%0aThe+Leaders%27+Guide+was+excellent%2e++The+camp+provided+a+nice+list+of+%22Scoutmaster+Notes%22+at+check%2din%2e++This+was+nice+to+have%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aMerit+Badge+%26+Activity+Registration+System%0d%0a%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0aGrade+%3d+F%0d%0aThe+camp+used+Doubleknot+and+the+initial+input+was+lost%2e++Here+is+a+portion+of+an+e%2dmail+I+sent+to+Camp+Director+back+on+April+23rd+after%0d%0aentering+the+schedules+for+our+Scouts+a+second+time%2c+%22Well%2c+I%27ve+entered+all+our+information+again%2e++It+took+about+three+hours+this+time+%28my+time+and+my+wife%27s%29+so+that%27s+about+seven+hours+spent+on+a+process+that+should+take+about+an+hour+if+you+were+using+a+registration+system+similar+to+what+either+the+Blue+Ridge+Mountains+Council+or+the+Capitol+Area+Council+use%2e%0d%0aDoubleKnot+is+the+very+worse+registration+system+you+could+have+selected%2e%22%0d%0a%0d%0aCheck+in%2fout+Process+%2d+Arrival+%26+Departure%0d%0a%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0aGrade%3a+D+for+Arrival%0d%0aGrade%3a+A+for+Departure%0d%0aLots+of+wasted+time+during+the+check%2din+process%2e+Our+Mountain+Man+campers+felt+they+were+%22jerked+around%22+a+whole+lot+as+our+Guide+knew+nothing+about+Mountain+Man+procedures+and+neither+did+anyone+else+we+could+find+during+the+first+couple+of+hours+at+camp%2e+The+camp+should+take+the+troop+photos+when+troops+arrive+at+camp+rather+than+doing+this+during+the+camp+tour%2e+%0d%0aThe+way+BTSR+does+this+wastes+a+whole+lot+of+time+and+makes+for+a+very+inefficient+check%2din+process%2e++Generally%2c+the+check%2din+process+at+BTSR+was+worse+than+any+Texas+camp+we%27ve+attended+during+the+past+ten+years%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aCamp+Administration%0d%0a%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0aGrade+%3d+B%2b%0d%0aSomeone+%28Camp+Director%29+has+to+take+the+%22hit%22+for+selecting+Doubleknot+and+the+manner+in+which+Scouts+were+dismissed+for+meals+%28Program+Director%29%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aCamp+Commissioner+Program%0d%0a%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0aGrade+%3d+D%0d%0aThis+individual+can+be+very+nice+and+helpful+but+she+was+also+be+a+big+time+grouch+at+times%2e++She+was+the+only+staff+member+our+Scouts+rated+less%0d%0athan+%22Above+Average%2e%22%0d%0a%0d%0aCamp+Staff%0d%0a%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0aGrade%3a+A%0d%0aFor+the+first+time+in+ten+years%2c+we+had+a+seriously+homesick+Scout%2e++Two+of+the+adult+staff+members%2c+along+with+several+youth+staff+members%2c+went+out+of+their+way+to+make+sure+the+boy+enjoyed+camp%2e++As+a+result%2c+his+homesickness+was+conquered%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aThe+Camp+Medic+did+an+excellent+job+and+really+helped+my+wife+recover+from+some+type+of+%22episode%22+on+Sunday%2c+probably+related+to+the+fact+that+she+hadn%27t+eaten+anything+since+about+11+a%2em%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aBTSR%27s+Camp+Ranger+is+a+real+treasure%2e++I%27m+surprised+that+another+council+hasn%27t+made+a+serious+effort+to+hire+him+away+from+BTSR%2e++He+helped+us+several+times+during+the+week+and+his+%22Samurai+Watermelon+Chop%22+act+after+lunch+on+Friday+entertained+the+Scouts+and+was+even+better+than+when+I+saw+this+in+%2799%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aCampsite%0d%0a%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0aGrade+%3d+D%0d%0aMost+of+the+campsites+are+small+and+troop+size+didn%27t+seem+to+be+a+significant+factor+in+assigning+campsites%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aFire+Ants%0d%0a%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0aGrade+%3d+A%2b%0d%0aUnlike+