July 20, 2014 - Departure Day!
Heading to Camp Powhatan for a week of learning and fun.
July 21, 2014 - First Day at Camp Completed
A little reminder of the camp's past...
"Yes!" That's what I seem to hear the parents who could not join us, but proclaim from the comforts of home. I'm pleased to report that all Scouts from Troop 1916 were present and duly accounted for at Camp Powhatan at the end of our first day.
In case you are interested in a bit of history about where we have established our "home" for the next week, Camp Powhatan, along with nearby Camp Ottari, make up the Blue Ridge Scout Reservation, which is a vast plot of land composed of mountains, valleys, creeks, lakes, and hiking trails that stretch across about 17,500 acres of beautiful terrain not far from Roanoke, Virginia, in Pulaski County.
The reservation is the largest council-owned Boy Scout Reservation in the entire United States, and it's run by the fine people of the Boy Scouts of America's Blue Ridge Mountains Council, who possess the bravery, stamina, and hospitality to serve as hosts to about 10,000 energetic Scouts each summer. Amazing. We could not be at a better campsite.
After the opening flag ceremonies with about 750 other eager and excited Scouts, we had a fun-filled day, with half of the Troop earning some of their various merit badges, and our new squad of younger Scouts taking part in Camp Powhatan's version of the legendary Brownsea Island (BSI), which first took place in 1907.
About 750 Scouts and their leaders convene for the opening flag ceremony.
IiThe BSI boys were split into two patrols, elected patrol leaders, chose a name, and made flags for each patrol. As you can imagine with a bunch of 11-and-12-year-olds, the names that they chose were, if nothing else, interesting. One relatively normal, and one was...well, you judge for yourselves: The Black Bears and The Kryptonite Potatoes. When your son returns from his week-long foray into the mountains of Virginia, be sure to ask which patrol he was in.
As a part of BSI, the young Scouts were given wooden staves (walking-stick length). I understand the concept, but arming a bunch of young boys with virtual weapons doesn't, on the face of it, seem totally logical. They were given strict instructions not to use them as light sabres or jousting poles, but as you can imagine the rules slip their active little minds occasionally. No injuries, however!
With 35 Scouts at our campsite, our highest priority is to make sure that we know were they are and when. Thus, we have instigated a roll-call system that, one would think, is pretty simple, but critical, for safety reasons: Each Scout is given a number, and whenever we need a count, they are required to state their personal number to prove they are with us. You will not believe how hard this was at first.
While it's a bit of a work in progress early on in the week, I'm fairly confident they almost have it down now. By the end of the week, they may not answer to their given names. Just simply, "Hey #32! Time for dinner." Fortunately, we've heard no complaints about our Scout tracking system.
A sign posted around Camp Powhatan.
One issue may be of interest to parents who are not with us…so far, I can report that no bears have been seen. One reason may due to the absolute prohibition of any food in our tents in the event that any members of the Ursidae family happen to wander by in the wee hours of the night.
Just in case one does out of curiosity, however, we have set up a metal cage at the edge of our site to hold any illicit supplies of apples, Oreos, and Cheetos to lure them away from us.
We do have a friendly camp bat that Mr. Coopersmith discovered sleeping comfortably upside down, clinging to a tree (that was the bat, not him, on the tree...), and which I have duly named Anne. We also had a brief visit from a rather lengthy, but harmless, rat snake, which I given the name, Doris. (Just kidding! No offense intended.)
It's hard to believe, but the weather is perfect. Cool enough at night to sleep, warm enough in the day for t-shirts, but not dehydrating-hot. We're still keeping them watered and covered in sunscreen, so no need for worries back home.
More later...
MS
July 22, 2014 - All Scouts present (again!) and tucked in
Another beautiful day of fun, giggles, and the occasional forced shower!
We seem to be lucky this year with no homesickness (though I know that the Scouts still miss their mums; I promise) and no major incidents to report. One very minor burn during our evening consumption of some very healthy S'mores seems to be the only issue so far. Not bad, all things considered.
