Day 23: Troop 1 Was on Television

Last night, KSL, a TV station in Salt Lake City, ran two news stories about the scouts being in England.  It was very exciting for us all.  Apparently the reporter, Alex Cabrero, was on assignment in London covering the Olympics.  He decided to do a story about the troop, which required taking the train from London to Ashford and then back again.

Here is the complete story:

American Boy Scouts in England
August 3, 2012
By Alex Cabrero

LONDON — One thing that a lot of people don't know about England is that it is the birthplace of the Boy Scouts, and one troop from Logan, Utah came here to see some of the sites of England.

The scouts got to see the sights, sounds and play some of the games. While in London the Boy Scouts of America were hosted by counterparts from Great Brittain, and had the chance to spend time together.

They played a sport that each team was familiar with. The American Boy Scouts did well playing football but their British counterparts got revenge playing cricket.

Ryan Martin is one of 11 Boy Scouts from Logan who visited Europe, stayed with host families, and spent time with Boy Scouts in England, but wasn't a big fan of cricket.

"Not the greatest," Martin said. "It's much different than baseball."

The trip was to show them different cultures and different ways of doing things.

"This is a life changing event," said Tom Hogan, who is Scoutmaster of Troop 1. "This is one of those things that they get off the ranch and discover that the world is really just that big."

Of course, they did more than play sports. They saw the Olympic Torch as it went through London.

"So cool," Hogan said. "It's just… no words to describe it. It's the Olympics. Been around since forever."

The trip also included a visit to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Stonehenge in England, and Normandy, France.

"Not a lot of people get to be here in real life and get to see it live," Hogan said. "It's like, wow, I get to see this and I'll probably never be here again."

Unless he comes in 3 years. You see, this trip is a tradition for these two troops. They've been visiting each other for almost 20 years.

"We learned a different type of English over in Utah, which was good fun," said David Breeching, a scout leader for the Ashford District in England. "And just the size of the place. Around here it's really flat. We love the mountains and love the fresh air. We didn't life the grizzly bears quite so much, or the bugs. The bugs were bigger as well."

Bugs and bears in Utah is all part of getting to know each other.

"We're in England." Hogan said. "I mean how many troops get to go to England?"

Next year the troop from England will head over to Logan to enjoy some of the sites of Utah. Then there is a year off, and three years from now the troop from Logan will be here in England.

Alex Cabrero has been reporting for KSL TV-5 since 2004. During his time in Salt Lake City, he has covered several high-profile stories, including the St. George floods, the Crandall Canyon mine collapse, and the Trolley Square shootings.

Day 22.5: Back Home

In the wee small hours of the night/early morning, the boys arrived home.  We met up with the group at the Park and Ride, around 1:00 am.  Devon and I were just thrilled to see Joshua and David.  A big thank you to Pam & Tracy for meeting them at the airport and bringing them back to Logan.

While the boys were dead tired from the very long journey (complete with a 6 hour stop-over in Houston) they were excited to be back home.  Arriving home, they dogs saw them and went ballistic.  Max and Coco both cried like the nutty and insane dogs they are.

Once we got in the door, the suitcases got plunked on the living room floor and they started showing us all their cool souveniers.  Joshua bought lots of great momentos and even a little something for me.  A tea light that says "Gillian".  That is something that could ONLY be found in England.  So pleased that he got that for me.

David came home with the largest bar of chocolate I have ever seen.   It's going to take him a month to eat it.  He said that he will go through his bags and show us his souveneirs today.

By 2:30 am, Devon and I were exhausted.  Both Joshua and David declared that they were too awake to go to bed.  We insisted they at least give it a try... even if it meant just laying down for a few hours in their room with a book to read.  I think that once they crawled into their beds... they were fine.

Joshua has already surfaced and is on his computer.  No surprise there.  But he at least came down and said "Good Morning" before disappearing for the day.  David is still asleep.  I am not planning to wake him any time soon.

All in all... it looks like they had a great trip.  They said that the people were great, they loved their host families, British scouts and leaders, and all the interesting people they met on their trip.  However, at the end of the day, it's so nice to come home!

