The recent experience of some local Boy Scouts has brought the dangerous reality of devastating wildfires closer to home.
Troop 337 has been a vibrant part of Broomfield for over 50 years, helping generations of boys learn to be men. Summer camp is an annual tradition, and a week ago 41 boys and seven adults headed to Laramie Peak Camp in Wyoming.
According to Scoutmaster Vince Secor, lightning started a fire Wednesday night 12 miles west of camp. Authorities monitored the fire Thursday, and at 7 p.m. issued a pre-evacuation order. Troop leadership reviewed evacuation protocol with boys, and everyone began packing non-essential equipment.
Fierce winds caused explosive growth of the fire, and about 9 p.m. evacuation was ordered. Most boys were evacuated immediately. Told they had an hour to pack, troop leaders worked quickly and calmly, but after only 20 minutes were forced to leave amidst thick smoke. Equipment abandoned included tents, sleeping bags, cooking equipment and food.
Late Thursday night the troop gathered in Wheatland with all accounted for and no injuries. Drivers were sent up and everyone was back in Broomfield by 5 a.m. Friday.
Scoutmaster Secor praised the group. “Our boys did a heroic job in trying to get as much as they could from camp, and the younger Scouts did an amazing job of following directions. I was amazed at how well they responded and supported each other throughout this ordeal.
“I am so proud of my boys and the leaders because it was tough. They listened and obeyed every direction. They cared for one another and you should have seen the way the second-year boys took control of the first-year Scouts and encouraged them every step of the way. The older boys were amazing and courageous … when I look back on their performance, I am so moved. It would bring tears of joy to you, Liz, to see how these boys you have known for years took control and got it done.”
When I asked him about lessons learned, he replied, “‘Be prepared’ is the Scout motto for a reason … bravery is a quality found in each of us, and some of us found it for the first time.”
It brings me to tears when I think of how these young men and their leaders calmly rose to the challenge and averted a tragedy. Surely this will be a character-defining moment.
While the troop may yet be able to recover some equipment, some has certainly been destroyed. My family has made a contribution to replace what was lost, and we invite you to do the same (BSA Troop 337, c/o Broomfield United Methodist Church, 545 W. 10th Ave., Broomfield 80020). It’s a small price to pay for the life lesson these young men have learned.
Although I am no longer a member of troop leadership, I am proud to sign with a traditional scouting leadership pledge. Yours in scouting,
Liz Law-Evans,
Broomfield