The SDIC 33rd Annual International Camporee was a unique weekend event at Mataguay Scout Ranch (MSR) with participants from the US, Mexico and other countries. Troop 226’s Viking clan “Dragon” competed in multiple tournaments and received some awards! The scouts also traded with the troops from Mexico. The clan’s Earl (the Viking Clan leader) asked to collect logs to build a new “Longhouse” for the whole clan, their job was to bring the logs as fast as they could before the winter hits. This event tested their ability to tie logs using an effective knot.
The Viking warriors crossed the North Sea and got caught in a fierce storm with a fog so thick that did not let them see a thing. They had to trust their able seaman (all the Vikings are blindfolded) to give them directions and get their Drakkar though the storm unharmed. Their Drakkar was still going through the storm, and one of their warriors was washed away from the ship! The warrior managed to stay afloat on a small piece of floating debris and the clan had to save her by throwing a rope to the warrior, then she tied a bowline to her waist and the whole clan pulled her into the boat without falling from the floating piece of debris. They were so hungry. In the Elk Hunt the clan went to dangerous and extraneous hunt for elk (one of the Vikings was the elk).
Finally, one of their warriors was critically injured, their clan had to build an improvised stretcher and carry their wounded warrior all the way to the tribe healer through various obstacles. Overall, this was an unforgettable experience. It provided a venue and opportunity for Scouts from all over to meet and share their songs, their scouting spirit, traditions and scouting experiences.
