Summer Camp orientation: My head is spinning!

One of the biggest events for a Scouts BSA troop is going to summer camp. Everyone packed their own stuff — and we gathered to load the trailer and get on the road!

Scout camp is an amazing chance to earn merit badges, work toward rank advancement, meet other scouts, sleep at camp — all the things. But we were all nervous about it as well. First time at Ransburg Scout Reservation!

We got to camp and had a whirlwind orientation — they checked health forms, told us (very quickly) how the dining hall runs — hoppers and A meal and everything — and waterfront orientation and a quick look at the Jackson and the Trading Post and off to Bison Trace, our campsite.

Mr. M had parked the trailer, so all we had to do was check over the tents, unload everyone’s totes, move into our tents, learn about the campsite, check out the area, and OH MY GOODNESS we need to get to dinner!

We waited at the flagpoles for dinner; while we were there we met other troops who were also waiting. That was fun to start figuring out who’s there and everything. But what ho? There’s a patrol with the same patrol patch as we have!

The evening ended with an all-camp campfire. It was so fun! Everyone was there, and there was energy and excitement and all those camp counselors and all those “inside jokes” that we would understand at the end of the week (“not with that attitude”).

By the time campfire was over, it was time to head back to our campsite and head toward bed. Scoutmaster Jenny brought a book to read with high hopes of reading several chapters before lights out — distract everyone, get us tired, and, of course, get our minds off being away from home and in unfamiliar surroundings. (Spoiler alert: four chapters)

Off to bed — lights out — camp starts in the morning (and breakfast is at 7:15).

Tags: Camping, Flamingo Patrol, Scouts BSA, Summer Camp