Poinsett State Park was a new destination for the Troop, the boys and the adult leaders. We choose this location because of the diverse terrain offered. A unique combination of history and mixed ecosystems makes Poinsett State Park a special place in the woods. The rural Sumter County park’s setting in the High Hills of Santee where the Midlands sandhills meets the coastal plains has given rise to such unusual sights as mountain laurel festooned with Spanish moss. The mix of steep hills and bluffs, pine and hardwood forests and Lowcountry swamp also is home to a wide range of plant and animal life.

We awoke to light rain on Saturday morning and quickly raised our dinning tents. Once breakfast was out of the way, Mr Keith and Mr Wes led the boys on a 3 mile hike through the park. They found hills, swamp and some other very cool sights. The day brought rain off and on, but the boys all soldiered through, learning a lot about foul weather camping. Sunday morning brought with it a pretty severe storm, but once again the boys made it through. We’re happy to report that those who were sleeping in Troop tents stayed nice and dry!