I had recalled seeing a burro on the Chance farm in Malvern, and Pete and I called on Mrs. Chance to negotiate a summer “loan” of the animal. She was very willing to let us take “BOTTOMS” to camp for the summer. We quickly constructed sides for my truck to transport him, and Bottoms joined the camp staff. I built a cross-tree-saddle and chuck boxes from drawings I had made from the burro equipment we had used at Philmont. Bottoms was a great help in transporting food and supplies to the newly opened Explorer base on the Lewis property, later to become Camp Jubilee, and then Camp John H. Ware, 3rd.

During times when he was not working with us on the Explorer program, Bottoms roamed the camp. He loved being with the Scouts and would visit all the campsites or stand outside the dining hall during meals. He even visited Sunday chapel services and was always looking for a handout.

Burro-riding was a popular pastime for the Scouts until Bottoms got tired and headed for the low branches of trees, wiping off the Scouts. Poison ivy would occasionally show up on the inside legs of some of the Scouts if Bottoms had been rolling in the shiny green leaves.

Bottoms remained a highlight of the camp for several years until he discovered a mare was residing on a small farm outside of the camp property along the old camp road. His visits became more frequent to the point that the farmer threatened execution if we were not able to keep Bottoms away. Consequently, the following summer, Bottoms remained in Malvern and to answer the frequently asked questions, a fake mound and tombstone were placed besides the headquarters building. The tombstone and burro saddle may still be found among the camp craft department equipment.

Thus the saga of Bottoms, the camp burro, was ended.