Earlier this year, Troop 48 started – for lack of a better name – the "higher adventure" group. It consists of Scouts who are 14 years old and at least First Class rank. The purpose is to give the older Scouts an opportunity to take part in at least 4 quarterly events in which they plan and execute. Activities have included backpacking in the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee/North Carolina and the Sipsey Wilderness in Alabama.
In May 2012, five scouts enjoyed a night out on the town, first going to Laser Quest for some laser tag fun. Josh "The Guy" A. had the right secret for hitting his target and avoiding the rest of us. Also enjoying in the fun were Mitchell M., Noah M., Logan G., and Alex L. The two deep leadership was provided by ASM's Snyder and Moore. I'll say here that we were sorry Kyle R. had to bail out because he got a little sick while at school and his doctor "sentenced" him to bed rest for the night. Oh, Kyle – you did a wonderful job of planning such a great outing. Hated you had to miss!
At about 7:00 PM we made our way to Huling Street and Second where we parked underneath the Lorraine Motel sign. Mr. Snyder lead the Scouts over to the National Civil Rights Museum and showed the guy's where Martin Luther King stood when he was assassinated in 1968. Some of these Scouts had never been to this site before, so it was a real learning experience.
The barbecue was wafting in the air, so we made our way north along the bluff trail to Beale Street to purchase our tickets and enter the famous Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue contest. The Scouts were invited visit the Serial Griller's Barbecue Team booth sponsored by Southern Towing. Our own ASM Richard Ralph is a key player on the team and he knows his barbecue!
The Scouts were given the simple rules: go through the line to be served, eat, come back for more! And that we did! These were absolutely the most tender, moist, fall-off-the-bone ribs I've ever had! We all knew the Serial Griller's were on top of their game! In fact, while we were eating, a team member comes in with the 1st place trophy for Beef category! Boy, were these guy's happy!
On Saturday, the Serial Griller's won 2nd place for ribs! That's big time! We are very thankful for the graciousness shown to our Troop by this team in giving our Scouts the chance to witness some serious barbecuing.
At about 9:00 PM it was time to make our way back up the bluff to our cars. It was a perfect night, one that these guys will remember! Hey, this could be the start of a tradition?!?! We'll see.