Boy Scouts and Virginia State Parks

I use my vast knowledge of Virginia State Parks that I acquired since I started in 1986, to take Troop 340 out for fun and to learn about the great outdoors.  I have taken the boys to several parks, but no trip compared to last May at Douthat State Park.  Things started off good with a great campfire breakfast on Saturday morning, followed by a visit to the park's annual car show.  Next came some fishing time so they could get their fishing merit badge, but it turned out I was the only one to catch fish.  We then took a great hike up the mountain to Blue Suck Falls.  The hike up there was beautiful and it helped get some of that energy out of the boys.  It was at the top that the memorable moments of the trip began.  One of the boys twisted his ankle and we had to carry him the whole way down, with looming thunderstorms developing rapidly. Upon return to campsite the skies opened up and some of the heaviest rain I ever saw fell in buckets for hours.  Dinner on the fire was canceled and we fed the boys in shifts under a dining fly on a camp stove.  In the middle of this incredible storm, one of the boys ran smack dab into a tree nearly knocking him out.  Also, one of the tents became saturated with all the gear in them.  The 3 boys from that tent ended up sleeping in one of the vehicles that night.  It was nice to get home to my own bed and dry clothes, but it is wonderful trips like this that none of us will ever forget.  If you have a Boy Scout or Girl Scout Troop, I strongly suggest utilizing a State Park for your next outing.  They are affordable, safe and FUN!