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A weekend of honors at Camp Wilson
The first weekend in May has served as the Boy Scouts spring camp out at Camp Wilson for more than 56 years and has traditionally marked the 'opening' of the hills for summer recreation.
But Mother Nature seemed to be playing a practical joke during this year's event when after an exceptionally dry winter, she dumped buckets of rain and even spit out a light dusting of snow.
But the 244 Scouts and their leaders participating in the annual camp out did not let the weather dampen their spirits.
As they gathered in the Court of Honor site Sunday morning just before breaking camp, the 15 troops still had plenty of enthusiasm as was evident through the chants and songs as they marched into the amphitheater.
This year's ceremonies opened with the Court of Honor site being dedicated in memory of Alton Harris. Harris had first come to Camp Wilson as a Boy Scout back in 1949, and through the years he continued to be a strong supporter of the Scouting program and of the annual spring camp. His family looked on as the dedication plaque was placed and scout leaders declared it was "truly fitting to dedicate this Court of Honor site to a truly honorable man."
The Scouts had completed a busy weekend -- a weekend where they could test their skills in friendly competition as they vied for top honors and a chance to lead the march to the barbecue site and serve as the color guard and raise the nation's flag over the site.
Only 55 points separated the top two troops in the overall placement, with Troop 323 of Emmett edging out first place from Troop 61 of Eagle. Mountain Home Troop 57 took third place overall.
Ribbons were awarded to the top three entries in each of the competition with first place winners also receiving a plaque.
Troop 61 of Eagle took top honors for their campsite, with Troop 323 of Emmett pulling in second place and Troop 118 of Nampa placing third.
Troops 61 also took first in the judge meal competition. Troops 323 was second and Troop 24 of Glenns Ferry earned third place.
In the Senior Patrol Leadership competition, Troop 40 out of Nampa took top honors. Troop 323 was second and Troop 102 from Mountain Home Air Force Base was third.
In the camping relay, Troop 100 out of Boise was first, Troop 323 was second and Troop 57 was third.
The compass course found Troops 59, Mountain Home, in first place, Troop 57 in second and Troop 24 in third.
The Gator Patrol of Troop 61 came in first for the fire building competition. Beaver Patrol of Troop 61 was second and the Dragons of Troop 57 were third.
Troops 57 and 323 tied for first place in the first aid competition, followed by Troop 61.
Troop 323 took first in the marksmanship competition while Troops 59 and 61 tied for second place.
On the obstacle course, Troop 323 took first place honors, with Troop 100 of Boise bringing in second place. Troop 86 of Mountain Home earned third place.
With ribbons, plaques and prizes handed out, it was time for the Camp Wilson Barbecue to begin. The barbecue is an annual event established thank them for their efforts and to give the public an opportunity to honor the Scouts.
The weather may have played a factor in the number of people attending the barbecue this year, but the Scouts did not seem to notice as they filled their plates with the pit-roasted beef, potatoes, beans and onions, with many of them going back for a second helping.