As the last light faded over Fisheating Creek, the Everglades came alive. Palmettos glowed gold in the twilight. Cypress trees cast long shadows in the tannin-stained water. Crickets chirped. Tree frogs sang. And the boys—well, the boys were stirring chili.
Eight Trail Life Troops from the Caloosa and Everglades Areas had gathered for a weekend that would stretch their skills, stoke their spirits, and strengthen their brotherhood. It began with firelight, flavor, and fierce competition.
Chili, Comebacks, and a Cook-Off for the Ages
The scent of spices drifted through campfire smoke as boys busily prepared to present their chilis to the judges. Five patrols faced off in the Friday night chili cook-off—a sizzling showdown of secret ingredients and bold flavors. FL-1613 came with a score to settle. Last year, they’d placed dead last. This year? First. Redemption never tasted so good.
Saturday: Games, Guns, and Ice Cream
Saturday dawned warm and wild. For the younger Woodlands Trail Trailmen, the Warrior Games were underway. At one station, a boy hit his first bullseye with a bow and arrow—friends and dad quick with high fives and claps on the back. At another, two boys locked into an intense pugil stick duel, grins and laughter slipping between grunts and playful taunts. The twang of slingshots echoed through camp, while raccoons licked their lips at the marshmallow remnants scattered across the grass. Trailmen tackled engineering challenges, cheered through camp-wide competitions, and faced off in the legendary Pizza Knight event—trust me, you had to be there.
Then came the dessert showdown. Yes, dessert. Because nothing says backcountry competition like Trailmen whipping up sweets for campground hosts. FL-4035 stole the show by making ice cream—in the field. No electricity. No freezers. Just determination, creativity, and probably a lot of shaking.
Paddles in the Water, Purpose in Their Steps
While the younger Trailmen battled with marshmallows and noodles, the older Navigators and Adventurers took up a different challenge. They ran stations, leading with patience and modelling servant leadership. Then, they launched a 16-canoe expedition down the winding creek—no phones, no comforts, just dry bags, paddles, and the wild.
That night, they camped under the stars, firelight dancing in their eyes, laughter mingling with the rustle of palmettos in the breeze.
Before dawn, they rose. By 5:30, gear was packed. Canoes slid silently into dark water. They paddled upstream, pushing against the current to return by 8:30 for colors.
One Brotherhood, One Purpose
The men of FL-4035 led worship beneath the pines. The air still held the chill of morning as voices rose in praise. A message from Psalm 133:1—"Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity"—echoed not just in Scripture but in spirit. From chili cook-offs to canoe treks, from foam battles to sunrise paddles, unity marked it all.
One hundred sixty-one people. Eight Troops. Two Areas. One unforgettable weekend.
No one got injured. (Unless you count the raccoons, now presumably in a marshmallow-induced coma.)
But something bigger happened by the creek.
Boys were tested. Leaders emerged. And a brotherhood rooted in Christ grew stronger—together.
Find a Troop near you or Learn how to bring Trail Life to your community at TrailLifeUSA.com