The boys are now comfortably into their routines and only need a little nudging. And our head counting system continues to improve!
The BSI gang learned about fire building yesterday, and one very skilled young Scout (with some expert guidance from Mr. Coopersmith) volunteered and took the initiative to build the Troop's campfire last night. He did a patient and superb job. Following scouting's finest traditions, Will L. has generously offered to teach the other Scouts how to build a fire (and that includes some of the older Scouts). They need to pay attention to this young man!
One young Scout build's a fire for the Troop's evening antics and fun.
Once the fire was lit and the sun was safely down, the curtains were lifted with splendor and awe for "The Max and Nino Show" (with other older--and even a few younger--scouts joining in as needed). I envision a Tony Award in their futures.
Our senior Scouts regaled the crowd of spectators with skits that would have impressed Shakespeare himself. They delivered glorious tales of lore and stories that seem to fall into the usual categories when it comes to scouting skits: Some good, some bad, some funny, some definitely forgettable, and some that remain odd and incomprehensible, even after an attempt at explanation. But the younger Scouts loved every minute of their routines. This may be due to the fact that none of them had ever witnessed anything like it before...
Our BSI boys are now armed not only with staves but knives, as well. Fortunately, they all understand the important responsibilities that come with carrying a knife, and it's actually the least of my worries. They have learned all about the need to be careful and seem to know what they are doing as they whittle away.
"Blood circles" are a safety measure that Scouts employ when they make use of their knives (usually to carve a harmless piece of wood). They sometimes remind me of a flight of swallows on an autumn evening swooping randomly around on late evening thermals. Something we need to work on, but they'll get it. As for why it's called a "Blood Circle," you'll have to ask your son for more details. But trust me: It's a much safer way for the Scouts to use their knives than it sounds.
Last night, our final count before bed included a 10-digit confirmation from all BSIs.
Today, we also will undergo a change in shifts for the brave (and, in several cases, exhausted) parents who have been here since Sunday. A fresh patrol of new parents arrives today, which will make Marie-Marie happy, given that increase the number of moms present at camp will go from one to four. I have a feeling we may also witness an increase in hand washing and showering.
I'm just not sure how to organize our Troop's admittedly amateur (and rapidly aging) rugby team...
Tomorrow promises to be a busy day that begins just prior to the crack of dawn. More about that in my next post. The weather is warming up slightly, but continues to be great.
Goodnight from Camp Powhatan.
MS
July 23, 2014 - Polar Swim, a Long Hike, and Counting Scout Heads (con't)
Sorry for the delay in getting this out today, but SOME of us are recovering from a long, rigorous day that would have made scouting's founder, Baron Robert Baden-Powell, proud.
The Scouts began their day with the legendary Polar Bear Swim at Camp Powhatan's lake, promptly at 6:00 a.m. A majority of boys took part in the ritual of jumping into the lake's rather frigid (but by no means freezing) waters. Hence, the term, "Polar Bear Swim." But there was a select group who declined the invitation to take the plunge and chose, instead, to stand on the wooden dock and observe the others engage in this odd tradition. When I asked the ostensibly smarter Scouts on the dock if they planned to take the early-morning leap into the lake, the general (and thoroughly reasonable) response was, "Are you crazy, Mr. Salt?" I defer to Mrs. Salt when it comes to that verdict.
I must also report that a substantial number of our dedicated parents chose to take a pass on diving into a body of water at such an early hour. I shall defer making any judgments about their decisions to remain tucked in their cots and tents at that hour of the morning, especially given the activity involved!
Only 4.99 More Miles To Go...
After the pre-dawn arctic swim in the lake, ALL of the BSI Scouts completed our five-mile hike, which, I can assure you, is no small achievement, as the several brave parents who joined us can testify. But it was a great trek up and down some of Virginia's rugged mountains.
