roughing it

The first week after school let out, it was off to Scout Camp for Todd and Taylor. A 6:30am send-off was a family affair. Early morning singing, encouragement and our good-byes were said.

Off they went. To start their week off, they got a flat tire driving to camp. Who better to have around than a group of scouts, whose motto is “Be Prepared”?

Once home, they reported all their successes. Earning merit badges galore, downing insane amounts of soda, and surviving the elements [it didn’t even rain once, but was cold out there on the rim]. Taylor was especially proud of his success in taking down the clay pigeons, earning top prizes and impressing the scout leaders. The gun was an adult 12-gauge pump action shotgun that was as big as him.

1 – Todd’s group of 12 and 13 year old scouts as they’re preparing to leave – a rowdy bunch at 6am.

2 – same group of boys in the mountains with their patrol flags. “Pyros” being their patrol name [quite fitting]; the Japanese flag being a part of the camp theme. Each group was called to serve a mission in different areas, theirs being Japan.

3 – Crazed boys [Brayden and Taylor] after receiving their prizes at the awards ceremony.

4 & 5 – Group learning and goofing off

6 – Building their lean-to shelter. Very exciting, but the tough guys deemed the weather too cold and opted for tents that night instead.

7 – Their flags at camp boasting many awards in front of their camp.

8 – Canoeing. To earn this badge, they had to tip the boat, correct it, and climb back in. Taylor declined, due to freezing water.

9 – The entire ward group on their departure day.

In reference to #8 and the cold water… the boys also had to “wash up” in the lake. This is what it did to Taylor just to wash his hair:

I thought this was supposed to be BOY scout camp!!

They came home dirty, tired and even eager to see their parents and siblings* – but they had a great experience.

*Don’t be too impressed, that lasted less than 24 hours.