Insights of 2015 Lake Powell Summer Camp

Throughout the years of Troop 622, scouts have attended a variety of week-long summer camps, whether it was organized by the Boy Scouts of America (Camp Chawanakee) or organized by our own troop (Lake Mead, June Lake, etc.). This year, our troop decided to venture the beauty of Zion National Park, Lake Powell, and Grand Canyon National Park for our own 8-day trip.

Zion National Park`

After a 12-hour road trip from Irvine to Zion National Park, we kicked off the outing with a 2 ½ mile trek through the Narrows, a popular hike through a sandstone canyon. We started walking on a paved pathway that ran alongside the North Fork of the Virgin River, but it soon gave way to a trail going through the river. Although we only hiked through this river trail for 30 minutes, we enjoyed the cool, refreshing water on the warm day.

The following day, we had planned to hike up Angel’s Landing, which would be a 5-mile round trip with a 1,488-foot elevation gain. As we hiked the first 2 miles up to Scout’s Lookout, we passed through a series of 21 switchbacks, known as Walter’s Wiggles. At Scout’s Lookout, we took a small break in order for our troop to regroup. The next ½ mile would involve travel along a narrow ridge surrounded by a 1,488-foot drop on each side, on which 6 people have fallen to their deaths. Because some scouts were not comfortable hiking up this strenuous stretch of the hike, they decided to stay at Scout’s Lookout while the others went up to Angel’s Landing. I was part of the group that would stay at Scout’s Lookout, but Mr. A encouraged me to overcome my fear and conquer the hike. Eventually, I agreed and hiked along with Mr. A to the top, gripping the metal chains, which were provided at the difficult parts of the hike, as tightly as I could. With a sense of conquest, I stepped to the top of the rock formation, thrilled, where I realized that going up was worth it; the magnificent view showcased the beauty of the park. Going back down was easy, and we departed for Lake Powell after eating lunch.

Lake Powell

After the 2 ½ hour drive from Zion National Park, we arrived at the Wahweap Marina and camped there for the night. The next morning, we boarded two houseboats (of which I was on the latter one): the Titanic, whose captain was Anthony, and the Icebergs, whose captain was Kyle. We spent 5 hot days on the houseboats, during which we participated in competitions, learned water sports, worked on merit badges, and visited the world’s largest natural bridge. In the competitions, the boats contended against each other in 10 various activities, such as swimming and kayaking, and ended the trip with a tied score at 5-5. I participated in Hoop Throw, which we won in overtime, and Tubing, which we lost due to a mishap with the tube. While we were docked during the evenings and mornings, many of us learned at least one water sport; the younger scouts worked on kneeboarding, the older scouts worked out wakeboarding, and both groups enjoyed kayaking and tubing. Personally, I attempted wakeboarding, but I could not get up by the end of the trip. I decided, though, that I would continue the sport at Lake Mohave. In addition, while the boats were moving, scouts worked on merit badges with their respective counselors and played games, like cards, in their free time.

During the trip, we stopped by at the Rainbow Bridge National Monument, where we hiked 1 mile from the dock to see the biggest natural bridge in the world: Rainbow Bridge. This spectacular work of nature was once sacred land to the Pueblo, Paiute, and Navajo Indians. In addition to the bridge, there is a single dinosaur footprint, which has been identified as a footprint of a Dilophosaurus. This dinosaur roamed the area about 200 million years ago. By learning about the history of Rainbow Bridge, I have begun to wonder about the intriguing histories of other landmarks.

After the houseboat part of the trip was over, the troop’s plan was to visit Grand Canyon National Park on the way back home. However, I ended my trip after we unloaded the houseboats and went on a separate family trip to explore the Antelope and Slot Canyons.

Gallery 2015 Lake Powell Houseboat Summer Camp