Since it was kinda last minute I had very little time to reflect. Friends reassured me it would be great. Caleb was very excited to share the experience with his mama, and assured me he'd keep any small critters out of our tent. It urns out three other mamas from our den were going as well.
So we packed our old 4-Runner, rolled down the windows and put back the sunroof and cruised the near 2 hr drive to some good 80's tunes. I remembered how much I loved road trips. And Caleb was an excellent navigator.
In Short, camp was pure awesome.
The first day, we checked in and then unloaded out gear into one of the already setup Boy Scout tents. Think military canvas tents on a concrete slap with two metal cots and the squeakiest springs ever. After we got settled, it was clear Caleb was worn out already. He was asking to take a nap at 2pm! Since it was Free Time until dinner (all meals included!) we just wondered around and hung out with our fellow den members (Caleb is a Bear, in case you know the rankings of the scouts).
Just before dinner we were gathered in our camp pavilion and briefed on how Camp Magness works. This is also when we got to meet the staff and wonderful counselors. There were even girls! In the last ten years Cub Scouts have included girls and they are called "Adventurers." I so would have been an Adventurer as a girl if this was around back in my day.
The Camp Magness theme this year was "Medieval Times." Here, Lost Creek Camp director, Ian, aka, "England" gives us the skinny on rules, regs, and schedules.
And introduced us to the Lost creek Staff in a jolly manner to all the boys delight.
That first night, shortly after dinner Caleb just couldn't stay awake for the skits and asked to go to bed early. So he was asleep by 7:20pm! I was worried he was sick and we'd be leaving for home the next day.
Friday dawned and after a restless night, we were eager to start our camp adventure. Each morning we started the day with breakfast at 7am, then a Flag raising.
The campers were split up by rank, so all the Bears in our camp at Lost Creek were in the Silver Group. Lead by our fearless, leader, Eagle Scout Dan, whom spoke in an accent (although not the greatest one) the entire day. He was a real joy for both parents and kids.
Friday was filled with rotations to prescheduled stations for the boys to learn skills benefiting their journey through scouting.
Skills, such as paddle boating...
Here, Caleb and a fellow scout lead the way to the next rotation. It was his turn to hold the flag befitting our Silver Group.
Sling-shot practice.
Here Archery Director, and Eagle Scout, Colton, a.k.a Robin hood, demonstrates the need for guards to shoot on the Archery range.
Caleb was very cautious and slow to load and aim his bow and arrow at first. After some guidance from one of the Counselors he began to get the hang of it, even learning to aim with deadly accuracy.
The hay bale on the left is Caleb's. Notice the arrow shot bulls-eye, with a second arrow nearly bulls-eye again. How cool is that?
By the end of the day Friday the clouds were gathering, and the gang was starting to slow and get tired. But we still had the BB Gun Range left. During a full downpour Caleb tried to hear the instructions from Eagle Scout Topher.
But when it came time to practice with his rifle Caleb became frustrated and gave up, in tears. I sympathized and encouraged him to try again. Thankfully, Topher had seen his distress and calmly talked him into trying again, getting him in position and helping him shoot a few rounds at the target in the now hailing storm.
After this episode I realized how amazing all these counselors are with the kids. I was impressed with not only their knowledge of each of the skills, but also with their ability to handle a child on their level. Not just with Caleb, but with other kids within our group. From the shy, and unsure, to the hyper active kid bouncing from question-to-question and tree-to-tree. All handled swiftly and smoothly. This, to me, was as enlightening as the camp itself.
Because what is camp if it doesn't challenge you to grow and see yourself in a new light?
What would be camp without embracing nature (A Pondarosa Pine will smell like Vanilla or Butterscotch)?
Learning your way with a compass?
Learning the top 10 essentials to pack and prepare for an outdoor adventure?
Or feeling the quiver of your legs as you climb to the top of the fire tower?
Saturday, our last day of camp, we watched the clouds gather for yet another afternoon thunderstorm, and realized what a grand adventure camp was for Caleb and I.
And for this cub scout mama, I had a blast.
As did Caleb.
Boy, am I glad we have three boys so we can continue to get to go on this wonderful scouting adventures!
Until next year!
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