David holding what he loves & Joshua holding what he loves!

Day 22: On the Way Home

The scouts were up early, meeting at the Tesco at 6:00 am, to begin the long way home.  With the 1.5 journey to Heathrow and fears of traffic congestion due to the Olympics... they needed such an early start for the 11:40 am flight.

Expected time to arrive tonight at the Salt Lake City airport is 10:55 pm.  Then there is the 1.5 hour trek up to Logan.  Long drive on both ends.  Bummer.  We are figuring they won't be back in their own homes until about 1:30 am.  I think they are going to be exhausted and want to sleep for a week!

But, knowing Joshua, he'll doze for a few hours and be on his computer by time I wake up tomorrow.

Parting words from the UK Leaders:

David Beeching

11 sleepy scouts and their leaders safely deposited at Heathrow. Have a good journey home. Massive thanks to all those who made this years exchange such a great experience. Hope to see many of you next year for the return leg :)

Mark Silvester

Just left Ashford on a damp morning to start the long journey home, have a safe journey!

Now at terminal 4, thank you for coming, you'll be missed. Thanks for coming! :)

Last shot before hopping in the van to go to Heathrow.  They are all wearing special Olympic Scout Neckerchiefs.

 

With UK Leaders - David Beeching & Mark Silvester.

One last shot.  Cameron's mother wished he'd have taken off those sunglasses!

Day 21: Last Host Day & Leaving Party

Today was the last day that the group got to spend with their host families.  Everyone did different things.  Alison took Josh, Matt, and her kids to the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway.  She said it made for a very busy day and they arrived at the Leaving party at 5:00 pm on the dot!

At the end of the day, everyone got together for the "Leaving Party" which was followed by a game of American football and then Cricket.  Apparently, Joshua and David have a knack for Cricket... must be in their genes.

It will be hard for everyone to say good bye.  The group is scheduled to meet at 6:00 am to head to the airport.

Tom:

Brilliant leaving party, thanks all! Alex Cabrea was a great addition. This program always makes me so emotional. I showed it a bit tonight, I'm just so pleased with you all!

On the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway

On the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway

Snoozing.....it's been a busy 3 weeks :)

On the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway

Tom handing out Troop 1 neckerchiefs to all the British scouts.

Farewell speeches.

Must be football because Cameron is telling everyone what to do.

Boys all playing a good game of American Football.

Day 20: Leeds Castle & Go Ape

After the night on the HMS Caviler the group went on to Leeds Castle & the Go Ape Exhibit.  From what I can tell, the Go Ape was a zipline thingee in the forest.  But I haven't seen any photos from that.

Three successful monkeys having completed the Go Ape course in the grounds of Leeds Castle.

Garrett bowling the ball to DB, David ready deep in the field

Sometime, before leaving Chatham, it looks like Mark Silvester took the boys to see the War Memorial that commemorates Joshua & David's Great Great Grandfather - Able Seaman Robert Grist.  I was so glad that the boys got to visit a bit of their family heritage.

Here was my request to have someone take the boys to see it: 

A British "heritage request" from an American mum. If the group's travel itinerary takes you to the Chatham Dockyards, would someone please help my boys (David & Joshua Whitney) to see the World War I Memorial. Their great great grandfather (Robert George Grist) went down with his ship - H.M.S. Aboukir - when it was sunk there by a German U-Boat in 1914. I have heard the memorial "overlooks the town of Chatham and is approached by a steep path from the Town Hall".

The "Chatham Naval Memorial" overlooks the town of Chatham in Kent England. It was unveiled by the Prince of Wales in April 1924. The memorial is said to contain the names of over 8,500 sailors. On September 22, 1914 - a German sub sunk 3 British ships. Josh & David's great great grandfather was on one of those ships... the H.M.S. Aboukir.

Joshua & David in front of the Chatham Naval Memorial.

David pointing out Robert Grist's name.

Day 19: Chatham Dockyards & HMS Caviler

Today was spent at the Chatham Dockyards, where the group had lots of tours and got to spend the night on a battleship.

