Troop+510+of+Wichita+Ks+has+attended+Medicine+Mountain+two+years+straight%2e+%0d%0a%0d%0aThe+first+year%2c+most+of+the+boys+worked+on+Merit+Badges%2c+Low+COPE%2c+and+Life+Guard%2e++The+second+year+they+did+High+COPE%2c+Climbing%2c+and+Mountain+Biking%2e++What+I+personally+liked+about+the+camp+was+the+commitment+of+the+staff+and+their+attitude%2e++The+idea+was+for+the+boys+to+have+a+great+time+at+a+Boy+Scout+Camp%2e++I+liked+their+schedule+for+activities%2c+which+were+scheduled+for+Monday+and+Tuesday%2c+Wednesday+for+sightseeing%2c+and+other+activities+on+Thursday+and+Friday%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aMike+Schroeder%0d%0a

Located+in+the+heart+of+the+Beautiful+Black+Hills+at+6600+Feet+high+Even+in+the+summer+it+can+get+cool+at+night%2e+Using+the+camp+as+a+base+of+ops%2e+Your+troop+or+Crew+can+have+a+great+time+in+South+Dakota+%2e+It+is+Patrol+Method+cooking+but+the+food+is+good+and+always+enough+to+go+around%2e+Don%27t+be+surprised+if+waking+up+one+morning+and+seeing+an+Elk+come+wandering+thrugh+your+campsite%2e+%0d%0aWhen+I+took+my+troop+there+in+94+they+still+talk+about+it+%2e+ENJOY+%0d%0a%0d%0aV%2e+F%2e+Scoutmaster+Troop+161+Northlake+%2cIL%2e+%0d%0a

Troop+131+Aurora%2c+NE+attended+camp+in+July+of+2001%2e+We+had+a+wonderful+expirence+with+the+boys%2e+They+liked+all+the+activities+and+enjoyed+the+sight+seeing+on+Wednesday%2e+Great+expirence+for+the+first+year+boys+with+their+%22Hawk+Program%22+really+gave+them+a+great+chance+to+earn+most+of+their+requirements+for+their+Tenderfoot%2e+Thanks+to+Al+Ernhart+and+his+staff+for+the+great+time%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aJanna+Schrunk%0d%0aAdvancement+Cordinator%0d%0aTroop+131+Aurora%2c+Nebraska%0d%0a

Troop+174%2c+Chaska%2c+Minnesota%2c+attended+the+camp+June+23+through+June+29%2c+2002%2e++The+scouts+had+a+great+time+and+would+attend+camp+again%2e++Number+1+comment+from+the+scouts%2e%2e%2e%2eflush+toilets%21%21%21%0d%0a%0d%0aThe+camp+was+over+booked+and+understaffed+at+the+time%2e++%22Be+prepared%22%2c+ask+about+prescheduling++your+merit+badges+before+attending+camp%2c+class+sizes+may+be+limited%2e++If+you+are+able+to+assist+the+merit+badge+staffers+this+may+help+you+in+getting+into+closed+classes%2e++%0d%0a%0d%0aWednesdays+are+open+for+troops+to+leave+the+camp+and+tour+the+Black+Hills%2e%2e%2ewe+went+to+Wind+Cave%2c+Mammoth+Site%2c+and+Evans+Plunge%2e%2e%2ethe+scouts+had+a+blast%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aJohn+H%2e+Payton%2c+ASM%0d%0aTroop+174%0d%0aChaska%2c+MN+++++%0d%0a

Summer+Camp+Review%0d%0a%2a%2a%2a%2a%2a%2a%2a%2a%2a%2a%2a%2a%2a%2a%2a%2a%2a%2a%0d%0a%0d%0aDuring+the+week+of+June+23%2d29%2c+2002%2c+our+troop+attended+summer+camp+at+the+Medicine+Mountain+Scout+Ranch+%28MMSR%29+near+Custer%2c+SD%2e+The+camp%2c+operated+by+the+Black+Hills+Area+Council+in+Rapid+City%2c+is+about+500+miles+from+where+we+live%2e+This%0d%0awas+our+troop%27s+first+visit+to+MMSR%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aThe+key+attractor+of+this+camp+for+many+troops+are+the+national+monuments+and+parks+in+the+area+%28wind+Cave%2c+Jewel+Cave%2c+Devils+Tower%2c+Mt%2e+Rushmore%2c+Custer+State+Park%29%2e++We+drove+up+from+Denver+on+Saturday+and+set+up+camp+early%2e+On+Sunday%2c+we+toured%2c+before+returning+to+camp+for+formal+check%2din%2e++Wednesday+is+also+an+optional+touring+day+away+from+camp%2e+We+returned+on%0d%0aSaturday%2c+via+Devils+Tower%2c+which+made+for+a+long+drive+home%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aThere+is+no+troop+or+patrol+equipment+provided+by+the+camp%2e+Troops+provide+their+own+cooking+equipment+and+tents%2e+The+camp%27s+fees+were+%24150+per+scout%2c+plus+some+additional+merit+badge+and+high+adventure+program+fees%2e+Adults+pay+a+%2460+or+%2470+fee+per+week%2c+as+well%2e+Our+troop+collected+an+additional+%2470+per+scout+to+pay+for+touring+and+transportation+expenses%2c+including+four+meals+during+travel%2c+and+other+program+expenses%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aAbout+80%25+of+the+troops+attending+this+camp+are+from+out%2dof%2dcouncil%2e+This+camp+is+definitely+a+cash+cow+for+the+council%2e++Part+of+this+is+due+to+the+fact+that+the+Black+Hills+are+the+nearest+mountains+to+many+in+the+upper+midwest%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aThe+level+of+troop+support+required+for+the+week+was+the+highest+that+I%27ve+experienced+at+any+camp%2e+We+sent+shoppers+into+town+on+a+daily+basis+to+pick+up+items+%28shower+curtains%2c+toilet+paper%2c+food%29+that+the+camp+was+slow+or+non%2dresponsive+in+providing%2e+See+the