We’ve almost made it to the halfway point! Had a pretty good storm come through yesterday evening but we were conveniently in the dining hall. Climbing was washed out, disappointingly, but so was the Wilderness Survival overnighter, which was not as disappointing! 

Cleared out in time for “spoof” merit badge which is Bat Study. Nothing like a 1965 episode of Batman to make us all laugh! All enjoyed and we get a special merit badge!

  
Rained again in the night but seemed to not bother much. Woke up to cloudy day but hiding the sun is fine for a bit. Spirits seem good, and getting smiles along the way!

Trying to capture different elements of camp. Really is a neat place. 
   
    
    
    
    
 

   
    
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Here are a few pics of most of the guys. Didn’t catch a few before they went to serve as waiters in the dining hall, but will add them later. All smiles, though the fun thing was to show game face for the camera, trying to duck out, or even saying “I don’t do pictures.” But, all seem to be having fun!

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

Wonderful opening campfire last night.  Nearly 1,000 of our new closest friends joined us at the council ring. Opening skit is always impressive with lots of activity: hoopla-hoops, flame-throwing, bikes, frisbees, boats and skiers, and fireworks. Pretty cool way to kickoff the week.