The Tryon Mountain Troopers Pathfinder Club had an unusual campout Nov. 1-3 as they participated in the Up Country Division Campout at Hollywild Animal Park in Inman, S.C. Camped about 30 feet away from the habitat of the African Lion and Siberian Tiger, the club was awakened each morning around 4 a.m. to the roaring of the lion answered across the park by the leopard’s challenge. This fascinatingly unnerving and novel experience provided an exciting beginning for each day.

More than 200 area Pathfinders earned honor badges in conservation, recycling, endangered animals and many specific species of earth’s animal world. The safari bus tour to an African plains habitat provided the youngsters with an up-close encounter with the grazing creatures of the world, including the Watusi Cattle, the American Bison, Cape Buffalo and the Scottish Cattle, most of which would come to the window and eagerly take treats from their hands.

The weekend was topped off with a community service project. Pathfinders helped prepare the park for its annual Christmas lights drive through. Opportunities for service included painting the barn, bundling kindling, moving concessions, general cleaning and building a new ticket booth.

Leaving with a sense of satisfaction, each Pathfinder had to agree with a counselor who remarked, “It’s amazing how much fun you can have this close to home.”

– article submitted by Glenn Cantrell