+merit+badge+program+review+below%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aThis+was+my+5th+trip+to+summer+camp+as+an+adult%2e+My+prior+experiences+have+been+at+Camp+Dobbins+and+Camp+Dietler+at+Peaceful+Valley+Scout+Ranch%2e+I%27ve+had+other+recent+scouting+experiences+at+Philmont+Training+Center+and+the+National+Jamboree%2e+We+had+27+boys+and+10+adults+at+camp%2e+From+an+overall+standpoint%2c+I+believe+MMSR+can+provide+a+reasonable+summer+camp+experience+for+a+properly+prepared+and+supported+troop%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aIn+this+evaluation%2c+I%27m+using+these+ratings%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%2d%2d%0d%0aGrade+%3d+C%0d%0aThe+leaders%27+guide+is+adequate%2c+but+looks+like+its+been+assembled+over+the+years+by+patching+together+new+information%2e+The+guide+needs+a+complete+rewrite+to+describe+how+the+camp+actually+operates+today%2c+along+with+a+little+more+direct+information+on+what+level+of+support+troops+need+to+provide+at+camp%2e+Unfortunately%2c+the+guide+described+and+the+council+registered+scouts+for+merit+badge+programs+that+the+camp+no+longer+offered%2e+The+council+office+is+small%2c+so+we+had+many+telephone+conversations+to+discuss+questions+with+the+council+program+director%2fdistrict+director+%28who+also+served+as+the+camp+director+this+summer%29%2e%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+A%0d%0aNo+problems+and+everything+went+well%2e+The+staff+was+definitely+in+a+hurry+to+get+us+out+of+there+early+on+Saturday%2c+so+they+could+get+home%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aOur+Campsite%0d%0a%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0aGrade+%3d+A%0d%0aWe+were+in+the+Sisseton+campsite+%2d+offering+a+great+view+of+the+lake+area%2c+in%2dcampsite+fishing%2c+and+relatively+central+to+most+activity+venues%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aWhen+there+is+no+fire+ban%2c+the+camp+permits+wood+fires+in+campsites+%28but+curiously+there+are+no+permanent+steel+fire+rings+in+the+campsite%29%2e+Charcoal+cooking+was+permitted+during+our+week%2c+and+we+had+a+dutch+oven+cobbler+night%2e+Lots+of+bugs+and+bug+bites%2e+Bring+insect+repellent%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%0aMMSR+is+proud+of+its+porcelain+KYBOs%2c+but+the+surprise+%28to+me%29+was+that+the+porcelain+fixtures+were+placed+into+existing+latrine+buildings%2e+Our+KYBO+offered+no+privacy+for+the+seating+areas%2c+until+we+purchased+a+couple+of+shower+curtains+at+a+store+in+town+and+mounted+them+in+the+stalls%2e+The+other+surprise+was+that+three+troops+shared+the+same+KYBO%2c+making+it+a+little+tougher+to+manage+accountability+for+its+cleanliness%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aThe+camp+offered+shower+facilities+fairly+close+to+the+campsites%2e+Some+leaders+experienced+hot+showers%2c+but+mine+were+lukewarm+%28at+best%29+throughout+the+week%2e+Dedicated+female+leader+facilities+were+across+camp%2c+and+so+a+bit%0d%0ainconvenient%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%0d%0aThe+Camp+Director+%28also+the+council%27s+District+Director+%2d+supervising+three+DEs%29+and+Program+Director+were+overworked+and+stressed%2e+The+camp+is%0d%0aseriously+understaffed%2c+which+means+that+these+individuals+were+way+overtaxed+during+anticipated+urgencies+%28like+storms+and+accidents%29%2e+They%0d%0ahave+apparently+no+time+for+adequate+staff+development+and+supervision%2c+or+enforcing+BSA+safety+standards+%28e%2eg%2e+Youth+staff+members+were+riding+in+the+bed+of+pickup+trucks%2c+and+the+waterfront+does+not+comply+with+Safe+Swim%0d%0aDefense+and+Safety+Afloat%29%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aDespite+the+cooking+arrangements%2c+there+was+little+reinforcement+of+the+patrol+method+at+the+camp+level%2e+All+activities+were+organized+at+the+troop+level%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aThe+nepotism+in+camp+staff+was+unusual+%28to+us%29+and+contributed+%28we+think%29+to+a+lack+of+honest+feedback+and+direction+among+key+camp+staff+%28Program+Director+is+married+to+Trading+Post+director%2c+his+mom+is+the+Commissary+director%2c+and+his+brother+is+a+high+adventure+staffer%29%0d%0a%0d%0aThe+BHAC+Scout+Executive+met+with+adult+leaders+on+Friday+evening%2e+He+made+some+remarkable+comments%2e+First%2c+he+went+out+of+his+way+to+say+%28three+times%29that+he+was+not+open+to+hearing+criticism+of+the+camp%2e+Second%2c+without+prompting%2c+he+stated+that+the+camp+will+never+be+as+good+as+some+other+camps+%28like+Peaceful+Valley+Scout+Ranch%29+%2d+that%27s+almost+like+saying+%22mediocrity%0d%0ais+our+motto%2e%22+Third%2c+he+was+proud+that+the+council+was+able+to+overbook+the+week+at+camp+and+was+oblivious+to+the+disappointments+that+our+scouts+experienced+in+the+program+areas%2e+Finally%2c+for+the+really+scary+part%2c+the+camp+is+expanding+its+capacity+from+250+to+nearly+400+scouts+%28expect+some+serious+growth+pains+as+staff+and+facilities+are+slowly+expanded+to+meet+this+growth+in+demand+over+the+next+few+years%2e%29%0d%0a%0d%0aCamp+Staff%0d%0a%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0aGrade%3a+B%0d%0aGenerally%2c+the+staff+was+excellent%2c+and+helpful%2c+but+clearly+understaffed+and+overworked%2e+The+camp+staff+eats+%28well%29+in+their+own+dining+hall%2c+and%0d%0athus+has+little+interaction+with+the+troops+during+meal+time%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+D%0d%0aThe+camp%27s+merit+badge+program+was+oversubscribed+and+weak+in+many+areas%2e++The+council+added+three+troops+to+the+week+above+its+staffed+capacity%2e+The%0d%0astaff+encourages+visiting+scout+leaders+to+help+out+at+venues+and+we+did+so%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aThe+merit+badge+paperwork+on+requirement+completions+given+to+us+at+the+end+of+the+week+was+about+50%25+accurate%2e+A+few+errors+are+normal%2c+but+this+year+we+felt+that+we+couldn%27t+trust+any+of+the+paperwork+and+had+to+interview+the+scouts+to+determine+their+progress%2e+Some+scouts+were+given+completion+credit+for+merit+badges+they+never+attended+or+for+many+requirements+they+never%0d%0aperformed%2e+Climbers+were+told+they+completed+Climbing+MB%2c+but+they+never+repelled%2e+Some+scouts+on+waterfront+merit+badges+were+passed+for+CPR%2c+but+only+one+scout+demonstrated+CPR+for+their+entire+class%2e+Scout+skills+was+very+weak+%2d+pioneering+classes+never+got+beyond+basic+knots+and+the+camping+merit+badge+instructor+told+his+classes+that+%22it+was+the+most+boring+merit%0d%0abadge+they%27ll+ever+do%2e%22+The+Environmental+Science+instructor+was+assigned+72+students+in+two+classes%2c+and+had+no+experimental+apparatus+available+for+the+students+to+use%2e+Archery+supplies+to+make+arrows+didn%27t+arrive+until+the%0d%0alast+day+of+camp%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aOn+the+positive+side%2c+the+rifle+range+instructor+%28from+my+perspective%29+was+an+excellent+teacher+of+shooting+skills+to+youth+%2d+I%27ve+never+seen+and+heard+a+better+explanation+of+rifle+shooting+basics%2e+Unfortunately%2c+his+classes+were+overbooked%2c+and+students+didn%27t+have+enough+range+time+or+shots+to+qualify+%2d+for+example%2c+the+muzzleloading+class+only+could+take+6+shots+in+a%0d%0afour+hour+period+%2d+and+you+need+at+least+nine+to+qualify%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aThe+camp+offers+a+%22Hawk%22+program+for+first+class+skills%2e+We+didn%27t+have+any+scouts+participate+in+these+programs+%28I+don%27t+encourage+it%29+and+we+actually+accomplished+lots+of+good+advancement+through+our+normal+troop+program+in+the+campsite%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aIn+my+opinion%2c+troop+leaders+must+be+actively+involved+in+this+camp%27s+merit+badge+program+in+order+for+their+scouts+to+have+a+good+and+worthwhile+%28and+safe%29+experience%2e+Come+prepared+to+teach+your+scouts+%28and+others%29+merit+badge+skills+in+this+camp%27s+venues%2e+This+camp+offers+one+step+above+a+self%2ddirected+summer+camp+program%2e+Come+prepared+to+run+and+support+your+own%0d%0aprogram%2c+and+you%27ll+be+happy%2e+Come+with+the+expectation+that+the+staff+with+do+everything+for+you%2c+and+you%27ll+be+disappointed%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aActivities+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%0d%0aGrade%3a+C%0d%0aThe+camp+offers+a+comprehensive+high+adventure+program%2c+including+COPE%2c+mountain+biking%2c+climbing+and+caving%2e+Unfortunately%2c+the+council+overbooked+the+program%2c+full+day+sessions+became+half+day+sessions%2c+and+our+scouts+felt+a+little+like+they+received+half+the+program+for+their+money%2e+Our+older+scouts+had+lots+more+idle+time+than+the+literature+advertised%2e+Other+weeks+with+normal+loads+might+be+different%2e%0d%0a%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%0d%0a%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+B%0d%0aOther+than+the+opening+and+closing+campfires%2c+there+were+no+in%2dcamp+evening+activities+planned+%28other+than+chapel%29%2e+Troops+should+come+prepared+to+host+games+and+programs%2e+We+hosted+a+leave+no+trace+program+for+the+camp%2e+Chapel+was+held+on+Thursday+evening+%28see+below%29%