Memories of John Keyes and Camp Fawcett

I was so glad to read the news about John Keyes Finegan being honored with the Silver Beaver this year.  I can think of no one more deserving.  Thank you for letting us know about this honor.

Reading that message got me remembering about how I first met him.  I became a Boy Scout in Troop 73 (which was later renamed Troop 273) in 1962.  We had gone to Camp Fawcett a few years as a troop, but the last year we were planning to go, no adult leaders could attend, so it was arranged that those who wanted to could go with Troop 202.  That's where I met John Keyes and Earl (Skipper) Starkie.  I knew Skipper since he was active in Cub Scouts (and played Gulfo, the clown around town), and may have met John Keyes through family but that summer is where I got to know them as Scout leaders.  John Keyes welcomed us into the troop and after camp, we just continued as part of Troop 202. 

Everyone called him John Keyes…it was strange to call an adult by his first name (and he had two!), but everyone seemed to do it…and I guess it was just accepted.  I didn't realize until later that he had so many cousins and family in the troop!  (I still have a little uneasiness calling him "John Keyes".)  He gave us a chance to develop in so many ways.  He supported us as we grew as Scouts and as young men.  John Keyes and my dad, who also was an Assistant Scoutmaster in Troop 202, probably had the greatest positive influence on my growth and future than anyone else. 

As Troop 202, we went caving in places few people knew of with adventures that would be unheard of today.  We camped under what's now Lake Amistad.  We had a very memorable 50-mile canoe trip down the Devil's River, cut and sold Christmas trees, and so many other great activities.  We learned how to become leaders and with his encouragement, I worked summer camp at Camp Fawcett where I realized I could be a teacher.  I learned things that I still use today.  And we had so many wonderful experiences that are a blessing to recall.

Until last summer's Camp Fawcett reunion, it had been well over 40 years since I'd seen John Keyes.  But that spark and grin and very warm welcome were immediately evident.  It was also great to read his books to remember some events and learn lots of new things. 

While we were there, Robin and I went to the old campsite (we think it was Navajo) where Troop 202 had camped for so many years. I had recently "re-found" the attached black and white photo from 1966 and we were able to take the color photo from approximately the same vantage point in 2011. The Nueces is to the left and the canoe area (tank) is to the right, with the waterfront behind us.  Strange to think that the boys in the photo are all in their 50's and 60's now!  (and why we had a 48 star flag in 1966 is a mystery! ) It was wonderful to see that so much at the camp remained the same.  The same tree limbs and branches are still evident today in both photos.

And what will outlast even those trees is the effect that wonderful men like John Keyes Finegan had to help kids grow up to be the best they can be.  I know we all appreciate the men and women who have given so much to the Scouting organization over the years, and I'm especially thankful that John Keyes gave so much of his time and energy for so many.

Eddie Palmer