Great first day! Scouts found their classes and seem to be happy with their choices. Mostly clear skies today with a few clouds, but great weather overall. I’ll post some pics tomorrow, when I’m next to wi-fi but everyone seems to be all smiles!

New Scouts went to Swimming and Mountain Man. They’re working hard on requirements and should be much more knowledgeable on their return. I overheard learning how to identify and avoid poison Ivy, make fires, ID animals, and more. 

Other classes I checked in on we’re Bird Study, Communications, Wilderness Survival, Cooking, Archery, game design, Fishing, Kayaking, Lifesaving, Emergency Preparedness, and Photography. And these are just our Troop’s classes! Certainly lots of opportunities to gain new skills and experiences at summer camp. 

The afternoon was filled with off-camp adventures, and they fit the bill: Rafting trips to the Ocoee and Nantahala Rivers and horseback trips. Personal experience on the Ocoee was amazing. Water was cold but refreshing; Rapids and waves were impressive; and guides kept us safe and hitting the sweet-spots! That was a fun river. And reports from the Nanty were similar. Cold but cool! First year Scouts handled it with style and grace. Yes, some fell out, but that’s part of the experience! And horse crew had a great afternoon exploring trails near the Ocoee. They’ll finish up the Horsemanship Merit Badge tomorrow, as well!

Several favorite times today but one has to be one Scout when learning he was scared of the horses: “yes sir, but I’m less scared of the horses than I am of the river!” Unnamed Scout, but parents will easily identify him!

Signing off to the night,

Scoutmaster