Summer Camp

It has been a whirlwind of June, and here we sit at the first of July, just two days away from Boy Scout Summer Camp at Camp Friedlander.  We’ve asked the Camp Staff, as they did last year, to blog regularly so that parents and other interested parties can keep up with the goings on at camp.  The blog is maintained here: http://campfriedlanderblog.blogspot.com/

We have 40 boys heading to camp this Sunday.  There are four resident leaders scheduled.  One of the resident leaders will switch out mid-week, the other three of us will be there for the full week of fun.  We’ve passed out merit badge schedules and the packing lists.  We packed the trailer last night, and will load the rest of the gear, including footlockers, before we had out to camp.  We’re all very, very excited to get to camp!

We went down to Camp Friedlander at our 10-day out meeting to get acquainted with the Camp Staff, pick up schedules, and find out about the events scheduled.  The camp is a big place!  We walked from the parking lot down to Camp Kroger where we will be staying for the week.  It was a good 15-20 minute walk down to the end.  The camp is a great setup.  I’ve got several phones packed, as well as our digital camera.  I hope to post occasionally while there but my obvious priority is spending time with the boys.  I’ll take lots of pictures!

What’s been going on in the world of Scouting since my 100 days have ended leading up to camp?  June was a busy month.  We had one Webelos Den Meeting to work on Traveler, four Troop meetings (we missed one due to vacation), a very wild caving weekend with the Troop down at The Great Saltpetre Preserve, and I attended ARC First Aid, CPR & AED for Adult, Child and Infant. 

We also planned out the rest of our outings for the Troop last night.  August will be a canoeing camping trip, September will be a Zipline camping trip, October is our Fall Camp-o-ree, November will be our Turkey Camp-out at Ft. Ancient with the Webelos, and December will be our laser lock-in.  We’ll have a fun remainder of the year. 

For the Pack, we’ve had the Memorial Day Parade, our annual bike rally, and coming up mid-July will be Fun w/Son overnight at Cub World.  July will also be Family Member badge time. 

I also made several trips down to the Scout shop in June.  I really need to plan the trips a little better rather than making so many trips.  The first trip down I picked up merit badge books, the second trip down I picked up supplies for summer camp and meetings.  My lovely wife (bless her heart!) also made a secret trip to the scout shop for Father’s Day.  I ended up getting a great BSA Scouting Coffee Mug, and seven more Boy Scout books to be read, all of which I didn’t have.  She knew just what to get me!

I also took some time out in June to spend a week up at Cedar Point with the family.  Great quality family time! 

I hope everyone is having a great summer.

Do A Good Turn Daily. Have you completed yours?

100 Days of Scouting, Day 100

Well, I made it.  Several of you already made the loop.  I’m really interested in what everyone thought about the experience, those that blogged 100 days.  For several of you, I know this is actually your second 100 days, and I’m not certain how you did it.  I started this journey back on February 26th because I saw several of those I followed attempting it.  I also wanted to put some life back in to my second blog.  Now here I sit 100 days later. 

Trying to blog 100 days was a lot harder than I imagined.  That being said, what an experience.  Yes, I accomplished my goal of getting started again on my second blog.  I can look back on prior blog posts and see a diary of sorts of what was accomplished in Scouting over the last 3 months.  I’ll be honest though and say there were times I sat down and said to myself, I don’t have time to blog.  I missed several days in the quest, and it was still difficult.  My blog is updated, I found some really great Scouting related blogs (and updated my blog roll), was able to add some great Scouters to my Twitter list (and a few to my Facebook page), and met some great Scouters virtually that I hope to one day meet in person.  I got much more involved in day to day Scouting activities than I had in the past, and  I got great ideas and suggestions over the course of the last 100 days as well.  Was that the goal or the purpose?  If so, success!  I had no idea this is how I would end up. 

As I mentioned, for some of you I know this was the second time through.  I don’t know how you’ve made this loop twice.  It can take so much extra time, and as volunteers we are already pressed for time with family commitments and our day jobs.  I have discovered however that there are those who really have a passion for what they do.  I’ll continue to post to the blog after my 100 days are over, and continue my Twitter quest to find more Scouters.

I had some yard work I needed to finish today, and of course needed to get my workout in (with my boys).  We are trying to enforce eating right and getting exercise (read eating less and moving more) so that body weight is regulated correctly.  Before I had to pack and head for the airport, we also printed out maps and planned routes for our vacation next week to Cedar Point, and worked on the Traveller worksheet.  I’m really looking forward to this trip and spending time with my family.  We then worked through a few more pages in the First Aid Merit Badge book, and talked through some Tenderfoot requirements so we were “ready” for the meeting this Thursday.  My oldest really wants his Tenderfoot. 

I also printed out handouts, etc., for planning Family Member and Outdoorsman for our new Webelos, as well as Handyman for our 2nd year Webelos.  It’s hard to believe we have nine months before another crossover.  I have no doubt watching some of these boys (our 2nd year Webelos) that they will make great Boy Scouts, and hopefully Eagles!

It’s been a fun ride.  Thanks to those who took the time to read my journey.

Do A Good Turn Daily. Have you completed yours?

