Scouting
Camp Strake
2026-06-29
During a two-night Muslim camporee at Camp Strake, I became more independent by bringing and setting up my own tent, organizing my gear, and taking responsibility for my campsite. I participated in activities such as swimming, rock climbing, rifle shooting, soccer, and a nighttime skit show. Although our troop left early and missed the competitions, we cleaned the campsite and packed responsibly. The experience taught me that scouting is not only about fun activities, but also about teamwork, responsibility, and independence.
During a fall weekend in sixth grade, my troop went to a Muslim camporee in Houston for two nights. Since the camp did not provide tents, each scout had to bring one from home. Packing my own tent made the trip feel more serious because I knew I was responsible for part of my own shelter. As we prepared to leave, I felt excited and a little nervous because this camp would be another chance to become more independent as a scout. When our troop arrived at camp, the scoutmaster registered us and led us to our campsite. After we unloaded our gear, we set up our tents and organized everything before going to sleep. Because the weather stayed warm all day, I did not need extra blankets or heavy clothes. Mikaeel could not attend, so I set up my tent next to my friend Zakaria. Although I missed having Mikaeel there, setting up my own space helped me feel more independent and prepared for the weekend. Early the next morning, the whole camp gathered near the flags to pray Fajr before sunrise. After the flag ceremony, leaders explained that our schedules were based on age group and gender. My middle school group started with swimming, moved to rock climbing, and ended with shooting sports. Since scouts under thirteen could choose archery or rifle, our troop voted with the scoutmaster and chose rifle, which made me feel more connected to everyone. After dinner, I played soccer with my friends while we waited for the nighttime skit show. By the end of the day, I felt tired but proud because I had tried new activities with my troop. The next morning, our scoutmaster decided we would leave early, so we missed the competitions other troops attended. Instead, we cleaned the bathrooms, packed our camping gear, checked the campsite for trash, signed out, and headed home. Even though the trip ended sooner than expected, I felt responsible because I had helped leave the campsite better than we found it. Looking back, Camp Strake helped me see that scouting was not only about activities and competitions, but also about responsibility, teamwork, and independence. I arrived excited but unsure, and I left feeling more confident because I had taken care of my own gear, helped my troop, and tried new experiences with a positive attitude.