Making magic on the pottery wheel. (Photos courtesy Kelly Powers)
The Wolves stormed Montana and claimed the land as their own.
Traveling to Melita Island, a 64-acre chunk o’ land located on Flathead Lake, a pack of Coupeville students learned a ton of new skills while enjoying all the unique natural wonders offered at a water-centric summer camp for experienced Scouts.
Led by Scoutmasters Kelly Powers and Matt Lachnit, who had their own step count battle during the visit (won by Powers 135,246 to 122,259), the Whidbey Island teens collected 35 merit badges, with Kamea Micolichek topping everyone by picking up five by herself.
Master of the pawn sacrifice.
Overall, 11 of the 14 members of Coupeville’s troop participated in an early-morning polar plunge into the lake, while Tyberious Carroll finished 3rd in the camp chess tourney.
The camp featured traditional activities such as archery and crafting, along with more specialized adventures like small boat sailing and paddle boarding.
Conquerors of the lake.
A mile-long swim was offered, with Allie Powers, Zariyah Allen, and Anna Powers joining Kelly Powers in completing it before breakfast.
Then, just to make the day even more challenging, Zariyah and Anna returned to the water to complete their lifesaving merit badges.
Fishing poles were out in force, with Scouts like Danny Powers and Soren Crowder busy chasing their elusive quarry.
Though, as Kelly Powers said with a laugh, “Flathead Lake doesn’t support a large fish population so the boys learned why it’s called fishing, not catching.”
“Get in my boat, fish!!”
As Senior Patrol Leader, Allie Powers “worked diligently to make sure we earned “Honor Troop,” meeting all the requirements, including a service project pulling invasive weeds, preparing an original skit (that was legit hilarious) and participating in camp duties and evening programs,” Kelly Powers said.
The lure of the lake was never far away.
“While the water was quite cool you couldn’t beat the selection of activities,” Kelly Powers said.
“As long as you had a swim buddy you could take on a variety of inflatables like a huge climbing iceberg, a teeter totter and a full obstacle course or take out kayaks, canoes or paddleboards.”
Out and about on a sunny day.
Bracelet making, slime creation, pottery, and axe throwing at the archery range were other offerings, with a water carnival — capped by a Scoutmaster belly flop contest — wrapping things up.
Dominating in the water-based games.
All in all, it made for a memorable week.
“With a total of 11 scouts and three adults, fun times were definitely had by all, and with a West-facing camp we surely boasted the best sunsets with views of Jupiter and the milky way!” Kelly Powers said.
Most viewers see a beautiful summer night. The other 1% of us are like, “This is how every ’80s slasher film starts…”
“It’s funny, parents always thank me when we return; It’s quite an adventure and not without teachable moments and lessons learned, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!
“It’s an honor and privilege to be trusted to take these young people so far from home for so long. I would say it’s the adventure of a lifetime, but I can’t wait to do it again at Camp Baldwin next year!”
Fueling up for high achievement.
The Scouts agreed with many of their Scoutmaster’s sentiments.
“Camp is always the highlight of my summer!” Anna Powers said. “I love everything about it — the road trip, the classes, the staff, free time, making friends, the food, the campfires, and hanging out with my friends. It’s the best!”
“I love swimming; the water was really nice, especially on a hot day,” Claire Lachnit added. “Meeting new people was also fun since we could compare what scouting was like in different areas.”
“After Melita, we’re not friends, we’re family … some more consented than others!” said Isa Mc Fetridge with a chuckle.
The crew (with camp nicknames):
Zariyah Allen (Zippy-Zap)
Genghis Carroll (Frozone)
Tyberious Carroll (Bishop)
Soren Crowder (JTT)
Claire Lachnit (Pipsqueak)
Matt Lachnit (Best Matt)
Isa Mc Fetridge (Magnet)
Kamea Micolichek (Chameleon)
Nathan Micolichek (Hagrid)
Allie Powers (A-Train)
Anna Powers (Type-A)
Danny Powers (Dobby)
Kelly Powers
Ozzy Wilkerson (Wizard)
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