Happy 4th of July!

We're back and camp was a great time, but first, a Birthday Shout Out. This one goes out to U.S.A. At 223, it deserves a moment of prayer. To the red, white and blue!! Also, thanks to the active servicemen that help keep us free as well as those before them that served as well.

OK, we just got back from Camp Gerber today. It was an awesome time. There were 20 scouts and 5 adult leaders. The food was camp food, so while it wasn't great, it was OK. The dining hall roof collapsed last winter, so we ate under a huge white tent. One night we watched a movie that was projected on the inside of the tent ceiling. In all, a pretty good experience for all of us.

The whole motley crew.

The Dining Tent

Ian earned merit badges for Environmental Science, Motor Boating, Metal Working and Climbing. He also got a kayaking activity badge and advanced up a rank to become a Star Scout. He's been working hard.

Here's Ian getting set to repel, he loved this and is looking forward to the next chance to do it.

Spencer earned merit badges for Fishing, Electronics, Swimming, Energy and Space Exploration. He's very close to being able to move to Star rank, only missing one merit badge.

Here's Spencer after he repelled down the climbing tower, it wasn't what he wanted to do, but knew he had to for something else and so he did it!

Holly and Spencer on Parent Day, after an inspection of our tents.

For me, my week went like this, I attended adult leader meetings in the mornings, took training that interested me, guided scouts to their classes, followed up with them and their instructors to make sure that they were staying caught up, walked miles each day, hung out and generally relaxed. No computer, minimal cell phone, no business calls at all. I also really enjoyed meeting other adult leaders, some I have known for a few years, others were brand new faces. I like scout camp. Interestingly enough, one of the leaders that is with our troop grew up in Windom Minnesota and went to Boy Scout Camp at Camp Cuyuna, the same place that Chris and I went to when we were youths. My highlight was doing the C.O.P.E. Course ending on the High Ropes, it was really cool to do, but now that I've been there, I may not want to do it again.

Here are the High Ropes guys, Tom, Steve and yours truly.

Not much else to say other than I am glad to be back with clean sheets, hot coffee, indoor plumbing and good food!

Have a save and happy 4th of July!

Pat