some+Texas+camps%2c+there+were+no+Fire+Ants%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aTicks+%26+Mosquitoes%0d%0a%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0aGrade+%3d+A%0d%0aNo+significant+problems%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aTents%2c+Platforms+and+Cots%0d%0a%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0aWall+tents+were+available+on+a+limited+basis+but+we+used+our+own+tents%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aLatrine+%26+Shower+Facilities%0d%0a%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0aGrade+%3d+C%0d%0aLatrine+facilities+were+not+as+good+as+most+other+camps+we%27ve+attended%2e++Having+only+two+toilets+and+two+showers+for+adult+males+at+the+latrine+used+by+most+of+the+campsites+was+terrible%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aMerit+Badge+Program%0d%0a%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0aGrade%3a+A%0d%0aMost+of+the+merit+badge+classes+were+excellent%2e++The+Horsemanship+badge+is+especially+nice+and+12+of+our+15+Scouts+at+base+camp+took+advantage+of+the+opportunity+to+earn+this+badge%2e++I+don%27t+allow+our+Scouts+to+pursue+the+First+Aid+merit+badge+at+summer+camps+unless+the+badge+is+offered+as+a+2%2dperiod+class%2e++However%2c+my+wife+and+I+wound+up+helping+the+adult+instructor+with+both+the+morning+and+afternoon+First+Aid+classes+during+two+days%2e++I+applaud+the+counselor+for+not+%22awarding%22+the+badges+based+on+attendance+as+I%27ve+seen+at+most+Texas+camps+during+recent+years%2e++To+receive+First+Aid+at+BTSR%2c+Scouts+actually+had+to+satisfy+the+requirements+and+I+was+glad+to+see+this+take+place%2e++I+do+hope+that+BTSR+will+offer+First+Aid+as+a+2%2dperiod+class+in+the+future+so+our+Scouts+can+take+First+Aid+the+next+time+we+visit+BTSR%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aFirst+Year+Camper+Program%0d%0a%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0aWe+didn%27t+participate+and+I+didn%27t+hear+any+input+from+other+leaders%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aSpecial+Activities%0d%0a%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0aGrade%3a+A%2b%0d%0aLots+of+special+activities%2e++Our+guys+especially+enjoyed+the+Sunrise+Hike+on+Wednesday+morning+and+the+trip+to+the+McDonald+Observatory+on+Thursday+evening%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aSpecial+Programs+for+Older+Scouts%0d%0a%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0aGrade%3a+A%2b%0d%0aBTSR+offers+a+Mountain+Man+Program%2c+a+Horseback+Cavalcade+Program%2c+a+Backpacking+Program%2c+a+Ranch+Program+and+a+SCUBA+Program%2e+We+had+9+Scouts+and+3+adults+in+the+Mountain+Man+Program+and+they+had+an+excellent+week%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aBTSR+has+the+best+combination+of+high+adventure+activities+of+any+Scout+camp+in+Texas%2e++The+only+camp+I%27ve+found+that+has+a+better+combination+is%0d%0athe+Blue+Ridge+Mountains+Reservation+in+Virginia%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aDining+Hall+%26+Food%0d%0a%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0aGrade%3a+C%2d%0d%0aThe+dining+hall+did+not+appear+to+be+an+efficient+operation+as+not+a+single+meal+was+ready+on+time+and+the+camp+almost+ran+out+of+food+on+at+least+two+occasions%2e++Generally%2c+my+wife+is+an+extremely+easy%2dgoing+person%2e++However%2c+after+getting+almost+no+food+during+lunch+one+day+and+seeing+two+dining+hall+staffers+pile+enough+food+for+10%2d12+people+on+their+plates%2c+she+got+upset+enough+to+write+a+note+to+the+Camp+Director%2e++Hopefully%2c+her+note+didn%27t+wind+up+in+the+%22round+file%22+in+the+Camp+Office%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aAs+far+as+assembly+time+for+meals%2c+nothing+went+off+on+time%2