This started at a winter camp a few years ago when the temperatures were too cold for us to have fires. [Freezing temps in Texas = no running water to most of camp = no fires]

 

Instead of huddling together in our campsites for warmth after the day's activities, we decided to get active. I sent the buddy groups to various high points in camp, all toting two-way radios, flashlights, and Morse Code sheets. They were to reach their positions without drawing undue attention to themselves. Then we played "telephone" by sending coded messages with the flashlights around the camp. We used the radios to discuss what the message should have been, as well as to do buddy checks.

 

Upon coming back, many of the groups had seen wildlife, etc., that they would not have normally seen. They overheard some camper from another troop saying that they heard "ghosts walking around camp", hence the name...

 

They've taken this to another level, now. They choose clothing and equipment that allows them to melt into their campsites, they speak only in whispers or hand signals, and they don't light fires. I even saw one young man wiping his tracks away from his bedding spot.

 

Capture-the-Flag and Sardines are our units' favorite games... which develops these skills in the younger scouts.

 

Again, bear in mind this is a small group of 16-18 year olds. Our 11-13 year olds practice "stampede of wild elephant camping."

This sounds very intiresting. I am going to suggest it for the Scouter Campout my group is planning this spring.

Has anyone else done anything like this?

 

JM