All posts by Dave Palmer

Third Annual John Mayfield Memorial Bass Tournament logo with a fish and a fleur di lis

Third Annual Bass Tournament

Join Us for the Third Annual John Mayfield Memorial Bass Tournament

October 4th at Point A Lake, Andalusia, AL

Scouting America Troop 30 of Crestview, FL is proud to host our third annual bass fishing tournament in memory of John Mayfield, former Scoutmaster of Troop 30 who passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. This exciting “big fish” tournament offers multiple payout opportunities and supports local youth scouting programs.

Tournament Format

  • Big Fish Style Competition – Quality over quantity!
  • Payouts for top 3 largest bass per weigh-in period
  • Additional payout for top 3 overall biggest fish of the day
  • Multiple weigh-in blocks: 7:00-9:00 AM, 9:00-11:00 AM, and 11:00-1:00 PM

Registration & Schedule

  • Registration: 5:00-6:15 AM at Point A Lake, Alabama
  • Lines In: 6:30 AM sharp
  • Entry Fee: $60 per angler
  • No boat limit – fish with your crew!

Tournament Rules

  • Target Species: Largemouth and Spotted Bass only
  • Size Limit: Minimum 12 inches, fish must be alive at weigh-in
  • Limit: 2 fish per angler per weigh-in period
  • Bait Restrictions: Artificial lures only – no live bait
  • Catch & Release: All fish must be released after weigh-in
  • Ties broken by earliest weigh-in time
  • All Alabama fishing regulations apply – citations result in disqualification

Supporting a Great Cause

Entry fees directly support Scouting America Troop 30’s youth programs, with $20 per angler going to troop activities and $40 contributing to tournament payouts.

Ready to compete? Mark your calendars for October 4th and help us honor John Mayfield’s memory while supporting local scouts. Prizes TBA – this tournament promises great fishing and even better fellowship!

For more information or questions, call or text tournament organizer Evan Robbins at 334-804-8277. See you on the water, and thank you for supporting scouting!

Image of 2025 Camp Card front and back

Support Local Scouts with Camp Cards!

Scouting America Camp Cards are a great way to save money while supporting local youth in the Gulf Coast Council! Each $10 Camp Card is packed with incredible discounts from businesses across the Gulf Coast, including:

🔹 One-Time Use Coupons for:

  • Pensacola Blue Wahoos
  • Another Broken Egg Cafe
  • Crumbl Cookies
  • Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

🔹 Multi-Use Offers from:

  • FWB Bowl – Bowling Center
  • Sonny’s BBQ
  • Marco’s Pizza
  • Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park
  • Pepito’s Mexican Restaurant
  • PoFolks Restaurant
  • Cafe Bienville
  • Waffle House
  • Main Brew Coffee
  • Ruby Tuesday

All discounts are valid through December 31, 2025, making this an easy way to save on dining, entertainment, and activities while giving back to the community.

Where Does the Money Go?

When you purchase a Camp Card, 50% of the proceeds go directly to the Scout who sells it, helping them pay for summer camp and other scouting adventures. The remaining 50% supports the Gulf Coast Council, funding programs that benefit all Scouts in the region.

How to Buy a Camp Card

Support your local Scouts by purchasing Camp Cards directly from them. Every card you buy helps a Scout experience new adventures, develop leadership skills, and grow in the Scouting program.

Thank you for supporting Scouting America and making a difference in the lives of young people!

Callie Pybus Leads Park Beautification for Eagle Scout Project

Scouting America Troop 30G of Crestview, FL proudly supports Callie Pybus in her effort to become the troop’s first female Eagle Scout. She is also the first female Eagle Scout candidate in Lockhart, AL and Covington County, AL. Callie is restoring Long Leaf Yellow Pine Memorial Park in Lockhart, AL by cleaning it up and planting native species to support local pollinators.

“My name is Callie Pybus. I’m doing a service project to beautify and restore Long Leaf Yellow Pine Memorial Park. I want to clean the park up and add some native plants to help our pollinator population thrive. Donations will go towards getting needed supplies and materials for this project,” she shared.

You can contribute to Callie’s Eagle Project via Troop 30G’s Cash App: https://cash.app/$BSA30G or by contacting Treasurer, Dave Palmer at 850-603-9000 for other ways to contribute.

Help Callie achieve her goal and beautify the community!

BSA Troop 30B Celebrates 102 Years of Scouting in Crestview, FL

Scout Erich in full uniform holding a birthday cake with candles on it, the number 102. American flag behind him.Crestview’s BSA Troop 30B recently celebrated a momentous occasion – 102 years of continuous operation! The event, held at First Methodist Church of Crestview, FL, brought together generations of Scouts, leaders, and families to commemorate this impressive milestone.

Among those in attendance was a young Scout named Erich, who holds a unique place in Troop 30B’s history. Erich is the great-great-great grandson of George William Barrow, the troop’s founder and its first Scoutmaster in 1922.

