The Power of Consistency in Scouting

Sometimes consistency is the best way. For the last several years, our Troop’s August event has been a trip to Warren Dunes State Park in Sawyer, MI. It’s, by far, one of the Scouts’ favorite campouts of the year. The beautiful scenery, the camaraderie, and the adventures we share make this a highly anticipated event.

This year, however, we encountered some conflicts with school planning, which impacted attendance. Despite this, we still had a strong turnout with 12 Scouts, 8 adults, and a couple of siblings joining the fun. While the group was a bit smaller than usual, the spirit of the campout remained as vibrant as ever.

We followed our traditional itinerary, starting with the long hike to and from the campsite to the beach. This hike is always a test of endurance, but the reward at the end—Warren Dunes’ stunning beach—makes it all worthwhile. The day at the beach was nothing short of perfect. We were blessed with a green flag day, meaning the lake was calm and safe, and the weather couldn’t have been better. The Scouts had a blast swimming, playing in the sand, and simply soaking up the sunshine.

Lunch was a highlight, as always. One of the parents prepared a delicious spread of hotdogs and brats, which fueled the Scouts for their afternoon of beach fun. It’s these moments of shared meals and laughter that truly bring our Troop together, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

But our summer wasn’t just about fun and relaxation; it was also about giving back to our community. In late July and August, we took on a service project at our church, which proved to be quite the endeavor. If you’ve passed by recently, you’ve likely noticed the freshly weeded and mulched playground area. This was no small task—we pulled 25 lawn bags full of weeds and dedicated 124 man (Scout) hours over several Sundays to get the job done.

I won’t sugarcoat it—we completely underestimated the amount of time and effort this project would require. But that’s what makes the outcome even more satisfying. The Scouts, leaders, and volunteers all pitched in, and together we transformed the playground into a space that the church and community can enjoy once again.

We’re incredibly proud of the work we accomplished, and we’re grateful to the church for supporting us with the necessary supplies, including bags, stickers, and mulch. It was truly a group effort, and it serves as a reminder of what we can achieve when we come together with a shared purpose.

As we reflect on these summer experiences, it’s clear that consistency—whether in our traditions or in our commitment to service—plays a vital role in Scouting. It helps build strong bonds, teaches important life skills, and leaves a positive impact on our community. Here’s to many more years of adventures and service projects that bring us closer.