Signalling

Instead of our normal monthly campout, we instead hiked to the top of Glassford Hill to complete the Signaling Merit Badge. First we headed into the darkness of the cultural hall to learn about morse code and send messages between the two groups. Next we sent one group to the south side of Glassford Hill and one to the north side, which separated us by several hundred yards. So far, in fact, that we needed binoculars to see each other. We then used handheld signals to send "semaphore code" messages to each other. Putting each signal in a certain position signals a certain letter or number, and after a little practice we were able to communicate pretty well with each other.

One of my friends flys recon and close air support missions over Afghanistan, and during one of his combat missions he flew with an American flag in the cockpit, which he then gave to our Troop, along with an awesome citation signed by the pilot and the mission commander. So I unveiled that flag on to the Troop on top of Glassford Hill, and as it waved in the breeze I read the citation to the Scouts. It was a cool experience.

On the way back to the vehicles we found a deer skeleton, a young buck who wasn't able to fend off a predator - and Aaron just couldn't wait to take the head back home! Thank you so much to Ed and Tim for helping us with some extra leadership - it is very much appreciated.

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