The celebratory event was a surprise organized by the newest Crestview BSA Troop, 30G, who added to the celebratory spirit by providing a delicious cake. One of Troop 30B’s longest standing leaders, Ken Gibson, blew out the candles on the cake after being cheered on by the Scouts.

We’re incredibly proud of Troop 30B’s long-standing tradition of serving the Crestview community. Scouting has instilled valuable life skills and fostered a sense of camaraderie in countless young people over the years, and we’re committed to continuing this legacy for generations to come.

Troop 30B’s story is a testament to the enduring impact of Scouting. It is a story of family, tradition, and the continuous journey of shaping young minds into responsible and well-rounded individuals. As the troop embarks on its next chapter, it carries with it the spirit of its founder, George William Barrow, and the unwavering dedication of generations of Scouts and leaders who have made Troop 30B a cornerstone of the Crestview community.

Troop 30G at a table making plans

Celebrating Five Years of Girls Leading the Way in Scouts BSA

On February 1st, 2024, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) marks a significant milestone – the 5th anniversary of welcoming girls into their full Scouting programs. This historic decision opened up a world of opportunity for young women, allowing them to participate in the same adventures, develop valuable life skills, and pursue the prestigious Eagle Scout rank once reserved only for boys.

Since 2019, the inclusion of girls has been a resounding success. As of December 31, 2023, over 800,000 girls have joined the ranks of Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Venturing, demonstrating the significant interest in these programs. This influx of female participants has enriched the Scouting experience for everyone involved, fostering a more diverse and inclusive environment.

The impact of girls in Scouting goes beyond participation numbers. So far in 2024, an impressive 6,000+ young women have already achieved the coveted Eagle Scout rank, the highest honor in Scouting. These young women have displayed exceptional dedication, leadership, and commitment, proving that they are just as capable of achieving this challenging accomplishment as their male counterparts.

Part of the Mother Spores patrol and their Scoutmaster at Court of HonorLocal Success Story

Locally, Crestview’s Troop 30G, established in April 2023, is a shining example of the program’s success in engaging girls in Scouting. The troop has already made significant strides, with the Mother Spores Patrol recently receiving the National Honor Patrol Award, a testament to their commitment to Scouting ideals and community service.

The 5th anniversary is a time to celebrate the remarkable achievements of girls in Scouting and to look forward to the continued growth and evolution of the program. The inclusion of girls has undoubtedly strengthened the BSA, creating a more vibrant and inclusive organization that empowers all youth to reach their full potential. As Scouts BSA continues to embrace diversity and opportunity, we can expect to see even more young women embark on their Scouting journeys and leave their mark on the world.

Three Scout Leaders and Eagle Scout stand in uniform holding an American flag

Crestview Scout Soars to Eagle Rank: David Crew Jr. Earns Scouting’s Highest Honor

Crestview’s BSA Troop 30B is proud to announce that David Crew Jr. has achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honor in Scouting. David’s journey culminated on January 3, 2024, when he successfully completed his Eagle Board of Review, surrounded by a supportive community.

Present at this momentous occasion were David’s father, David Crew Sr., who serves as Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 30B and is himself an Eagle Scout, along with current Scoutmaster Derek Burleson and former Scoutmasters Chip Corbin and Abe Rodriguez. Their presence underscored the significance of David’s accomplishment and the long-standing tradition of mentorship within Troop 30B.

Scout and Adults sit on picnic tables that they built togetherTo attain the Eagle Scout rank, David demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, and commitment. He embarked on a demanding project that left a lasting impact on the Crestview community. Picnic tables were built and donated to a local church for his Eagle project; its successful completion is a testament to David’s dedication to serving his community.

David’s accomplishment is a source of immense pride for not only him and his family, but also for the entire Troop 30B community. His journey to Eagle Scout reflects the positive impact Scouting can have on young individuals, shaping them into well-rounded, responsible, and service-oriented members of society. Congratulations to David Crew Jr. on this remarkable achievement!

Winter Holiday Fundraiser

Troops 30B and 30G are selling 22″ live holiday wreaths and 19″ tall metal reindeer as a fundraiser this holiday season. These items listed on our custom sale form (link below) will be available for local pick-up the week after Thanksgiving. Arrival is guaranteed no later than 2 weeks after Thanksgiving Day. You must pre-order to make sure you get what you want as supplies are limited.

We appreciate your support of BSA Troops 30B & 30G… Thank you!

SOLD OUT! Thank you!

Scouts BSA Troops Take on Blackwater River for Canoeing Adventure

This month, Scouts BSA Troops 30B and 30G of Crestview, Florida, embarked on an exciting canoeing trip at Blackwater River State Forest in Baker, FL. The Scouts aimed to make progress on their Canoeing merit badge requirements while enjoying some quality time on the water.

Located in the Florida Panhandle, Blackwater River State Forest offers pristine waterways perfect for canoeing and kayaking. Known for its crystal-clear, tannin-stained waters and diverse wildlife, the Scouts were eager to explore this scenic area.