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aThe+camp+offered+a+Safety+Afloat+and+Safe+Swim+Defense+course+for+adults%2e++Unfortunately%2c+it+consisted+of+only+%22read+and+sign+the+card%2e%22%0d%0a%0d%0aNot+enough+time+is+made+available+for+troop+activities+at+the+merit+badge+venues%2e+The+camp+should+drop+the+5th+merit+badge+period+%28late+in+the+afternoon+on+Tuesday+and+Thursday%29+to+make+room+for+more+troop+level+visits+to+the+waterfront+and+shooting+ranges%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aThe+camp+has+an+arrangement+for+horseback+riding+with+a+local+guest+ranch%2e++Our+scouts+enjoyed+the+horses%2e+Take+the+three+hour+trail+ride%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aDon%27t+miss+the+evening+program+%28starts+at+9+pm%29+at+Mount+Rushmore%2e+Very+patriotic+and+moving%2e+Troops+are+encouraged+to+signup+to+take+down+the%0d%0aamerican+flag+at+the+end+of+the+program%2e+Call+Mt+Rushmore+in+advance+to+reserve+your+evening%2e+Mt+Rushmore+is+close+enough+to+camp+that+troops+can%0d%0aleave+any+evening+of+camp+to+attend+this+program%2e+Crazy+Horse+offers+free+admission+to+scouts+in+uniform%2e+Area+attractions+make+this+camp+tolerable%2e%0d%0a%0d%0a%0d%0aChapel+Program%0d%0a%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0aGrade%3a+F%0d%0aWithout+prior+announcement+that+the+camp%2dwide+chapel+program+would+be+an+evangelical+christian+presentation%2c+the+program+director+led+a+one%2dhour+plus+witnessing+of+his+personal+relationship+with+Christ%2e+The+presentation+%28altough+unintended%2c+but+as+it+was+made%29+could+definitely+be+perceived+as%0d%0aoffensive+to+%22high+church%22+protestants%2c+jews%2c+and+hindus+among+our+troop%2e++Had+we+known%2c+we+would+have+provided+our+own+non%2dsectarian+spiritual%0d%0agathering%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aFood%0d%0a%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0aGrade%3a+F%0d%0aFood+at+camp+is+prepared+through+patrol+or+troop+cooking+in+the+campsite%2e++Portions+were+definitely+inadequate+for+active+growing+boys+%2d+especially+ages+12+and+up%2e+We+had+to+supplement+with+our+own+food%2e+Appeals+to+camp+director+and+commissary+director+were+unresponsive%2e+%28We+should+note+that+some+of+the+other+troops+experienced+ample+portions%2c+so+it+may+also+be+a+function+of+patrol+vs+troop+cooking%2e+We+did+patrol+cooking%2e%29%0d%0a%0d%0aThe+quality+of+the+food+was+poor%2e+Many+were+Dept+of+Ag+surplus+and+products+with+passed+expiration+dates%2e+We+feel+that+we+didn%27t+receive+the+food+value+that+we+paid+for+in+camp+fees%2e+The+commissary+director+works+in+an+elementary+school+cafeteria+and+brought+this+experience+to+camp%2e+The+camp+menu+reflects+a+typical+elementary+school+lunch+program+in+portions+and+variety+%2d%2d+definitely+inadequate+to+the+nutritional+and+caloric+needs+of+active+middle+school+and+high+school+aged+scouts+in+a+summer+camp+environment%2e+Kool%2daid+was+provided+instead+of+hydration+aids+%2d+like+powdered+sports+drinks%2e+Unlike+our+council+camp%2c+there+was+no+thinking+in+the+menu+about+the+progression+of+patrol+cooking+skills+through+the+week%2e+Troops%2c+with+older+boys%2c+should+definitely+consider+bringing+supplemental+food+items+%28including+breads+and+desserts%29+to+fill+out+the+menus%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aTrading+Post%0d%0a%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0aGrade%3a+B%0d%0a%0d%0aAmply+supplied+with+souvenirs%2c+snacks%2c+and+crafts%2e+A+limit+of+five+people+%28including+adults%29+in+the+store+at+a+time+makes+for+long+waiting+lines+outside%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aOverall+Grade%3a+C++++%28D+for+our+week+due+to+overbooking+by+the+council%29%0d%0a%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0a%0d%0aThe+Medicine+Mountain+Scout+Ranch+provides+a+nice+scouting+base+for+experi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My+son%27s+troop+traveled+750+miles+from+Derby%2c+Kansas+to+attend+Medicine+Mountain+Scout+Ranch+the+week+of+June+23rd+through+29th%2e++We+made+reservations+last+winter+%26+had+looked+forward+to+going+to+camp+for+months%2e++I+have+a+few+comments+to+make%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aAs+was+said+in+the+previous+2+comments%2c+the+camp+was+WAY+over+crowded+that+week+by+at+least+150+scouts+%28IMHO%29%2e++I+can+only+speculate+that+the+Black+Hills+Area+Council%27s+motive+for+letting+400+%2b+scouts+attend+camp+during+the+same+week+was+%24%24%24%2e++Our+troop+which+signed+up+early+didn%27t+get+the+biggest+bang+for+our+buck%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