April 13

Troop mobilization exercise successful
"Lost child" found by Troop 94
Our April 6 moblilization exercise provided a great benefit to our group. Not only did we put the phone call chain into effect, we orchestrated the plan extremely well.
Once the first phone call went our from myself to the SPL, it took 1 hour to completely reach all members on the chart. The only "hickup" was with one of the younger patrols, as one Scout was searching for his phone call list to continue the informational chain.
By 6:20 p.m., the desinated time, all but 3 boys were in place at the meeting spot (Fred Carter park). By 6:25 p.m., two others arrived but our search had not begun; the third were not sure of his whereabouts at this time.
The Troop learned many things during our excercise, most notably that communication is key to success. I say this always, I believe the most important part of communication is listening.
After a couple passes around the park, and several discussions with the patrols, we arrived back to the area where "signs of life" were first picked up nearly 50 minutes prior. After a couple more directional tips, the Scouts found our "lost child." First aid was applied and the child was removed from the area and reacquinted with its family.

Overall, I have to say I was very pleased the accomplishments. In fact, before the search had even started, I was extremely happy with how the phoning calls worked.