The fourth annual Gulf Coast Merit Academy was held on December 27th, 28th, and 29th at Camp Wilkes in Biloxi, MS. This year’s camp, like the previous ones, was a great success. There were six outposts represented this year with twenty-seven boys and nine commanders. The boys were able to choose between different merits. If they had the LFTL, First Aid, Hiking, and Wilderness Survival, they could choose to do Winter Camping and Hide Tanning.

Registration for the camp was at 10:00am Thursday with a LFTL banquet kicking things off at 11:00am. Southern Divisional Commander Kelvin Dykes conducted the banquet and also served as the speaker. A spaghetti and meat sauce meal was served with green beans and corn.

After the banquet we got started on another merit. Sectional Commander Bruce Pepper taught the Hiking merit. After some classroom instruction a five-mile hike was taken through the campground. We made several stops during the hike to discuss things of interest on the trail. Area Commander David Welford gave a short course on map and compass and a five point compass course was laid out on the trail.

Once we returned from the hike we enjoyed a great meal of home made soup and grilled cheese sandwiches prepared by the camp chef, Pat “Grits” Harvey. Grits came back to cook for us again this year. He is a blessing to have in the kitchen.

After supper some classroom instruction was given on wilderness survival. Area Commander David Welford and Commander Dan Hutchinson taught the Wilderness Survival Merit.

At 9:00pm we moved to the council fire area where Camp Chaplain Kenley Byrd started the fire by torch that was used to lead the boys to the area. Several skits were done by some of the boys, some songs were sung and Commander Kenley gave an encouraging message.

Lights were out at 10:00pm and all were asleep shortly after since so much was packed into this opening day.

Friday morning started with assembly at 7:00am. Senior Guide Justin Smathers led the boys in the pledges and gave a uniform inspection. Grits prepared a pancake and sausage breakfast. Commander Eugene Bowman taught a first aid class after breakfast. We had a good lunch of sandwiches and french fries following the class. Friday afternoon some more classroom instruction was given on wilderness survival and the boys got ready for the overnight campout. They got into the woods in plenty of time to get some great looking shelters built to spend the night in. Hobo dinners were prepared for the wilderness survival meal. Grits prepared a meal for the commanders and the other group of boys back at the mess hall. He cooked a big pan of rabbit and gravy served over rice with biscuits.

Commander Kelvin Dykes had ten boys in the woods with him doing the Winter Camping and Hide Tanning Merit while the other merits were being done. These ten boys got started on their shelters right after the LFTL banquet. They spent two nights in these shelters where they experienced a wide climate range. It went from cold to raining to comfortable to extremely foggy. All of this made for some unique camping. While they were in camp they on some fresh rabbit skins for the hide tanning merit. They each fleshed out salted a skin to tan. They each received instruction and tanning solution to finish the hide.

Saturday morning the campsites were cleaned and everyone returned to the mess hall for a hot breakfast. Grits prepared ham, eggs, grits, toast, and French toast.

Closing ceremonies was held at 10:00am with each boy receiving a patch and the merits he earned during the camp. Several special awards were given to some of the boys.

“Socky” was presented to Jeremy Satcher this year. Socky is an award given to the camper who was the most impressive during the camp. He will bring it back next year to be passed on to someone else. Senior Guide Justin Smathers added an odd looking piece of driftwood to it this year.

A set of “D” rings were given to Jacob Helton for the Hiking Award, a pocket knife was given to Skyler Crane for his hide fleshing abilities, a knife was given to Jeremy Helton for him going out of his way to help some younger rangers finish there shelters. He took part of his own shelter apart and gave it to some other boys so they could finish their shelter. A pocket first aid kit was given to Moises del Real for the first aid award. Senior Guide presented Michael White a knife for his help during the camp.