New Tent Platforms, Scuba Certification, and Unforgettable Adventures Highlight Troop 531’s Action-Packed Summer
Troop 531 located in North Phoenix and proudly chartered with Trailhead Youth Foundation had an adventurous summer with Scouts attending Geronimo Summer Camp, Florida Sea Base and several patrol camping trips!
Many of the Scouts got to experience the new tents and platforms provided by the Phoenix Rotary Club and Grand Canyon Council. The Scouts said there was lots of room for all of their stuff! Some tent platforms also had enough room for Scouts to place their camp chair on the outside almost like they had their own patio! It was a fun and tiring week according to all 41 of the boys that attended. Troop 531’s SPL (Senior Patrol Leader) had a different “spirit day” theme each day at camp like mustache day, super hero day, crazy hat day and more. Scouts had a blast at Camp Geronimo!
Troop 531 also sent two crews to Florida Sea Base to experience the Scuba Adventure. Scouts and leaders received their PADI Scuba Certification in Arizona with practice dives in Lake Pleasant with certified instructors from Sea 2 Sea Scuba. At Sea Base, the Scouts and adult leaders did between 11-13 dives including swimming with more than a dozen nurse sharks, dives up to depths of nearly 60 feet and a night dive with amazing under the sea wildlife including loggerhead turtles, lobster and even larger nurse sharks. After camp, crews had fun enjoying a Miami Marlins baseball game, an alligator farm and a fan boat tour!
Troop 531 had a great summer in 2024 with discussions going on to get a group of Scouts to join the Grand Canyon Council’s contingent to attend the National Jamboree in July 2026.
Submitted by Jess Rankin, Chartered Organization Rep. (CR) Troop 531
