Summer Camp commences: The first full day of camp

The morning at camp started at 6:15 — for most of us. Some of us were up before that, but everyone was up at 6:15 when SPL Nora got everyone up. It was smacking the tent doors and calling out “Good morning! Wake up!” that got everyone going.

Hoppers reported to the dining hall at 7 am to get everything set up. Hoppers set the table, bring the food to the tables (we eat family style). Each table seats eight, and so our troop gets TWO TABLES! (They’re not both full.) Our hoppers are waiting for us when we get sent in.

Each troop gets dismissed in turn. We start with grace, led by Chaplain Ken, and then some sort of silly song — on and on and on, until the leaders get the sign from the dining hall that the tables are ready. Then the troops are challenged to act the most like something silly. For the first couple meals, we were charming enough to get sent early…

After breakfast, the whole camp gathers at the flagpole for flag raising. Then first meal group heads back to camp to get ready for classes, that started at 9. Annie was also taking some classes, and Scoutmaster Jenny went to the Leaders’ meetings, which included camp information and some short presentations.

Nora made gift bags for each of the scouts in the troop. The bags included personalized bookmarks, flamingo necklaces, bracelets, and more. They were so great! What a thoughtful thing for her to do as an SPL! She even hand-lettered a tag for each girl, and the adults got gifts as well.

Stuart brought friends for the entry for our campsite: Jim and Francesca!

Monday was a long, hard day, and by night, we were all pretty tired. Going to bed got a little rough, but we worked through our challenges, and I took the time to read another chapter or two of Nancy Drew before bed. (There was logic to my choice: Nancy Drew books are filled with some suspense, but — spoiler alert! — there are a whole lot more books to follow, so we all know that Nancy will be fine to sleuth another day, but Nancy’s problems might serve to distract the scouts from their own fears or concerns.)

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