The Boy Scouts of America Coastal Georgia Council recently hosted young men and women from across the southeast to commemorate and compete in the 42nd Annual Family-Scout Freeze Out, one of the largest and longest-running events the council hosts. The event was hosted at Black Creek Scout Reservation in Sylvania, Georgia. 

This year, 385 participants in 34 Scouting units braved rain, sleet, mud, and subfreezing temperatures to camp and compete. Scouts represented more than 17 communities, from Vidalia to Kingsland. Scouts teamed up and competed in more than 45 games and activities to earn several titles: best individual team and best Scouting unit. Scouts also participated in an annual chili cookoff and raucous white elephant auction. For the auction, families donate unwanted camping and outdoor items and fun collectibles. Scouts engaged in a spirited bidding war using provided ‘Scoutbucks’ they earn from participating in the event.

Freezing temperatures weren’t enough for some brave scouts who also elected to drive into frigid waters to earn their ‘Polar Plunge’ patches. “Camping, to me as a leader, is a way we can leave distractions behind and spend time with great friends,” says event chairman Seth Zeigler. “Why not have an event that pushes either our family teams or our fellow scout teams physically and mentally? That sounds fun!”

Black Creek Scout Reservation is a 400-acre fully equipped camp complete with shooting ranges, climbing tower and High Ropes courses, a waterfront area, and even a 400 ft zipline that lands in the lake. The camp hosts many other Cub Scout and Troop events year round including Cub Scout Blizzard later this month.

For more information about local Scouting and other upcoming events, visit the Coastal Georgia Council website at www.coastalgeorgiabsa.org or facebook at @CoastalGeorgiaScouts.