After a long cold winter, sunny skies returned to the Madison area as a high in the mid-sixties was reached over the April camp weekend. With Winter Guard International (WGI) in full swing for many color guard and percussion members and staff, the brass and front ensemble sections combined to work on music. Picking up where they left off in March, the horn line added another significant segment of drill as the visual team continued to work through the opening visual charts, as well as the technique and stretching/strength programs.Volunteers of the corps once again kept the weekend flowing smoothly by their many efforts behind the scenes. A top-notch food program, well-organized volunteers for member transportation and other various projects are all part of the ongoing development of the new Madison Scouts Volunteer Program. Managing all aspects of the sewing, flags and uniform process, Kelly Neuls and the sewing team also made excellent progress on the opener flags over the weekend.On Sunday afternoon the members, staff and others in attendance shared a very special moment. A long time volunteer, fan and friend of the Madison Scouts, Jim Seefeldt, has been hospitalized since suffering a stroke two weeks ago. Jim was a key volunteer in the corps donating his time and talents for many years. He served as the Drums on Parade committee chair in the late 70’s and, with his wife Jean, housed more than 50 Scouts during winter camps. Jim also drove bus for the corps from 1975 until the early 90s. The Scouts dedicated the corps song, "You'll Never Walk Alone" to Jim who was able to hear the performance through a cell phone at his bedside. Jim was very touched by the gesture and it was a special way to say thank you to one of the countless volunteers who helped build this organization over the last 70 years.

The Scouts continue their focus on color guard recruiting at the WGI finals this weekend in Dayton, OH. The next round of guard auditions on April 18-20 will see a significant number of experienced hopefuls. "We couldn't be more excited to put in place the final piece of the 2008 corps," said Corps Director Dann Petersen. "The response to our recruiting efforts and the new Color Guard Fellowship Program has been impressive. I’m excited to see everything come together for the beginning of our summer season."April Camp Photos The Scouts are excited about all the events and programs that are planned for their 70th Anniversary year. Highlights for this year include a new pre-season show on June 20th called Madisonic. This ‘open house’ type atmosphere will incorporate area bands and other arts groups for a clinic and performance at the new Middleton High School stadium.In addition, an expanded 20-corps show for the 56th annual Drums on Parade will return to Camp Randall with the partnership and support of Drum Corps International. Also that weekend, the 3rd Annual Golf Outing will take place to help the corps raise funds for rising operational expenses and transportation costs.The season culminates with a major banquet event on Sept 26-27 at the Kalahari Resort in the Wisconsin Dells. “Our 70th Anniversary Banquet in late September will be a unique event and special way to celebrate the extraordinary history of the Madison Scouts and all the people that have contributed to the organization’s success,” said Executive Director Jeff Spanos. “A weekend to reflect on the past, pay tribute to the present corps and look ahead to the future of the Madison Scouts should make for a memorable weekend for all in attendance.”Please stay connected and updated through the Madison Scouts website – www.madisonscouts.org Additional information on these events and programs will be available soon.