e++As+a+result%2c+campers+made+little+effort+to+show+up+on+time+for+the+flag+pole%0d%0aassemblies%2e++I%27ve+always+liked+for+our+campers+to+eat+together+in+the+dining+hall%2e++The+random+way+in+which+campers+were+dismissed+for+most%0d%0ameals+resulted+in+rowdiness+and+it+was+virtually+impossible+for+our+boys+and+adults+to+sit+together+during+meals%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aOverall+Infrastructure%0d%0a%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0aGrade%3a+C%2d%0d%0aThere+were+too+many+people+at+Base+Camp+given+the+infrastructure+and+facilities%2e++I+missed+the+%22fun+%26+games%22+that+use+to+take+place+in+the%0d%0adining+hall+during+meals%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aBuffalo+Hall+is+a+large+room+where+several+merit+badge+classes+were+offered%2e++It+is+also+a+gathering+place+for+campers+to+rest+and+eat+snacks+after+visiting+the+trading+post%2e++The+camp+should+assign+a+staff+member+to+be+there+to+keep+the+Scouts+sitting+around+the+tables%2c+etc%2e+quiet+so+the+merit+badge+instructors+can+do+their+jobs+without+all+the+noise%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aAdult+Training%0d%0a%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0aGrade%3a+A%0d%0aSeveral+opportunities+for+training+were+offered%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aChapel+Program%0d%0a%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0aSunday+night+and+Wednesday+night+chapel+programs+were+offered%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aOrder+of+the+Arrow+Activities%0d%0a%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0aThere+was+a+nice+OA+call+out+ceremony+during+the+closing+campfire+on+Friday%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aTrading+Post%0d%0a%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0aGrade%3a+A%0d%0aLots+of+%22stuff%22+available+for+purchase%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aOverall+Grade%3a+B%2b%0d%0a%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0aIn+summary%2c+BTSR+is+a+nice+camp%2e++However%2c+in+my+opinion%2c+there+have+been+significant+declines+in+Base+Camp+operations+during+the+past+eight+years%2e++On+the+other+hand%2c+the+high+adventure+programs+have+expanded+and+improved%2e++With+adequate+attention+to+the+weaknesses+mentioned+above%2c+I+sincerely+believe+that+BTSR+could+be+the+very+best+Boy+Scout+Camp+in+Texas%2e+%0d%0aCurrently%2c+there+are+several+other+camps+which+are+better+but+the+opportunity+is+there+if+the+Buffalo+Trail+Council+is+willing+to+fix+the%0d%0aproblems%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aYiS%2c%0d%0a%2d%2d%0d%0aCalvin+H%2e+Gray%0d%0aScoutmaster%2c+Troop+405%0d%0aAssociate+Advisor%2c+Venturing+Crew+405%0d%0aGeorgetown%2c+Texas%0d%0aI+used+to+be+an+Owl+%28WM%2d62%2d2%2d98+%40+Philmont%29%0d%0a%0d%0a

We+registered+with+BTSR+last+year+expecting+to+attend+the+first+week+of+camp%2e+It+was+not+until+January%2c+the+Camp+told+us+we+were+on+the+%22Waiting+List%22+with+our+reservation+%28with+little+chance+of+getting+into+the+camp%29%2e+We+had+to+scramble+to+find+a+good+camp+to+attend+this+year%2e%0d%0aAlso%3a+they+would+not+refund+our+deposits+until+well+into+April%2e+I+have+heard+of+similar+experiences+from+a+couple+other+Troops+in+the+Houston+area%2e%0d%0aSo+a+word+of+caution%2c+make+sure+your+reservation+is+confirmed+and+not+a+%22waiting+list%2e%22%0d%0a

