Wings of Eagles - MYD 2008
By Commander Jay M. Woodward
Pony Express Editor
On February 15-17, 2008, NNED Royal Rangers held its 14th Annual Maine Yukon Day – Winter Pow Wow at Camp Fairhaven in Brooks, Maine. This year’s event saw 244 attendees- 159 boys and 85 leaders-the second highest total in MYD history, representing 13 Outposts. The Scripture Verse of this year’s MYD was Isaiah 40:31, “…but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” On Friday, Outposts arrived for registration and claimed their sleeping quarters. It was a smooth process. That evening, after all the Outposts had put their gear away, there was an evening introduction by Camp Commander Ken Bustard and District Commander Jerry Love, and to help bring the spiritual emphasis on the weekend, the MYD Camp Chaplain, Pastor Tim Haynes led the group through a couple of worship songs and gave a brief devotion, reminding all that it was no coincidence that everyone came, and that God has ordained this event. Following this service, boys were off to their bunks, and leaders soon followed, after the evening Commanders’ meeting.
On Saturday morning, it was up and at ‘em, as breakfast was served, followed by morning assembly and devotion. During this time, as well as evening service, patrols got to perform their songs, skits, and yells, which of course had to meet Commander Ken’s mark of approval, as he was watching with his gong right by his side. These all added up to points for the Top Outpost! In addition, patrol guides had to present themselves with their patrol standards as “all present and accounted for” properly before District Training Coordinator Jason A. Wright, who professionally executed his duty! Following the morning assembly, it was time to begin the Yukon Race for Outstanding Patrols. There were twelve different stations that each patrol had to pass in order to receive points: Dog Sled Review, Fire and Hot Chocolate Stop, Ice Rescue Station, Matchless Fire, Over The Ridge, Emergency First Aid, Fire Craft, Ladder Lashing, Marksmanship, Orienteering, Snare, and of course, “The Wall”! There were also activities for Ranger Kids who were present. Commander Rick Philbrick and his daughter Bethany led Ranger Kids in various indoor activities, as well as downhill sledding on the slope outdoors! They were definitely not left out of having a good time!
Many brave boys, and some brave leaders, got to participate in one of four different outdoor treks: the Polar Bear Club, which consists of building snow shelters or pitching a tent and sleeping overnight outdoors, in order to earn the Polar Bear patch; the Yukon Jack Snowmobile Trek, which involves traveling 10 miles with a snowmobile and camping out overnight; the Yukon Jack 10-Mile Trek, which involves a 10 mile round-trip overnight hike; finally, there was the Yukon Jack Hunter’s Trek, which boys had to have patches from the first three events in order to participate, as well as Frontiersman Camping Fellowship membership. Three Ranger boys, Ryley Paquette, Nathan MacGilvray, and Troy Lavasseur, completed this challenging event!
On Saturday night, all of the boys and leaders gathered for the evening service. Following worship and songs, skits, and yells, as well as the presentation of Commander’s Awards, it was time for the Guest Speaker. Pastor Nick Bemis, Youth Pastor for The Rock Church in Bangor, Maine, gave a timely devotion based on this year’s Scripture Verse that resonated in the hearts of boys. Commander Jerry commented, “I think he was real good…so good I wish he would have gone on longer. Pastor Nick had a message that seemed to be reaching the boys, and we could have taken more of his great devotion”. Many boys eagerly responded to the Holy Spirit during the altar call, and received prayer from Commanders as well as other boys. It was indeed a moving time! Following the service, boys who were heading outdoors for the night headed off on their respective treks.
On Sunday morning, following breakfast, the top patrols were announced, and boys could pick up prizes in order of the most patrol points. The Top Outpost for MYD 2008 went to Outpost #60 in Waterville, Maine, a new Outpost in only its first year of existence, but went home with this prestigious award! Congratulations to Outpost #60!
It was also a bittersweet occasion on Sunday morning, as Commander Ken announced to the men and boys present that it would not only be his last year as MYD Camp Commander, but that after MYD, he was leaving his current position in Rangers, to begin a new season of ministry in his life. Commander Jerry commented, “It was a great ‘swan song’ for Commander Ken. He went out on a high note, and he will certainly be missed in the future. I can assure you, we haven’t heard the last of Ken Bustard in Royal Rangers.” Also, thank-you’s went out to the women who helped out at MYD; namely the ones who made and served all of the meals. Once again, Grace Beaufort, Linda Blomerth, Sue Haynes, and Rhonda Clark worked together wonderfully to prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner and keep men and boys well-fed and happy. Once again, thank you, ladies! Following the awards and recognitions, Pastor Tim gave the closing prayer and dismissal, and MYD 2008 came to a close!
It was indeed a great Maine Yukon Day. Reflecting on the weekend, Commander Jerry observed, “I think things went very smoothly, probably as well as they ever have. On the whole, it was probably one of the finest winter events we have ever put on!” Commander Ken added, “This was a bittersweet event for me, since I will be ‘passing the mantle.’ I have invested a lot of hours and sweat into building the incredible team of leaders that make MYD possible. I will miss working with them.” Commander Ken may be gone, but have no fear: next year, Maine Yukon Day will be back, and NNED will carry the mantle and continue the tradition of excellence! The best is yet to come!