aDue+to+the+fact+that+the+camp+was+overcrowded%2c+our+troop+was+put+in+a+new+%22campsite%22+which+if+you+look+at+the+map+on+their+web+site+is+called+a+%22marsh%22%2e++The+campsite+needed+quite+a+bit+of+work+%28which+our+boys+%26+adults+did%29+to+make+it+livable%2e++I+will+say+that+the+camp+ranger+was+quite+helpful+%26+responsive+in+getting+us+the+supplies+%26+tools+needed+to+accomplish+the+work%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aThe+merit+badge+programs+%26+the+%22Hawk%22+program+%28scout+to+1st+class%29+left+much+to+be+desired%2e++There+was+not+enough+hands+on+experience+%26+there+were+way+too+many+scouts+to+rotate+through+the+merit+badge+classes%2e++My+son+took+the+Riflery+merit+badge+%28which+had+an+excellent+instructor%29+but+he+was+only+able+to+shoot+a+rifle+3+times+during+the+class+due+to+all+the+scouts+in+his+group+%26+therefore+could+not+satisfy+the+requirements+for+the+badge%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aI+didn%27t+eat+any+of+the+food+except+for+dinner+on+the+last+night+as+I+was+staying+in+the+family+camp+with+my+wife+%26+daughter+but+I+was+there+every+morning+to+help+supervise+the+boys+during+breakfast+clean+up%2e++I+too+noticed+that+the+expiration+dates+on+the+boys+cereal+boxes+indicated+that+the+cereal+had+expired%2e++I+don%27t+think+anyone+died+from+it+but+I+think+we+should+have+expected+to+be+provided+with+the+best+quality+food+considering+the+money+that+each+boy+paid%2e++Also%2c+as+for+the+quality+%26+quantity+of+the+rest+of+the+food%3b+I+heard+very+few+if+any+complaints%2e+In+my+opinion%2c+BHAC+should+consider+establishing+a+dining+hall+program+so+the+scouts+have+more+time+to+concentrate+on+merit+badges%2c+advancement%2c+etc%2e%2e%0d%0a+++%0d%0aNepotism%3f++WHO+CARES%3f++Scouting+needs+more+families+that+give+up+their+summer+to+get+involved+with+scouting+activities+like+the+program+director+%26+his+family+did%2e++I+don%27t+think+anyone+ever+went+to+work+at+Scout+camp+to+get+rich%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aThe+chapel+program+was+a+little+different+due+to+my+Methodist+upbringing%2e++BUT%2c+in+defense+of+the+program+director+who+did+the+program%2c+it+was+my+understanding+that+he+was+asked+at+the+last+minute+to+fill+in+for+the+person+who+would+have+normally+done+the+program+%26+it+was+the+first+time+he+had+done+such+a+thing%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aOn+the+positive+side%2c+the+camp+is+located+in+a+beautiful%2c+remote+part+of+the+Black+Hills+with+temperate+days+%26+cool+nights%2e++But+even+though+it+is+secluded%2c+most+of+the+attractions+of+the+Black+Hills+are+within+1+hours+drive%2e++Despite+the+shortcomings+of+MMSR%2c+I+believe+that+our+boys+had+a+good+time+which+is+what+it%27s+all+about%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aBill+Thompson%0d%0aAdult+Leader+Troop+683%0d%0aDerby%2c+Kansas%0d%0a

I+see+that+there+has+been+nothing+written+since+2002+so+in+defense+of+Medicine+Mountain%2c+We+call+it+Home%2e+Since+2002+we+have+gotten+a+new+Council+Executive+and+his+main+focus+has+been+the+Camp%2e+The+reports+have+been+favorable+and+the+camp+is+moving+up+to+the+quality+camp+it+was+in+the+90%27s%2e+Our+family+is+a+local+scout+family+with+2+Eagle+scouts+and+all+i+can+say+is+that+the+Units+are+also+starting+to+take+ownership+of+the+Camp%2e+We+have+been+to+many+Camps+and+will+continue+to+travel++and+all+i+can+say+is+%22This+Camp+is+still+one+of+the+most+beautiful+and+one+of+the+easyest+to+navigate+we+have+attended%2e%0d%0aBill+Hanson%0d%0aScoutmaster+Troop+88%0d%0aBlack+Hawk%2c+SD%2e%0d%0a

Medicine+Mountain+Summer+Camp+Review%0d%0a%2a%2a%2a%2a%2a%2a%2a%2a%2a%2a%2a%2a%2a%2a%2a%2a%2a%2a%0d%0a%0d%0aDuring+the+week+of+July+6+%96+12%2c+2008%2c+my+sons+and+I+attended+summer+camp+at+the+Medicine+Mountain+Scout+Ranch+%28MMSR%29+near+Custer%2c+SD+%96+all+the+way+from+Dickinson+Texas%2e+The+key+reason+we+went+to+MMSR+was+that+it+was+located+in+the+Black+Hills%2c+near+where+I+grew+up%2e++%28And+it+meant+fun+at+Scout+camp+rather+than+a+week+with+the+in%2dlaws+%3a%29++As+others+have+noted%2c+there+are+tons+of+attractions+nearby%3b+it%92s+a+shame+that+there%92s+only+one+day+off+for+touring%2e++Below%2c+I+have+broken+my+impressions+into+various+themes+pertaining+to+aspects+of+the+camp%2e++Grades+are+what+you+expect+%96+A+is+great%2c+F+isn%92t%2e%0d%0a%0d%0a%0d%0a%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0aAdministration%3a+A%0d%0aThe+leaders%92+guide+was+newly+revised+and+extremely+helpful%2e++We+planned+merit+badges+and+alternates+for+both+boys%2e+++We+got+what+was+advertised%2e++The+program+director+and+council+exec+admitted+that+the+reservation+system+they+used+this+year+was+sub%2dpar%2c+and+they+ended+up+with+a+lot+of+extra+work%2e++Fortunately+for+us%2c+our+reservations+were+simple%2c+so+we+had+no+problem%2c+but+other+troops+may+have+had+some+challenges%2e++Check%2din+went+exceptionally+well%2e++We+checked+out+early+%28Friday+night%29%2c+and+the+staff+was+more+than+helpful+in+getting+our+paperwork+ready%2c+even+accounting+for+the+closing+campfire%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aOur+experience+was+FAR+different+from+past+troops%2e++The+administration+was%2c+in+my+opinion%2c+excellent%2e++The+camp+director+had+sufficient+staff%2c+and+they+clearly+had+staff+development+time+to+get+organized%2e++We+saw+zero+%280%29+violations+of+scout+safety+policies+while+we+were+there%2e++Every+swimmer+got+a+refresher+in+Safe+Swim+prior+to+swim+testing%2e++The+ranges+operated+with+high+emphasis+on+safety%2e++Clearly%2c+the+camp+directors+took+note+of+past+experiences+and+have+significantly+improved%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aWe+had+lunch+with+the+Council+Scout+Exec%2e++I+found+him+to+be+very+open+to+criticism+and+issues%2e++He+indicated+that+the+camp+was+a+major+source+of+revenue+for+the+Council%2c+and+that+he+was+committed+to+making+it+the+best+camp+possible%2e++There+were+hints+of+future+programs+they%92d+like+to+implement%2c+which+would+significantly+improve+the+high+adventure+draw+for+older+boys+and+venturing+crews%2e++One+of+the+staff+was+keeping+notes+as+we+all+talked+openly%2e+++The+only+negatives+that+were+voice+were+small+issues+compared+to+the+quality+of+the+program+we+were+experiencing%2e+%28though+I+can%92t+speak+for+the+other+scoutmasters%2c+and+they+may+have+been+being+shy%2e%29%0d%0a%0d%0a%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0aFacilities+%96+Grade%3a++B%2b%0d%0aThe+latrines+were+outhouses+and+one+toilet+in+the+shower+house+per+side%2e++The+adult+showers+and+latrine+were+clean%2c+and+hot+water+was+abundant+%96+at+some+times+in+the+day%2e++I+took+one+cool+shower%2c+but+my+boys+said+they+always+had+hot+water%2e++Since+we+were+so+close+to+the+shower+house%2c+we+never+used+the+latrines%2e++%0d%0a%0d%0aThe+adult+shower+is+shared+between+men+and+women%3b+there+is+a+prominent+slide+indicating+if+men+or+women+are+inside%2e++They+also+had+a+schedule%2c+but+no%2done+really+bothered+with+that+%96+a+simple+yell+and+moving+the+sign+sufficed%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aThe+campsite+was+overly+large+for+the+3+of+us%2e++Due+to+an+abundance+of+rain%2c+the+terrain+was+lush+and+green+in+July%2c+which+we+were+told+was+rare%2e++With+no+burn+ban%2c+there+were+lots+of+campfires+by+other+troops%3b+they+had+raised+half%2dbarrels+for+fires%2e++Not+quite+traditional+campfires%2c+but+none+of+the+other+troops+complained%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aThe+trading+post+was+amply+supplied+with+souvenirs%2c+snacks%2c+and+crafts%2c+although+the+MMSR+shirts+came+in+late+in+the+week%2e++A+limit+of+five+people+%28including+adults%29+in+the+store+at+a+time+didn%92t+really+cause+excess+lines+the+week+we+were+there%3b+again%2c+though%2c+we+had+a+light+week%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aAnother+minor+problem+is+that+the+waterfront%2c+while+improved%2c+was+on+a+very+cool+lake%2e++This+was%2c+apparently%2c+an+abnormally+cool+Spring+with+late+snowfall%2c+thus+contributing+to+the+low+water+temperature%2e++If+a+scout+needed+to+complete+swimming+requirements+for+rank+or+merit+badge%2c+it+might+be+a+challenge+%28especially+for+us+Southerners+who+aren%92t+used+to+that+sort+of+thing%2e%29%0d%0a%0d%0aThe+camp+rented+troop+and+patrol+equipment+to+another+troop+which+flew+up+to+SD+from+Sugarland%2c+TX%2e++We+elected+to+transport+all+our+stuff+%28while+vacationing%21%29+rather+than+rent+equipment%2e+%0d%0a%0d%0a%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0aCamp+Staff+%96+Grade%3a++A%2b%0d%0aThe+camp+staff+was+large%2c+well%2dprepared%2c+and+highly+enthusiastic%2e++Each+troop+had+2+troop+guides+to+help+them%2e++Every+4+troops+had+a+commissioner+to+help+as+well%2e++The+staff+at+the+skill+areas+was+well+prepared+for+their+merit+badge+classes%2e+++Everyone+seemed+highly+committed+to+providing+us+an+excellent+week%2e%0d%0a%0d%0a%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0aMerit+Badge+Program+%96+Grade%3a++A%2d%0d%0aThe+only+thing+that+keeps+me+from+giving+a+full+A+to+the+merit+badge+class+is+the+lack+of+pre%2dregistration%2e++This+had+the+serious+potential+of+over%2dsubscribed+classes%2e++Fortunately%2c+we+were+in+one+of+the+slow+weeks%2c+so+this+didn%92t+occur%2c+but+it+could+have%2e++This+turned+out+to+be+a+good+thing%3b+the+lake+was+very+cool+%2850+degrees+or+so%29+and+my+sons+did+not+want+to+do+lifesaving+or+canoeing%2e++We+easily+changed+simply+by+going+to+the+desired+classes%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aThe+merit+badge+instructors+were+very+good+and+prepared%2e++The+classes+did+not+do+%93give%2daway%94+merit+badges+%28that+I+saw%29%2e++The+requirements+were+followed+quite+well%2c+which+made+the+merit+badge+work+better+than+we+experienced+2+weeks+earlier+%28with+the+entire+troop%29+at+another+camp%2e++They+have+a+%93Scoutmaster+on+Staff%94+award+for+us+old+guys%2c+and+that+requires+that+we+help%2e++While+they+appreciated+the+help%2c+the+classes+I+helped+with+could+have+easily+gotten+by+without+my+assistance%2e++Paperwork+at+the+end+of+the+week+was+about+98%25+accurate%2c+even+counting+an+early+departure%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aMy+younger+son+completed+a+couple+of+merit+badges+in+3+days%2c+so+he+wanted+to+use+the+resources+at+the+Handicraft+Lodge+to+tool+a+leather+knife+holder%2e++When+the+staff+realized+that+he+was+working+on+the+leather%2c+they+helped+him+start+and+finish+his+leatherworking+merit+badge+%28with+no+shortcuts%21%29%2e++Then+they+offered+to+help+him+with+a+fingerprinting+merit+badge+if+he+had+time%2e++This+was+above+and+beyond+the+scheduled+classes+he+had%2e++They+added+a+weather+merit+badge+in+off+hours+%96+as+complete%2c+since+Medicine+Mountain+has+an+official+weather+station+%96+alas%2c+neither+son+wanted+the+extra+badge%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aMy+younger+son+did+the+equivalent+of+the+%93Hawk%94+program+at+the+previous+camp%2e++I+really+wished+that+he%92d+have+done+Hawk+at+MMSR+instead%3b+it+was+a+far+superior+program+from+what+I+saw+when+I+toured+and+helped%2e%0d%0a%0d%0a%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0aActivities+for+Older+Scouts+%96+Grade%3a++B%0d%0aThe+Council+made+sure+that+the+program+for+older+scouts+was+well+organized%2c+although+we+didn%92t+participate%2e++%28Thus%2c+my+observations+are+from+seeing+what+other+troops+did%2e%29++They+have+a+50+mile+5%2dday+trek+through+the+Black+Hills%2c+mountain+biking%2c+caving%2c+climbing%2c+and+COPE%2e++It+didn%92t+appear+to+be+overbooked%2c+and+the+scouts+seemed+to+be+enjoying+themselves%2e++It+appears+to+be+a+solid+program%3b+if+my+sons+had+been+in+the+activities%2c+it+might+have+ranked+higher%2e++As+it+was%2c+I+heard+zero+complaints+during+the+scoutmasters+meetings+or+the+lunch+with+the+Council+Exec%2e%0d%0a%0d%0a%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0aSpecial+Activities+%96+Grade%3a++A%0d%0aThe+opening+and+closing+campfires+were+very+enjoyable%2e++The+staff+skits+were+outlandish+and+highly+amusing%2c+and+each+troop+got+to+perform+a+song+or+skit+at+the+closing+campfire+%28even+a+small+one+like+ours%29%2e++There+was+a+commissioner+campfire+Thursday+evening+to+preview+and+select%2c+and+they+had+an+%93Iron+Chef%94+competition+for+the+leaders%2e++Wednesday+is+open+for+sightseeing%3b+any+scout+in+uniform+gets+admitted+to+Crazy+Horse+Monument+free%2e++Mount+Rushmore+has+the+flag+ceremonies%3b+this+is+well+worth+it%2e++Nearby%2c+Harney+Peak+is+a+great+hike+%96+about+5%2d6+hours+up+to+7240+feet%2e++Really%2c+there%92s+too+much+to+do+and+too+little+time+for+an+average+troop%2e++Chapel+was+nice+and+%28mostly%29+non%2dsectarian%3b+the+singing+and+guitar+was+a+welcome+and+tranquil+break%2e++There+are+camp%2dwide+games+on+Friday%3b+one+was+%93Staff+Hunt%94+with+a+reward+of+snacks+for+the+trip+home%2e++The+other+was+a+relay+race+through+camp+to+the+various+skill+stations%2c+where+the+contestants+had+to+perform+a+skill+or+answer+a+question+to+proceed%2e++%28My+son+competed+alone+and+was+4+seconds+from+third+place%2e++He+thoroughly+enjoyed+the+games%2e%29++%0d%0a%0d%0aThere+is+a+Scoutmaster+on+Staff+award+for+leaders+to+participate%2e++The+camp+gives+a+White+Buffalo+award+to+any+troop+that+go+above+and+beyond%2e%0d%0a%0d%0a%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0aFood++%2d++Grade%3a+B%2b%0d%0aFood+was+commissary%2ftroop+cooking%2e++This+helped+much+with+my+son+doing+his+cooking+requirements%2e++Since+there+were+only+3+of+us%2c+the+portions+were+more+than+adequate%3b+in+fact%2c+we+ended+up+sharing+some+of+our+excess+with+other+troops%2e++The+time+allowed+for+cooking+was+adequate+%96+1+%bd+hours%2e++In+discussing+the+food+with+the+commissary+director%2c+I+learned+that+most+of