Scouts from three West Hawaii troops spent three days camping at Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden in Captain Cook June 26-29 learning Hawaiian culture and new skills.
Troop 1 boys and Troop 1 girls sponsored by Hamakua Lions, Troop 15 boys and Troop 15 girls sponsored by SNI Church, and Troop 59 sponsored by Kona Hongwanji, participated in a Short Term Camp at the garden. The 3 day schedule included a Flag Retirement Ceremony, an opportunity to earn many different merit badges, and learning about Hawaii’s indigenous and endemic plans.
The campout was planned by Troop 15 Scoutmaster Terry Terada with assistance from the other troops.
“Special kudos to Becky Holt Scoutmaster of Troop 1 girls (First Aid Merit Badge, Bird Study Merit Badge), Donna Jenkins (Family Life Merit Badge, Joey Gusman scoutmaster of Troop 59 (Personal Management), Rosanna Waller (Geocaching Merit Badge), Paul Abear (Flag Retirement Ceremony), Troop 15 (Fellowship Dinner) and Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden conversant Brian Kiyabu,” said Terada.
He said the Flag Retirement Ceremonies, held the first night of camp, are a solemn way to destroy a flag with dignity.
“It is not appropriate to make it a public event. The troops participated in the ceremony retiring 20 old, tattered and discolored flags,” Terada explained.
Many dedicated volunteers came together to create the successful and memorable event.
“One of the unusual highlights of this campout was learning to make lau lau for our Fellowship Dinner. Some of the scouts of Troop 15 boys and girls lead everyone wrapping lau lau in the morning, then making haupia in preparation for our dinner,” said Terada, The scouts also made an ulu salad for the celebratory dinner.
Scouts were eager to share their experiences from the three day event.
“It was a well put together camp and I had a lot of fun. I really enjoyed being with the other troops,” said Jude.
“I thought that camp was really fun and interesting. We did many new things such as cooking with each other and making new friends,” said Kahiau. “And Scout Master Terry Terada said it was really awesome that he couldn’t tell the difference between troops because we were all hanging out with each other.”
“Summer camp was super fun, making lots of friends, learning about indigenous and endangered plants and gaining a better understanding of Hawaiian practices. The best part of it all was spending time with other troops and seeing how they learn and grow from these experiences,” said Tad Matsumura.
“Loved blending with other troops! And the outdoor shower was amazing!!” said Peter C.
“Camp this year was really fun! Especially when we got to do fun events all together with the other troops” (Zoie F)
“Merit Badges was fun, interesting and exciting. Sharing the knowledge of preparing making Lau Lau & fellowship dinner following,” said Vincent J. “Collaboration with others troops, hot showers after a long hot day.”
“Though the camp was shorter than usual it still had the spirit of camp because we all made the best of it. Being able to learn and hang out with Scouts from other troops made it a lot of fun,” recalled Aria S, Troop 1 SPL.
“Big mahalo to Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden. The Boy Scouts camped there about 8 years ago. AGEG has been asking us to return for a camp ever since,” said Terada. “I appreciate the mutual respect AGEG and BSA have for each other. AGEG is happy to educate the public about our unique ecosystem. Learning about our indigenous and endemic plants is important to BSA and the community service provided is a wonderful partnership.”