It must be said, however, that not all five-mile hikes are created equally for every Scout. Our slightly-over-enthusiastic and completely-in-shape Scout guides from Camp Powhatan's staff informed us that the hike would take a little more than two hours. About 10 minutes into the hike, one of my Scout walking buddies (whose name will stay only with me) asked if we were half way done! About five minutes later, the same Scout turned to me and said, with genuine honesty, "I wish I was in my car." I shall never forget that. But he never really complained (although several others certainly did) and completed the hike with the entire gang.
So, the conclusion is simple: Not all of our Scouts are quite ready for the hiking merit badge just yet. But I have every confidence that each of them will eventually earn it during their journey to becoming an Eagle Scout.
I should also add that a number of the parents who took part in the five-mile trek displayed an equal, if not greater, lack of enthusiasm around the half-way point. After our return to camp, several of them retired to their tents for the remainder of the afternoon, not to be heard or seen until dinner time. Out of respect for their reputations, they, too, shall remain anonymous.
Keeping track of Scout "heads"
Yesterday, it became clear that Fairfax County School System may need to revisit the math curriculum. Our counting system for keeping track of every one of our 35 Scouts proved to be still a bit of a challenge, though, again, all Scouts were present. As is often the case, it's a matter of process and procedure. In the case of Troop 1916, it appears that the critical number for our Scouts is three: When more than three boys are not present when the day begins, questions about their location are immediately asked.
So, after much discussion among the Troop's Scout leaders, including a bit of finger-printing and retina-scanning detection, we reverted to a tried and tested method: the numerical roll call. Every Scout was assigned a number and had to recite it with his pals upon command and in sequential order several times a day. The process worked, even though we had to go through a couple of rounds of number counting to master it. Having every Scout present and accounted for is our highest priority, and we don't leave the camp until every young lad is on hand to shout out his personal number.
On an event related to surviving in the wilderness, three of our more experienced Scouts, Peter, Dominic, and Ethan A., headed off into the hills for their overnighter. The mere fact that they returned to camp at 5:00 a.m., intact and relatively happy, I assume, means they survived whatever may have lurked in the wilderness.
Our BSI gang had another great day and, as of today, one of Troop 1916's patrols has won ALL of the camp's competitions. We also have a young knot expert in our group. George C., who nailed the task yesterday and did a great job. I'm trying to convince the Scouts that their victory is due to the greatness of their Scoutmaster, but, alas, to a young man, they are not buying my theory.
A small sub-set of our BSIs are engaging in an even higher and more strategic activity: They and some Scouts from other troops are gathering for a daily round of the legendary tabletop role-playing game, "Dungeons and Dragons." The photo below pretty much says it all...
Scouts from a number of Troops improve their planning and strategy skills at a daily round of Dungeons and Dragons.
As for now, some of the other guys are off shooting at the rifle range (with all protections, adult supervision, and safety measures in place). So, this seems like a good time to sign off and go find my Advil.
MS
July 24, 2014 - Good Food and a Plunge into the Lake
It's a big day for the Brownsea Island Scouts, who graduate today at 4:00 p.m., after having earned at least 20 beads that they have proudly attached to their wooden hiking poles for various achievements. Each bead is given after a Scout successfully completes a task, such as tying a complicated rope knot, building a fire, doing some basket weaving, and a host of other activities that serve as fine learning experiences.
The Camp's Cuisine
On another matter, it occurred to me after a hearty breakfast at the camp's substantial cafeteria this morning that I owe you an account of the cuisine here in the hills of our great Commonwealth. The food has, I am happy to report, been quite tasty, given that our dedicated, hard-working chefs have prepared three square meals a day for 750 hungry Scouts. I can assure you that this is no small achievement, and they all deserve our respect and gratitude.
Moreover, the cooking staff generously gave our meals an international flavor. We were served some splendid dishes that originated in such far-away lands as Italy and China, as well as several from our neighbor south of the border, Mexico. Yogurt, salads, and some splendid southern fried chicken were also on the menu. And fear not, parents: A choice of fine vegetables were part of every meal.
