What a week! Bill and I had a wonderful week as empty nesters but we were both excited to see the boys again. We were greeted with great smiles and we took our time to say our goodbyes to staff and friends. Then we were off to home for our traditional lunch at Cracker Barrel. We had a few short hours to launder all the camp clothes and gear and repack for the week of scout camp starting Sunday.
Some highlights of Walker’s Hike, Bike, Paddle and Climb adventure week:
Walker had no climbing Monday because it was too wet. Instead he and the group hiked around the west loop.
Tuesday they climbed around Pakentuck.
Wednesday they paddled around Lake Echon and then went to Cash River. For their overnight, they went to Lake Glendale and did all the traditional and fun overnight activities. That night Walker slept in his hammock.
Thursday the crew from Bike Surgeon met them. They unloaded bikes and helmets and rode. Walker rode a Specialized Enduro. It was brand new and he loved it. He test drove in loops, did an obstacle course, a lake loop, a giant hill, a hard trail and another lake loop. All in all, it was a 10.9 mile ride and Walker loved it. That pure enjoyment might have been partly due to riding a brand new bicycle which featured all the bells and whistles, but we will celebrate his success with a great experience and no cuts, scrapes or broken bones.
Friday they repelled down Phantom’s Canyon and then hung out at camp. They participated in marathon at camp on Friday afternoon and later and the closing campfire, Hike Bike Paddle and Climb got honorable mention for their skit which featured some pretty bad puns.
Mason’s highlights were more easily captured with Bunk 1 photos.
I always tell the boys to smile for the camera and photo bomb whenever possible. Mason is a pro at this.
Mason is chilling at Challenge with Paul and Deputy Ramen. Challenge is where they do the rock wall, giant swing and zip line. Since Mason will be 12 at the end of the month, his counselor said he could be 12 this week so he could participate in the horse and challenge activities.
This is woodmanship where he built a fire.
Tuesday was his unit’s all day hike. They went to Pakentuk, Skinny Dipping Hole and Cedar Spirit, all places on camp’s grounds.
Wednesday Amantacha went to Kane Lake for their overnight with the unit of Daniel.
Riflery on Thursday. That evening was the lodge ceremony. Mason and Walker told us that it was changed to reflect cultural appropriation. It used to have costumes and props that involved dressing up as Native American tribes. Now the costumes are omitted. There are many parts of the lodge ceremony that are held
Lodge cerenMason was a smudge pot.
Amantacha won the special activity on Friday. It was a giant game of spoons. They also had an intense game of tug-0f-war.
Dismissal from the old dining hall is a mad rush, hence the blurry photos today, but it was wonderful to see the boys alive and in the flesh.
Gareth was Mason’s unit leader. He hails from Ireland and has been a counselor at Ondessonk for several summers. He’s one of our favorites.
PS. About that first picture, it’s the preemie hat I was knitting while we waited at the gate.
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