The trip combined skill-building with outdoor fun. Scouts learned fundamental canoeing techniques such as paddling strokes, safety procedures, and how to maneuver their canoes. They also worked on advanced skills depending on their experience level.

Beyond mastering canoeing maneuvers, the Scouts engaged in activities tailored to the Canoeing merit badge. This included identifying various species of aquatic plants and animals, demonstrating proficiency in canoe rescue techniques, and learning about the environmental impact of canoeing.

The trip wasn’t all work and no play, however. The Scouts took advantage of opportunities to build camaraderie by the campfire and cook up some delicious meals in their cast iron pans and dutch ovens. The trip undoubtedly created lasting memories and fostered a greater appreciation for the natural beauty of Florida.

Both Troop 30B and Troop 30G value the opportunity to participate in outdoor adventures like this canoeing trip. The experiences instill a sense of confidence, responsibility, and a love for the environment in its members.

Scouts and leaders pose beneath a large tree beside Lake Seminole

Scouts Cast Off for Inaugural Bass Tournament at Lake Seminole

On September 23rd, 2023, the tranquility of Lake Seminole in Sneads, Florida, was gently disrupted by the excitement of the Inaugural Bass Tournament, a collaborative effort between Boy Scout Troops 30B and 30G and host Evan Robbins of Sass & Grit of Florala, Alabama. It brought together anglers from the local community for a day of friendly competition and outdoor fun to benefit the Scouts.

As the morning mist cleared, participating anglers eagerly launched their boats onto the glassy surface of the lake. Armed with their rods, reels, and a spirit of sportsmanship, they embarked on a quest to catch the biggest bass. Throughout the day, cheers erupted as lines went taut and impressive catches were reeled in, each fish carefully measured and documented.

As the day drew to a close, the tournament culminated in an awards ceremony held at the scenic Lake Seminole park. Trophies were presented to the winners in various categories, recognizing not only the largest bass caught but also the spirit of sportsmanship and teamwork exhibited by the participants. Scouts assisted anglers in returning their fish to the water.

Tournament Results:

  • First Place: Brad Hambrick and Nicky DaVinco
  • Second Place: Cole Huff and Preston Kreel
  • Big Fish: Kevin Peel

Community Impact: Notably, 40% of the tournament’s proceeds were generously donated back to the Scouts to help offset the cost of Summer Camp, ensuring continued opportunities for outdoor adventure and personal growth for these young individuals.

Back at camp, scouts learned about whipping knots and how to build a dining fly. Scouts worked together to accomplish these skill-oriented tasks with the guidance of their leaders. Both skills were useful in creating a shelter from the sun as daytime temperatures increased. While shore fishing proved to be a bust this trip, Scouts experienced the joys of nature and being a part of it.

The Inaugural John Mayfield Memorial Bass Tournament proved to be a resounding success, exceeding expectations and leaving a lasting impression on all involved. The event not only provided a platform for healthy competition and outdoor recreation but also served as a testament to the positive impact of collaboration and community engagement within the BSA. With the lessons learned and the bonds forged near the waters of Lake Seminole, both Troops 30B and 30G look forward to the prospect of making this an annual tradition.

 

John Mayfield Memorial Bass Tournament Sept 23, 2023 Lake Seminole, Snead, FL

Bass Fishing Tournament!

 

We are hosting a bass fishing tournament!

• Registration and boat check will begin at 4:00 AM at Sneads Park Boat Ramp
• Blast off will be at safe light and weigh in will be at 1:00 PM
• Boat launch order will be in the order of registration
• Entry Fee is $100 per boat with an optional big fish pot of $10
• Payout will be based on number of entries. 60% to payout at 1 place per 7 boats and 40% to BSA Troop 30. Big fish will be 100% payback.

RULES
• All state rules and regulations must be followed.
• Maximum of two people fishing in one boat.
• All boats must check in at the Sneads Park boat ramp.
• All boats must be back at weigh in by 1:00 PM. Late boats will be disqualified.
• Contestants must stay in their boat during tournament hours.
• 5 fish maximum at weigh in.
• 12-inch minimum length (Short fish will not be weighed.)
• 0.25 lb penalty for each dead fish including big fish.
• Life jackets will be worn when boat is at speeds above idle, with kill switch attached.
• Must remain 50 yards from other boats unless there is a mutual agreement between competitors/boats to be closer.
• One rod and reel in use at any time. No trolling allowed!
• Artificial baits only. No live bait!
• No limit on number of boats in tournament.
• Canals are off limits. Must fish in the main lake only.
• Must have a good attitude and use good sportsmanship.

You may register at Sass & Grit in Florala, AL, the boat ramp the morning of, or mail entries and check to:

Evan Robbins 23238 5th Ave. Florala, AL 36442

For questions or information contact: Evan Robbins 334-804-8277

Printable PDF Flyer & Entry Form: Click Here