Boy Scout summer camp

Leaving bright and early on Monday, 11 June.

We were supposed to have another troop in our camp site, but they went elsewhere and we ended up with this large site all to ourselves. Very quiet and peaceful. Our site was the furthest from the mess hall and swimming pool. Lots of exercise.

All the amenities of home (except for the spider webs about 10" below seat).

Another popular camp devise, along with bug spray, water bottles, flashlights, and  cots.

The 40 foot climbing wall was awesome.

"Go out in the middle of the lake and swamp it. That means flip it over and fill it with water."

"Okay."

"Now what?"

Safely blasting away with .22 rifles. Of course these boys had fun!

K8 was the first in his class to qualify for the archery merit badge. His instructor was calling him "Robin Hood". While everyone else was shooting their arrows over, under, or around the target, he was hitting yellow bulls-eyes and the red or blue rings.

Based on the walking strides of these six lads, which exemplifies the confidence of a strong leader? Yep, K8, on the far right. Just look at those squared shoulders, and that bold, strong, confident, upright step. That's my boy. Just wish he would tackle his household chores with the same determination.

Everybody spent part of each day finding and removing ticks from their bodies. 

Two fashionable towel terrorists.

Most meals were eaten at the mess hall, but we had to cook our own supper Tuesday and Wednesday night. We didn't know we would need a dutch oven, but improvised using our iron skillet. We used tree bark for the lid. Our cherry cobbler turned out okay. 

Smokey the Bear says, "Only you can prevent forest fires."

All scout troops gathered at the mess hall 3 times a day. In the morning we would have a flag raising ceremony before breakfast.

In the evening we lowered the flags before going in to eat. Many troops had elaborate songs, skits, or routines to identify themselves in hopes of entering the mess hall first. Our boys always just said, "HERE". We never missed a meal regardless of where we ended up in line.

Old Glory looking good.

Since all the scouts at camp came from Latter Day Saint troops, we had a visit on our last day from Elder Roberts, who is an Area General Authority. Yes, I am still wearing the exact same clothes I was wearing when I left home early Monday. No shave, no shower. But I did brush my teeth daily! Yea, I know, "a scout is clean", but this is summer camp! I couldn't see taking a shower and then immediately spraying myself all over with bug juice. The only thing I changed was my foot wear - took off the heavy leather work boots after one day due to a recurring pain in my heel the past two months, and wore sandals all week.