Our+Troop+had+been+to+Summer+Camp+at+BTSR+in+2005%2e+Our+then+Scoutmaster+proclaimed+it+%22the+best+camp+ever%22%2e+Based+on+that%2c+and+favorable+responses+from+the+Scouts+that+attended%2c+we+returned+in+the+summer+of+2008%2e+%0d%0a%0d%0aWith+the+exception+of+the+dining+hall+and+restrooms%2c+our+experience+was+really+great%2e+%0d%0aThe+entire+staff+is+like+family+%28many+of+them+are+related%29%2c+having+worked+together+for+years%2e+%0d%0aGreat+horsemanship%2c+climbing+and+shooting+programs%2e+Challenging+hiking+terrain%2e+%0d%0aGreat+base+camp+and+high+adventure+programs%2c+in+one+of+the+remotest+areas+of+Texas%2e+%0d%0aBiggest+negative++%2d+the+dining+hall+ran+out+of+food+at+almost+every+meal+while+people+were+still+waiting+in+line+to+be+served%2e+%0d%0aThe+camp+is+in+the+Davis+Mountains%2e+There+is+a+lot+more+vertical+space+than+horizontal+space%2c+and+all+of+the+horizontal+space+is+used%2e+This+camp+is+very+popular%2c+so+every+campsite+is+filled+to+the+max%2e+Tents+are+typically+lined+up+closer+than+at+National+Jamboree%2e+%0d%0aRestroom+and+shower+facilities+vary+in+quality+and+are+not+really+YPT+correct%2e+Male%2fFemale%2fAdult%2fYouth+all+use+the+same+facility%2e+You+put+a+sign+up+when+you+go+in+to+indicate+who+the+current+occupant+is%2e+%0d%0a+%0d%0aDon%27t+bother+taking+ordinary+tent+stakes+to+BTSR%2e+They+will+just+wind+up+in+the+trash%2e+The+ground+is+so+rocky+that+even+titanium+stakes+get+bent%2e+The+camp+does+have+their+own+%22special%22+tent+stakes+that+they+will+loan+to+you%2e+%0d%0a%0d%0aOverall+a+1200+mile+round+trip+that+was+well+worth+it%2e+I+know+our+Scouts+would+go+there+again%2e+%0d%0a%0d%0a

The+Mountain+Man+Program+at+this+camp+was+fantastic+as+well+as+the+SCUBA+certification+program+held+at+Balmorrhea+State+Park%2e+The+troop+dodgeball+game+against+the+staff+brought+our+scouts+together+in+a+way+we%27d+never+seen+before%2e+Great+for+getting+the+troop+to+work+as+a+team%21+The+Observatory+Star+party+was+also+a+highlight+of+the+camp%2e++The+only+difficulty+was+that+we+had+reserved+our+entire+troop+to+attend+the+star+party+and+didn%27t+find+out+til+the+day+before+that+our+SCUBA+certification+scouts+could+not+attend+due+to+the+elevation+of+the+observatory+and+the+gases+currently+in+their+bodies+from+scuba+diving%2e++This+health+issue+was+never+in+any+of+the+paperwork+for+camp+or+leader%27s+guide+or+SCUBA+materials%2e+Our+scuba+scouts+were+informed+of+this+information+by+the+scuba+instructor%2e%2e%2ewho+was+an+excellent+teacher%21+Camp+leaders+were+made+aware+of+this+situation%2e%0d%0a

During+the+week+of+June+16%2d22%2c+2013%2c+our+troop+attended+summer+camp+at+the%0d%0a+Buffalo+Trail+Scout+Ranch+in+the+Davis+Mountains+of+west+Texas%2e++The+camp%2c%0d%0a+operated+by+the+Buffalo+Trail+Council%2c+headquartered+in+Midland+TX%2c+is%0d%0a+about+420+miles+from+where+we+live%2e+This+was+my+35th+summer+camp+trip+and%0d%0a+my+5th+trip+to+BTSR+with+prior+visits+in+1991%2c+1994%2c+1999+%26+2007%2e%0d%0a%0d%0a+We+had+20+Scouts+and+7+adults+attending+camp%2e++The+camp+fee+was+%24300+per%0d%0a+Scout+for+summer+camp+%28a+50%25+increase+over+the+2007+fee%29+and+%24325+per%0d%0a+Scout%2fadult+for+the+high+adventure+programs+%28a+45%25+increase+over+the+2007%0d%0a+fee%29%2e++The+summer+camp+adult+fee+was+%24200+%28a+67%25+increase+over+the+2007%0d%0a+fee%29%2e++Additional+fees+were+charged+for+Rifle+Shooting%2c+Shotgun+Shooting%2c%0d%0a+Horsemanship+and+a+few+other+badges%2e%0d%0a%0d%0a+As+far+as+the+evaluations+below%2c+these+ratings+are+used%3a%0d%0a+++A+%3d+Excellent%0d%0a+++B+%3d+Above+Average%0d%0a+++C+%3d+Average%0d%0a+++D+%3d+Below+Average%0d%0a+++F+%3d+Unsatisfactory%0d%0a%0d%0a%0d%0a+Pre+Camp+Information+and+Ease+of+Arranging+the+Trip%0d%0a+%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0a+Grade+%3d+D%0d%0a+The+Leaders%27+Guide+needs+to+be+updated+as+there+are+significant+errors+in%0d%0a+the+guide%2e+I+sent+information+about+this+to+Camp+Director+Mark+Richardson%2e%0d%0a++The+camp+provided+a+list+of+%22Scoutmaster+Notes%22+at+check%2din%2e++This+was%0d%0a+nice+to%0d%0a+have%2e%0d%0a%0d%0a%0d%0a+Merit+Badge+%26+Activity+Registration