By Peter D.

 

A bright Saturday morning in September set the stage for one thing: The Beach. Driven by the promise of giant sandcastles and ocean waves, the troop moved with rare efficiency. By the time breakfast was cleared, the cars were packed and we were off for an epic day under the sun.

A New Twist on Tradition

Troop 5’s legendary beach tradition—digging a hole so massive it can swallow nearly the entire troop—was the main event. By afternoon, scouts were buried chin-deep in the sand as usual. However, this year brought new energy to the shore. While some engaged in a high-stakes, miraculously injury-free game of “kill the carrier” with a Spikeball, others took to the water for a first: surfing. Watching scouts trade their hiking boots for surfboards was a highlight that added a fresh layer to our annual outing.

Whether they were catching their first wave, lounging on the sand, or playing a game of catch, every scout found their own rhythm by the water. We eventually headed back to camp tired and covered in salt, but full of stories.

The Magic of the Embers

As evening fell, the energy shifted toward the campfire. There is a unique magic to a Troop 5 fire—the way the glow hits familiar faces and brings the spirit of Scouting to life. The night was a perfect mix of chaos and tradition:

 * The Classics: Voices rang out for “The Window,” “Titanic,” and “Railroad.”

 * The Comedy: The Bull Patrol’s rendition of “Amish Paradise” kept the laughter going.

 * The Heart: Scoutmaster Donat closed the night with a heartfelt speech that grounded us all.

We topped off the evening with warm apple crisp under a canopy of stars—a sweet end to a long day.

Reflection

Sunday morning was the bittersweet time for packing up. As the gear was stowed, a quiet reflection settled over the group. In the simplicity of the woods and the rhythm of the waves, the digital world had faded away. We left the beach and the campsite behind, but we took home a renewed appreciation for the moments that happen when you simply “unplug.”