Perhaps, however, I should put a finer point on the issue and note that vegetables were available at every meal. I regret that that I cannot confirm that they were consumed at every meal...
After lunch, the Scouts are set to go for a swim and have the chance, for the brave at heart, to take part in the sport of "Blobbing," which is a unique activity that occurs in the lake's normally placid waters. It's sort of crazy, but it's a very fun spectacle. Basically, one Scout crawls to one end of a giant, inflated tube (as seen in the photos below). When he is well-positioned, another Scout then jumps from a 15-foot tower and lands on the other end of the tube. The first Scout is then is catapulted into the air and ends up plunging into the water.
The art of proper blobbing is a bit hard to explain, so ask your son about it. But they all had a blast, and the rest of us had just as much fun watching them from from the safety and distance of our lounge chairs at the campsite right next to the lake.
When the Scouts weren't being hurled into the air from the giant tube, they also had the chance to take a more traditional plunge into the lake by jumping off a well-constructed diving board, and they all seemed to have just as much fun as the Blobbers.
A great job keeping the camp clean and bear-free.
High Marks for a Clean Campsite
The Scouts of Troop 1916 were awarded for yet another achievement that is an essential part of Summer Camp: We earned a perfect score of 100 from Camp Powhatan's wicked-smart and young inspectors for our campsite's neatness and cleanliness.
It's actually quite important because a clean camp does not attract wandering bears and lesser animal species in the middle of the night. I'm just curious, however, if there is any correlation between our perfect score and the reduction in the number of fathers who have been present at the campsite and the increase in mothers who arrived a day or two ago. I'm just sayin'...
Also, as the week comes to a close, we've had a few more Scouts make visits to the camp's excellent health lodge. Nothing serious, fortunately. Just some bumps, bruises, and belly aches caused by a little fatigue and, alas, by a few Scouts who, at this stage of Summer Camp, simply failed to engage their brains at all. Otherwise, all is well, I assure you.
The Scouts have completed most of their merit badges and have turned to other activities. As I type this dispatch, I can see and hear an epic sea battle taking place on the lake. (Ok, I know it's a small lake in the mountains of Virginia, but forgive me. I'm a child of the British Empire, which once had a global naval presence upon which the sun never sat!) The boys in kayaks are waging a friendly skirmish with boys in canoes. It seems seems clear that two boys riding in a metal canoe have the upper hand over one boy in a plastic kayak. Right now, every kayak, save one, is inverted!
In addition, I can't believe I'm about to write these words at Summer Camp: We were all a little chilly this July morning when we woke up, so sweatshirts were a required part of our attire as the coffee was brewed (the "instant" kind, of course, which is an issue that we need to address at some point). We've had a few minor rain episodes sweep through, but, overall the weather has been spectacular, with no heat waves. The nearby photo provides instructions on how we measure the weather conditions here at Camp Powhatan.
As a reminder, if you are picking up your Scout tomorrow, please arrive between 9:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. As a rough guide, we should be back at Redeemer by 3:00 p.m. You may want to have your showers at home fully stocked with soap and plenty of hot water.
MS
July 25, 2014 - A few Final Thoughts...
This marks my final dispatch from Summer Camp 2014. I hope you enjoyed them. Many thanks to our comrades at Camp Powahatan for their scouting spirit and for working so hard to make the week a successful, fun, and learning experience for our Scouts. Thanks, too, to the Troop Committee and all of the parents who contributed so much to the success of this splendid outing.
Heading back to camp after a great week at summer camp.
Scoutmaster Matt Salt
Finally, congratulations to the Scouts of Troop 1916 for a job well done at Summer Camp 2014.
I'm very proud of each of you.
MS
P.S. Thanks again to the Troop's Assistant Scoutmasters for their hard work and dedication, and to Mr. Chapman for serving as the Troop's photographer.