+System%0d%0a+%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0a+Grade+%3d+A%0d%0a+The+camp+used+ScoutCampOnline%2e++Other+than+the+fact+that+registration%0d%0a+began+at+12%3a00+a%2em%2e+on+a+Sunday+morning%2c+everything+seemed+to+work+well%2e%0d%0a%0d%0a%0d%0a+Check+in%2fout+Process+%2d+Arrival+%26+Departure%0d%0a+%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0a+Grade%3a+B+for+Arrival%0d%0a+Grade%3a+A+for+Departure%0d%0a+Other+than+the+fact+that+our+high+adventure+campers+were+%22jerked+around%22%0d%0a+to+some+degree+during+the+arrival+process%2c+there+were+no+other+significant%0d%0a+problems+with+the+check%2din+process%2e++Check%2dout+went+well%2e%0d%0a%0d%0a%0d%0a+Camp+Administration%0d%0a+%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0a+Grade+%3d+A%0d%0a+Given+that+the+camp+was+significantly+overbooked+and+understaffed%2c+the%0d%0a+Camp+Director+and+Program+Director+did+a+nice+job%2e%0d%0a%0d%0a%0d%0a+Camp+Commissioner+Program%0d%0a+%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0a+Grade+%3d+C%0d%0a+The+Commissioner+inspected+campsites+and+delivered+ice+%40+%242+per+10+lb%2e+bag%0d%0a+%28once+per+day%29%2e+Ice+delivery+was+late+3+of+5+days%2e++I%27m+sure+the%0d%0a+Commissioner+had+other+duties+too+but+BTSR%27s+idea+of+commissioner+service%0d%0a+isn%27t+up+to+par+when+compared+to+other+camps+we%27ve+attended%2e%0d%0a%0d%0a%0d%0a+Camp+Staff%0d%0a+%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0a+Quality+%3d+Grade%3a+A%0d%0a%0d%0a+Quantity+%3d+Grade%3a+F%0d%0a%0d%0a+BTSR+was+the+most+understaffed+summer+camp+I%27ve+ever+seen%2e%0d%0a%0d%0a%0d%0a+Campsite%0d%0a+%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0a+Grade+%3d+D%0d%0a+The+campsites+are+very+small%2e%0d%0a%0d%0a%0d%0a+Fire+Ants%0d%0a+%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0a+Grade+%3d+A%2b%0d%0a%0d%0a+There+were+no+Fire+Ants%2e%0d%0a%0d%0a%0d%0a+Chiggers%2c+Ticks+%26+Mosquitoes%0d%0a+%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0a+Grade+%3d+A%2b%0d%0a+No+problems%2e%0d%0a%0d%0a%0d%0a+Tents%2c+Platforms+and+Cots%0d%0a+%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0a+Wall+tents+were+available+for+rent+but+we+used+our+own+tents%2e%0d%0a%0d%0a%0d%0a+Latrine+%26+Shower+Facilities%0d%0a+%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0a+Grade+%3d+F%0d%0a+Considering+the+number+of+campers%2c+toilet+and+shower+facilities+were+very%0d%0a+inadequate%2e++Having+only+two+toilets+and+two+showers+for+adult+males+at%0d%0a+the+latrine+used+by+many+of+the+campsites+was+unacceptable%2e%0d%0a%0d%0a%0d%0a+Merit+Badge+Program%0d%0a+%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0a+Grade%3a+B%0d%0a+Horsemanship%2c+Climbing+and+Shooting+Sports+were+excellent%2e++Other+badges%0d%0a+were+adequate+but+the+fact+that+the+camp+was+understaffed+adversely%0d%0a+affected+the+qualify+of+several+badges%2e%0d%0a%0d%0a%0d%0a+First+Year+Camper+Program%0d%0a+%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0a+Grade%3a+C%0d%0a+We+had+two+Scouts+in+this+program%2e++It+wasn%27t+very+good%2e%0d%0a%0d%0a%0d%0a+Special+Acti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I+have+been+to+this+camp+4+times%2e++It+is+one+of+our+troop%27s+most+enjoyable+camps%2e++We+go+there+ever+4+years%2e++The+programs+are+excellent%2e++It+is+in+an+beautiful+location+in+a+box+canyon+in+the+Davis+Mts%2e++The+staff+are+top+notch%2e++The+only+problem+is+the+camp+has+become+too+popular%2e++This+has+cause+a+problem+at+the+mess+hall%2e++two+shifts+and+a+long+wait+at+each%2e++Of+course%2c+once+you+do+get+to+eat%2c+the+meals+are+very+good%2e++The+next+time+I+go%2c+I+will+participate+in+one+of+the+other+programs+away+from+the+Base%2e++That+way%2c+I+won%27t+have+to+stand+in+a+long+line+to+eat%2e++++++%0d%0a