+their+food+comes+in+institutional%2dsized+containers%2c+which+are+sized+for+10+people%2e++A+troop+with+11+might+have+been+a+bit+short%2c+whereas+we+%28with+3%29+always+had+extra%2e++%0d%0a%0d%0aOverall+Grade%3a+A+%0d%0a%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%2d%0d%0aI+wouldn%92t+hesitate+to+recommend+MMSR+to+our+troop+as+a+whole%2e++It+was+thoroughly+enjoyable+for+my+boys+and+I%2c+and+the+other+troops+seemed+to+be+enjoying+themselves%2e++MMSR+has+a+good+scouting+base+for+seeing+the+Black+Hills%2e++The+facility+is+good%2c+and+from+what+I%92ve+read%2c+has+significantly+improved+the+program%2e++Apparently%2c+the+comments+being+made+are+no+longer+falling+on+deaf+ears+in+the+Council+office%2e++With+the+existing+and+planned+high%2dadventure+programs%2c+I+think+the+older+boys+in+my+troop+would+find+a+reason+to+return+to+summer+camp%2c+and+the+merit+badge+program+was+thorough+and+fun+for+the+younger+scouts%2e+%0d%0a%0d%0aIf+you%92ve+read+the+past+reviews+and+been+a+little+leery%2c+I+can+only+say+that+the+camp+I+experienced+is+no+way+near+the+camp+of+the+past+reviews%2e++We%92d+go+back+in+a+heartbeat%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aMoe+Kluksdahl%0d%0aTroop+Committee+Chairman%0d%0aTroop+696%2c+Dickinson%2c+TX%0d%0a%0d%0a

Troop+711+of+Springfield+NE+attended+July+19%2d26+2008%2e%0d%0aAfter+reading+some+of+the+past+disparaging+comments+above+I+have+to+offer+a+defense+of+MMSR%2e+The+location+and+climate+gets+an+A%2b%2c+the+days+were+warm+and+the+nights+were+cool%2c+a+welcome+change+from+sweating+yourself+to+sleep+at+night%28low+humidity%2c+you+actually+need+a+sleeping+bag%29and+we+found+it+to+be+virtually+bug+free%2e%0d%0aWe+had+no+complaints+over+the+food%2c+the+patrol+cooking+was+a+nice+change+from+waiting+at+a+mess+hall+and+the+Scouts+get+a+good+experience+cooking+their+meals%2e+The+food+was+plentiful+and+a+good+variety%2c+we+actually+had+extra+to+take+home%2e%0d%0aIf+there+was+any+true+improvement+needed+it+would+be+on+some+of+the+Merit+Badge+classes%2c+I+feel+they+could+have+offered+at+least+one+of+the+Citizenship+Badges%2c+it+seemed+that+it+was+more+geared+to+younger+Scouts%2e+They+also+could+have+used+some+more+knowledgible+instructors+in+Orienteering%2c+I+actually+stepped+in+while+attending+for+my+SOS+patch%2e+They+were+not+doing+a+very+good+job+from+what+I+saw+that+day%2c+it+was+a+couple+of+older+Scouts+that+seemed+more+interested+in+sitting+in+the+shade+than+teaching+the+class%2e+The+water+Merit+Badges+can+be+difficult+but+that+is+no+fault+of+MMSR%2c+you+will+be+in+a+mountain+lake%2e+I+did+the+swim+check+for+the+Polar+Plunge+and+it+was+cold%2e+The+Scouts+that+took+the+Lifesaving+Badge+were+working+in+a+real+situation%2e+One+thing+about+the+Polar+Plunge+is+the+anticipation+is+actually+worse+than+the+jump%2e%2e%2eit+was+warmer+than+the+air+temp%2e+They+also+offer+a+High+Adventure+for+older+Scouts%2c+a+50+mile+backpacking+trek+with+a+train+ride%2c+we+had+one+older+Scout+go+on+it+and+he+enjoyed+it%2e+As+for+the+SOS+patch%2c+for+what+you+go+thru+to+get+it%2c+the+patch+itself+is+rather+lame%2e+We+earned+the+White+Buffalo+Award+and+it+was+very+nice%2e+The+Wed%2e+free+day+is+really+great%2c+there+is+so+much+to+see+in+the+Black+Hills%2c+we+didn%27t+get+bck+until+well+after+dark%2e+You+have+to+see+the+flag+ceremony+and+the+lighting+of+Rushmore%2e+The+Iron+Chef+competition+was+fun%2e+And+I+have+no+complaints+about+the+Trading+Post%2c+I+never+had+to+wait+in+a+line%2e+And+one+last+thing%2c+the+shower+and+toilet+were+more+than+adequate%2c+anyone+that+complains+about+that+needs+to+get+out+a+little+more%2c+flush+toilets+and+more+hot+water+than+you+know+what+to+do+with%2e+Where+is+the+problem%3f+All+in+all+we+all+enjoyed+our+time+there+and+as+for+myself+I+would+have+no+problem+going+back+there+again%2e+I+was+a+Scout+and+went+to+Camp+in+Arizona%2c+Camp+Geronimo%2c+and+for+a+displaced+Zonie+in+Nebraska+it+was+like+being+back+there%2e+I+would+give+MMSR+an+overall+B%2b+and+recommend+it+to+anyone%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aDavid+Clapham%0d%0aScoutmaster+Troop+711%0d%0aSpringfield%2c+Nebraska+++++++++%0d%0a

The+staff+was+outstanding+and+went+above+and+beyond+to+ensure+our+Scouts+had+a+great+experience+at+Summer+Camp%2e+++Some+of+our+Scouts+worked+on+Tenderfoot%2c+Second+Class+and+First+Class+requirements%2c+some+worked+on+Merit+Badges%2c+and+some+did+a+50+mile+trek+through+the+Black+Hills%2e+++I+have+been+to+many+Scout+Summer+Camps+and+this+staff+was+one+of+the+very+best%21%0d%0a%0d%0aBill+Griffin%0d%0aCommittee+Chair%2c+Troop+992%0d%0aSugar+Land%2c+TX%0d%0a