Randy Martin

As all have probably guessed, internet access was limited the last couple of days. Monday morning we we headed over to Chatham Dockyards (where they've been building ships since the early 1600's) - we toured around there all day - seeing an old sailing warship, a diesel submarine, a museum of old Coast Guard rescue boats, a musuem describing the old sailing ship construction techniques, a ropery (John and Matt got to help make some rope the old fashioned way), and then we overnighted on a WWII destroyer, the HMS Cavalier. The following morning (today - Tuesday) we went to Leeds Castle and did some high wires and ziplines at a place called Go Ape. Then it was off with the host families.

The Martins, as well as Ian and David, were treated to a cricket lesson on the village green with David Beeching - followed by a "proper curry dinner".

Chatham Dockyards

HMS Cavalier, WWII destroyer which we actually spent the night on. What a thrill.

Cap'n Matt aboard the HMS Cavalier

Playing Battleship on a destroyer.....raise your hand if you have done that before....

The Ropery at Chatham Dockyard. This building is 1/4 mile long. All of the rope for the Royal Navy ships built here was made here in this building including HMS Victory.

Torpedo tubes on the HMS Oscelot. Pretty wicked.

Check out the portion size of that fish-n-chips. Tasty but I think I an having heart trouble now. I think I will carry an AED for a while..... scouts, I'm glad you all are CPR Certified...

David finding there wasn't much head room on the old submarine beds

 

Day 18: Host Family Sunday

This last Sunday was spent visiting Battle Abbey where the Battle of Hastings took place.  On the same day, Alison took Joshua, Matt, and her children to see Hever Castle & Gardens.  From previous eemails, it sounded as if there were going to be more knight demonstrations.  That's one great thing about England... they have lots of re-enactments.

While visiting Hever Castle, it looks like they had a nice picnic lunch under some shady trees.  Followed by a lot of splashing about in the water.

Below are some photos:

Outside Battle Abby

Picnic at Hever Castle and Gardens

Josh in front of Hever Castle and Gardens

Josh in front of Hever Castle

 

Josh in the Water Maze at Hever Castle and Gardens

Water maze at Hever Castle and Gardens

Water maze at Hever Castle and Gardens

Freddie, George and Robert Wright with Josh at Hever Castle

Day 17: Returning from France

Late Saturday afternoon, the weary travelers made their way back to Ashford, Kent.  After 4 nights in France the boys were hungry, tired, and in dire need of showers.  Alison said that after feeding Matt & Josh, she got to work on the laundry.  Having learned from "Pen-gate" (i.e. when Joshua left a pen in his pocket and it got all over the wash) she checked all pockets thoroughly!  After a hearty meal, the kids took off to go bowling.  Later they came home and spent the evening watching the Olympics on TV.

Back in Ashford, the leaders were able to catch us all up on their France excursion... so I am adding some additional comments and photos.

From Randy:

Catch up time! Being the lowly leader without an iPad, I didn't have what little access was available to the others during our French adventure... So, I thought I'd add a few pictures and a bit of narrative. 

As you all know, on Tuesday we took the ferry over to Calais, rented three cars and headed down to Normandy! Driving in France was a breeze...the drive on the correct siode of the road, although their signs are all in some strange language. The American Cemetery superintendent was more than accomdating and allowed us to literally camp in his backyard. Over the next couple of days we participated in 2 flag raisings and 2 flag retrievals (all exteremely moving and impressive - a British Brigadier General on hand gave us glowing compliments), toured the American Cemetery, visited Pointe du Hoc, had lunch in a seaside French cafe, visited St. Mere Eglise (saw the Airborne Museum, had lunch at a street fair and all had some real French pastries), visited Utah Beach, and splashed in the waters of Omaha Beach. After a night of violent thunderstorms on Thursday night, we headed to Paris for a "drive-by" site seeing tour (Effiel tower, the biog bus tour around town, and unfortunately only an hour in the Louvre) - with lunch in small cafe, including a chance for ALL the boys to try escargot! Early the next morning (today) we headed back to England, all very tired.

