Spectre Island

May 2025

Our Scouts chose to embark on a day trip to Spectre Island in Santa Rosa Sound, launching from just south of the Hulbert Field runway.

The day was packed with activities including canoeing to and around the island, conservation work, swimming, and completing key requirements for the BSA Canoeing Merit Badge.

Conservation Effort:
Scouts dedicated part of the day to cleaning up the island, collecting approximately 300 pounds of debris. Items included cans, glass and plastic bottles, bottle caps, spent shotgun shells, fishing debris, folding chairs, toys, construction wood, and even a large buoy.

Canoeing Merit Badge:
As part of Requirement 8 of the BSA Canoeing Merit Badge, all Scouts practiced deep-water Swamped Canoe rescues. The swift current in the sound provided an added challenge, quickly carrying them 20–25 yards downstream during the exercise.  For safety the Scouter Leads circled in canoes, kayaks and a couple of swimmers.

For lunch, the Scouts paddled over to the Hulbert Field landing, where a volunteer met them with pizza and drinks. The return trip was smooth and fast, aided by the current.

Special thanks to Troop 532 form Holt for providing canoes and helping make this adventure possible!