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The State of Florida remembered the 161st anniversary of the Battle of Olustee or Ocean Pond the weekend of February 14-16, 2025. The battlefield, now a state historic park, is located about 15 miles east of Lake City, overlapping Interstate Highway 10 and US Highway 90. The event was the 48th annual reenactment of the battle between Union and Confederate forces. The actual battle was fought on February 20, 1864.

Cordele Boy Scout Troop 270 made its first ever journey to the event this year. Camping at the Historic Cordele Boy Scout Hut on Friday night, so they could get an early start the next morning, the local Scouts arose at 5 o’clock, finished loading, and started their trek south, arriving mid-morning. Quickly setting up their camp, the guys choked down sandwiches and chips, then headed to the battlefield to watch the reenactment.

After the battle, the guys toured the Union and Confederate camps, where they witnessed a medical demonstration as well as the soldiers cleaning their weapons.

Returning to their own camp, the Scouts and Scouters cranked up the grill and cooked hamburgers for supper. Chips added to the fare. Following their full day of activities, it didn’t take long for everyone to find their crib.

Dawn arrived to overcast skies with a threat of rain, which arrived about 10 am, but not before the local crew had a chance to attend morning formation with the reenactors, return to camp, and cook bacon and eggs in their own mess kits over backpacking stoves.

After waiting out the rain, the guys hiked over to the battlefield where they watched the main battle of the weekend. Following the battle, they returned to camp, finished packing their gear and headed back to Cordele.

Local Scouts who Made the trip to Florida were Jake Atkins and Mason Phillips. They were supported on the trip by Assistant Scoutmaster Britt Brinson, Troop Committee Chair Terry Fennell, and Troop Committee Member Brady Atkins.

If you know of a boy, ages 11-17, who might like to “Live Scouting’s Adventures” such as these, or who might benefit from the leadership and service opportunities offered by our program, please bring him by the Historic Cordele Boy Scout Hut any Monday evening, 6:30-8:00, The Hut is located at 1101 South 3rd Street in Cordele.