Tradition and Skill-Building Define Troop 1889’s Weekend at Pinnacles Youth Park

Written by Scoutmaster Eric Evertson

Under the towering limestone cliffs of Pinnacles Youth Park, the cadets of Missouri Military Academy (MMA) Scout Troop 1889 spent a rigorous and rewarding weekend transitioning from cadets of the classroom to masters of the outdoors. The excursion, held Feb. 28–March 1, 2026, focused on the “back-to-basics” survival skills that define the Scouting experience.

Scout Troop 1889 cadets gather at their campsite during the weekend campout at Pinnacles Youth Park.

The weekend served as a major milestone for several young men as they earned critical certifications in outdoor safety and woodcraft. To earn their Totin’ Chip, Scouts had to demonstrate proficiency in the handling and maintenance of knives, saws and axes, proving they can use these tools responsibly. Simultaneously, cadets worked toward their Firem’n Chip by studying various fire structures, material selection and strict safety protocols.

This training moved from the woodpile to the kitchen as several cadets took on the role of chef for the first time. They managed campsite cooking rotations that—by all accounts—produced amazing results, even for those who had never cooked a meal before the trip. Before each of these meals, the troop paused to offer a prayer, a moment of gratitude that preceded the hard-earned feast.

Following the true spirit of Scouting, this was a Scout-led weekend. The cadets were the decision-makers, taking the lead on teaching and mentoring their peers. While the Scoutmasters were there to offer a “safety net” of advice and support, the cadets ran the show.

Cadet Shane Fleck, an eighth grader from Kansas City, Missouri, stepped up as the acting Senior Patrol Leader, gaining his first experience leading the troop. Since joining MMA in January, Fleck has quickly become a steady presence within the troop.

“Serving as the SPL gave me a good feeling of what it takes to be a good leader,” Fleck said. “It was very challenging for the first time, but I had some help from the Scoutmaster and assistants.”

Over the weekend, Fleck also successfully completed his Scoutmaster Conference for Life Scout, a major step toward achieving Eagle Scout. From coordinating the campsite setup to keeping the cooking and cleaning rotations on track, Fleck’s leadership helped facilitate learning and kept the troop moving forward.

When not focused on their certifications, the cadets took to the park’s famous—and often treacherous—trail system. The hike along the limestone spires is notoriously rugged, featuring steep drops and narrow paths that can be hazardous for the unprepared. The Scouts demonstrated impressive discipline as they navigated the rocky terrain.

“The hike was so cool,” Fleck said. “There were these little caves that you could go into, but you had to go up this big hill called Heart Attack Hill. Overall, it was fun.”

The challenging terrain rewarded the Scouts with breathtaking views from the tall spires, where they paused to find fossils embedded in the stone and look out over the Missouri wilderness. Despite the technical difficulty of the trail system, the troop’s commitment to safety ensured every Scout made it across the ridges and back down to camp without incident.

For Fleck, the highlight of the weekend was watching his fellow Scouts grow.

“The thing that stood out to me the most on the trip was helping the Scouts rank up and teaching them how to cook, and just being SPL for the first time,” Fleck said. “It taught us to be good citizens by picking up trash and being mindful of nature.”

Cadets of Scout Troop 1889 prepare a meal at their campsite.

As the sun dipped below the cliffs each night, the troop returned to its core values. Following the troop’s tradition, the cadets gathered in a circle around the dying embers of the campfire. In the quiet of the woods, they solemnly sang Old MMA—a moment of unity that bonded the troop together before retiring to their tents.

The successful outing was made possible by the dedicated participation of the troop members and leadership. Led by acting Senior Patrol Leader Shane Fleck, the group of attendees included Archer Gober, Cole Hager, Andrew Johnson, Alexander Kruse, Viraj Malik, Declan Reilly and Seeley Wagner. They were supported throughout the weekend by Assistant Scoutmasters Lukas Joiner and Raymond McDonald, along with MMA staff and faculty members Assistant Scoutmaster Rodrigo Padilla and Scoutmaster Eric Evertson.

Troop 1889 returned Sunday afternoon tired and dusty, but carrying new skills, higher ranks and a strengthened sense of brotherhood.

See more photos on Flickr.