This past weekend I took August and Ciaran to Cub Scout Winter Camp. It would be August’s last time and Ciaran’s first. The first year we went there was lots of snow. The second year there was lots of rain. This year it started out raining but cleared up nicely.
As is tradition now, we stopped off at Red Robin on the way for dinner Friday night. I had it mapped out, where to eat dinner, which exit to take to get to the next highway to get to the next highway to get to the camp. This was the year I was determined not to get lost as we had the previous two years. Leaving Seattle at 4:30 with an hour stop for dinner we made pretty good time considering the traffic and arrived at camp just after 8:00. And we didn’t get lost.
Amazingly we had the cabin all to ourselves that first night. Outside of our three, none of the other 24 bunks had occupants that night. It was a little disconcerting at first, but we were thankful as we were able to shut off the lights earlier than the posted “lights out” time. Saturday morning brought some rain with it and we headed off to breakfast.
After breakfast we saw a few other occupants in our cabin, including another Tiger Cub from Ciaran’s den. I think this helped Ciaran feel more comfortable, though he was already having a good time. The first activity was a split for the two boys. August worked on his Readyman pin which is a requirement to earn his Arrow Of Light award. He is really close to earning it now, especially after this year’s winter camp. It is the only award he can earn as a Cub Scout he can wear on his Boy Scout uniform.
While August was working on that I took Ciaran over to the geology workshop. It kept his attention, which was good, except a couple of thee other kids kept interrupting or commenting with questions or comments that had little if anything to do with what was being discussed. I was really proud of Ciaran for staying focused and being respectful. At the end of the lesson he got to hold some fossilized dinosaur poop.
Ciaran took a nosedive into the mud after the geology activity so we went off to the showers. After that the three of us went into the craft lodge to see what we could. Over the course of the weekend Ciaran made a crossbow and August made a keel boat. They both really enjoyed these activities as well.
After lunch we headed out to archery and BB guns. By this time the skies had opened up. The weather remained really nice the rest of the weekend. We had so much fun at archery we forgot about heading over to the food workshop where they were making smorittos (apparently a combination of smore and burrito). That’s alright, I think the boys had fun where they were.
Ciaran was nervous with the bow and arrow but he did alright for his first time. I wish I had been able to take more pictures and video.
Map & Compass belt loop workshop was being offered, which helps August work towards another of his pins he will be needing to get that Arrow Of Light award. Ciaran also participated so he will be getting the belt loop as well. Earning these awards will go a ong way in keeping his interest in Cub Scouts. At least that’s my hope.
August was always interested in the organization, and was even upset when he couldn’t join in Kindergarten. There was never any doubt he would carry on towards Boy Scouts next year, and this year’s winter camp helped immensely in getting some much needed requirements out of the way for him. Not requirements to join Boy Scouts, just to earn the awards and achievements he wants before he is ineligible.
Saturday night we performed our skit at the campfire, The Elusive Aquatic Moose. I simply can’t describe how much I wish somebody had been able to get a video of it. Ciaran kept waffling about participating, but he did, along with Nathan and the four of us had fun doing it.
Sunday we left a little early and got home in time for lunch. It took less than two hours to get home, partly because there was little traffic and also because it was light out. It’s a lot easier to navigate when you can see where you are going.
Thankfully Ciaran had fun and is possibly looking forward to going again next year.