From Jason:

I would like to say what an amazing group of boys we have. The maturity and presence is profound. Parents, you can all be proud of you scouts. I have received countless compliments on this group. 

In the Normandy Cemetery we we marching out to a flag ceremony and the place went to a stand-still. There were around a thousand people with their eyes on us and we were real pros. Really, I can't put this into words as it was a moment in time for me I will never forget.

From Tom:

I was so proud! I'm so pleased to be associated with theses boys! I can't put into words how awesome it was to watch! (Flag Ceremony).

 

Troop 1 performing a flag retrieval at the American Cemetery at Omaha Beach

 

The boys really did a great job - retiring the colors at the American Cemetery at Omaha Beach.

This picture was taken with some American Military Officers after a joint retreating of the flag.

 

How many Utah scout troops get their pictures taken at Utah Beach.

This patch was presented to Troop 1 by Cemetery Superintendent Hans Hooker for the great display of Scout Spirit during our visit.

Postcard From Mom

Here is the postcard I sent the boys (via email).  If you are not a Dr. Who fan it won't make much sense.

Daleks on the Job!

Postcards From the Boys

Devon and I were so thrilled to receive postcards from the boys.  Joshua's card arrived on Thursday and David's arrived yesterday.

Postcard from Joshua (Lord Baden Powell statue in Poole)

Postcard from David - Brown Sea Island (Lord Baden Powell - Boy Scout Camp)

Day 16: Paris in a Day

Well it looks like the group arrived safely in Paris this morning.  I don't know how they are going to do Paris in one day... but as we all agreed, one day in Paris is better than no day in Paris!

A couple of things that were originally on the tour were:

• Eiffel Tower
• Louvre Museum
• Arc de Triomphe
• Notre Dame Cathedral

I believe they are doing one of those hop on hop off bus tours.... but again details are sketchy!  They took the train into Paris from Normandy and will be returning to camp there again for one last night.

Mark Silvester reports:

 1st whistle stop tour of Paris

Joshua & David at the Eiffel Tower

Must be tall!

  

There she stands... in all her glory.

Day 15: Normandy, France

Today was spent doing more D-Day tours and spending time at the American Cemetery.  I would imagine it was a very somber day.  Crystal got a phone call from Jason today, who reported that the boys did get to participate in a Flag Ceremony.  We are all looking forward to hearing the details on that.

The boys in their full Class A Uniforms.

Memorial at the American Cemetery - Normandy.

Incredible photo - taken by Jason.

Day 14: France

The schedule says that today was spent doing D-Day tours.  Afterwards it looked like the group headed out for some French Cuisine!

Joshua looks like he is really having to study the manual.  Could it be all in French?

Day 13: Ferry to France

Today the group departed Ashford bright and early (8:00 am) to leave for France.  This part of the trip is a 4 night excursion.  The boys were instructed to pack light for the trip.

The crossed the English Channel by ferry.  The goal for the first day was to set up camp, which I think is on Omaha Beach.  Or perhaps that is where they are having their first tour?  Details are sketchy.

On the Ferry to France - Looks like the Ferry serves food!

Day 12 - London

Randy:

We headed off towards Buckingham Palace, but decided to have anice picnic lunch in St. James Park. And note the sunshine, we actually sought out shade!!   David found some British Air Cadets to exchange notes with in St. James Park.  From there, we headed down towards the Thames and towards our ride with the London Eye. We split up intio two patrols with some just walking/touring around and others heading to the London Film Museum - apparently the "tardis" was calling.


Yep...another busy day. We headed off to London today for a tour of Parliment, by a nice ex-patriot from Georgia, and it was really interesting. As usual the building was amazing and we learned alot about the history of the British government, and got to stand on the floors of both houses. The old section of Parliment was built before 1100 - and we got to stand on the spot where William Wallace - among many others - was tried. 


I think everybody's favorite activity of the day was the ride on the "Eye". The views were incredible and the weather was perfect!

Big Ben (or is it "Big Liz" now?)

David hanging out with a British Air Cadet at St. James Park.

The London Eye

Stopping for ice cream before or after the London Eye.