desertrat77

Class of 1977...currently a unit commissioner.

Class of 1977...currently a unit commissioner.

My deepest sympathy to the families of the four outstanding leaders. It was an honor to work for Scott Powell when I was on staff at Camp Gorsuch, AK (78, 79, 80). Scott was a superb director and a true Scout through and through. He found a great balance between good order and creating a fun environment for the campers. Scott was everywhere...you never saw him behind a desk. He was the first person up in the morning and the last to retire...daily, he visited every camp site, hiked each trail, checked in on merit badge classes and talked with every Scout and Scouter he happened upon.

I too remember how hard it was in the '70s. Took me three attempts over 2 years before I finally earned it. I'd finish all of the other requirements and then shoot for qualification. Didn't shoot a score high enough the first two times...partial would expire, then I'd start the whole badge all over again. The only MB I remember being tougher to earn was Lifesaving.

Rich, Although I never had the privilege of attending Chin-Be-Gota, thanks for the great essay. Sorry to hear a great camp was closed. Your written tour brought back memories of camps I attended as a scout in Arizona (Camps Lawton and Geronimo) and as a staff member in Alaska (Camp Gorsuch). Visting Camp Lawton years later was quite an experience ("Swam a bunch of laps in that tiny pool to get the Swimming Merit Badge!"). Thanks again, looking forward to more summer camp postings. (This message has been edited by desertrat77)