Troop 658 - Rangers

Big Bear Forest Service Project and Camping Trip

by Michael Black

On September 19-21, the Troop 658 Boy Scouts went to Big Bear for a Forest Service project.  On Friday afternoon we stopped by KFC on the way to Big Bear for dinner.  The scouts pitched camp before dark.

On Saturday, we went to meet the Forest Service people at the Big Bear Discovery Center.  They took us out into the forest on small, winding dirt roads to an area that had been burned down.  Troop 658 was planting trees here and there and all over the place.  We planted about 300-350 trees!  The Forest Service taught us how.  You should dig a pretty deep hole with a shovel.  Then, fill about ¼ of it with water.  Hold the tree above the hole with the roots touching the bottom, and start to put the dirt back in the hole. Give it a little more water, and finish it off.  They taught us to put duff around the base of the tree to protect it so it can grow.  Since we planted in a place with burned trees, there was lots of space.  It was hard work!

When we got back to camp, everyone had to clean up before dinner.  The cooking was pretty good.  There were two patrols cooking.  We had steak, bacon, eggs, beef stew and more.  The Forest Service served us huge, delicious sub sandwiches with chips, drinks, apples and oranges for Saturday lunch.

It was freezing at night!  Most people were wearing two jackets.  Next time we go there be sure to come and bring warm clothing.  It was a fun and hard-working weekend for everyone and we provided a valuable service for the Big Bear community.