Scouts get taste of army life

FAIRFIELD — The fathers who brought their boys to Camp Floyd State Park's Adventure Camp Saturday say their kids are pretty well behaved anyway.

But when they put on the uniform of an 1860s soldier, they also adopted a new attitude.

"It caused a difference in their behavior," said Alan Frederickson, whose son, Taylor, was sporting one of the dark blue wool coats and a kepi hat.

"They've been excited to play the part of an obedient soldier," said Kyle Anderson. His son, Jarrett, said wearing the uniform was his favorite part of spending the weekend as a Union soldier in Cedar Valley.

James Williams agreed that the uniforms were "cool."

The uniform helped in the cool of the evening but proved to be itchy during drills in the hot sun, said Daniel Hanshew.

Thirteen seventh-grade boys and 11 adults, members and fathers of Boy Scout Troop 1264, came from Stansbury Park to pitch tents, sleep on the ground, march in time and get the feel of what it was like to be a soldier in Johnston's army when the army set up camp in Utah in 1868.

They ate from tin plates and cups, rolled their own cartridges for their muskets, practiced shooting the old-time guns and played period games like hoops and cap and ball.

They read about real events in the Deseret Evening Star and learned all about the Civil War from movies about actual battles.

"I learned to drill right. I was using my toe to turn, not my heel," said David Hansen. He said it was important to know how to march since Johnston's troops were foot soldiers.

"I kinda feel like a (real) soldier," said Brandon McGuire.

"I like to think of myself as a general," said Sam Burge.

Tanner Martin expected the routine to be a lot tougher. "I like it here, and I thought it would be kinda like torture with the sergeants yelling at us," he said.

Ethan Hunt agreed. "It would probably be a lot worse to really be a soldier," he said.

Ryan Lorensen said he definitely would come to the event again, while C.J. Pronk liked the sleeping outside even though he got cold.

Each participant in the adventure camp earns his American Heritage merit badge and a historic trail patch.

Plus they get to muster out at the end of the adventure.

If you go

What: Army Adventure Camps for Boy Scouts

Where: Camp Floyd State Park in Fairfield

When: June 1 and 2, 15 and 16; July 6 and 7, 20 and 21; Aug. 3 and 4, 17 and 18; Sept. 7 and 8, 21 and 22; Oct. 5 and 6, 12 and 13

Cost: $17 per boy/$5 per adult

Phone: 768-8932

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E-mail: haddoc@desnews.com