100 Days Of Scouting, Day 99

Today was “patch” day, catching up on all the uniform patches that need put on both mine and my sons uniforms.  All I had time for today was the Boy Scout uniforms.  Next weekend I’ll work on the Cub Scout/Webelos uniforms, and we’ll be all caught up.  There has been so much going on lately that patches just weren’t getting there.  So, patrol patches, rank advancement, trained patch, quality unit award and new shoulder patch. 

It didn’t take quite as long as I thought…getting much better at it.  The next step is to actually teach my boys how to sew their own stuff rather than taking part of my morning and doing it for them.

We also made a run to the store today for our footlockers for summer camp.  We’ll be leaving for camp four weeks from today.  Since we have so much on the calendar for the next four weeks, we made the run today to pick these up.  They’re about 13 inches tall (will slide underneath the costs perfectly) with metal clasps and a hole for a padlock to keep the critters out.  A lot of fun today running these types of errands.  Can’t wait!

I’m ending the evening reading.  A relaxing day.  One more day to conclude my 100 days of Scouting.

100 Days of Scouting, Day 98

Our Council has come up with a good marketing campaign to get all of our leaders trained.  They have launched the “Summer of Training” campaign. 

As part of this campaign (June 1 to August 31), if you get trained, or prove your trained with council records, you get a cool looking shoulder patch.  All the training is free throughout Council during the June to August timeframe.  What an opportunity to get the training you’ve missed! 

Today I headed down to the Council office to pick up my Certified Leader patch.  I’ll need to find some time to make sure I get this on my uniform!  Let’s hope this gets all of the leaders in council trained for the upcoming year!

Every boy deserves a trained leader, and every leader deserves to be trained!

Later in the afternoon I confirmed my ARC First Aid Training.  I’ll be getting certified training status at the end of the month.

I also spent some time on the Tenderfoot requirements with my oldest, First Aid Merit Badge book, and from a personal standpoint, reading several chapters in a couple of other books I’m reading.  Overall another great Scouting day.

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100 Days of Scouting, Day 97

Today was Troop Thursday, our weekly meeting.  The full patrol was there for the first time in two months, and all in uniform!  I was thrilled today to learn after several conversations with parents and the boys, two boys that stopped attending the meetings actually showed back up tonight for the first time in two months.  I’m also thrilled that they signed up for our Caving campout in two weeks, and for summer camp a month from now! 

During patrol time, the boys worked on their Tenderfoot requirements, while the older boys ran over to the Mason public library and helped pitch the tent for the summer reading program.  Most of the first year boys should have their Tenderfoot badge within the next couple of weeks.

After patrol time, the troop held a session on Bullying.  All aspects were covered, including cyber bullying.  It was a joint presentation from the older boys and several leaders.  Our SM then spent several minutes discussing bullying, not just in scouting but in schools, and online, and asked the boys to live the Scout Motto, Oath and Law, and just stop bullying.  I think the session was well received by the boys and the parents.

After the bullying session, the parents went in to a separate room with the resident leaders and held the first of two summer camp planning sessions.  The boys held their own separate session on summer camp and the activities we would be doing.  I don’t think a lot of us realized it until tonight that we would actually be at camp during the 4th of July holiday.  We leave on the 3rd of July and return on the 9th.  First meeting had to move quickly because we were about 25 minutes behind schedule after the bullying meeting.

We then closed the meeting with one Life Scout advancement, and the SM Minute on “Be Prepared”. 

Overall a great meeting.  Really looking forward to the upcoming Caving weekend and Summer Camp!

Do A Good Turn Daily. Have you completed yours?

100 Days Of Scouting, Day 96

My 100 Days of Scouting are almost complete.  Four more days to round out the year.  Today we spent time working in the First Aid Merit Badge book, and finalized the agenda for the parent meeting tomorrow night at our troop meeting.  Camp Friedlander here we come!  The boys are excited, and so are the resident leaders. 

I also started my agenda’s for my July activity badge, Family Member.  I need to try and plan ahead as far as I can.  June/July will be a little busy for me so I’m trying to front load as much as possible. 

Schools only have two days left.  We attended my youngest’ graduation tonight so he’s already finished, the others will be finished Friday.  Tomorrow night is troop Thursday, which we’re also looking forward to.  I’ll be spending some quality time with my family Friday/Saturday and then traveling for work Sunday. 

 

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100 Days of Scouting, Day 95

Another good catch-up day for me related to Scouting.  I spent part of the evening finalizing my June plans for getting the Traveler Activity badge completed with my Webelos den.  I also spent part of the day emailing the troop ASM’s that will assist during summer camp coming up in July.  We have our first parent meeting this Thursday for those attending camp, a follow up leader meeting next Tuesday that I will unfortunately have to miss due to travel, and then another parent meeting at the next troop meeting to discuss summer camp and related activities in more detail.

As I mentioned previously, it’s great to finally be able to catch up with stuff I’ve had to put of for weeks.  Travel will definitely slow down over the next several weeks as I prepare or vacation and summer camp.  Really looking forward to the time off away from work and time camping with the boys.

To wrap up the evening, I started reading a couple of Scouting books that I started but have not yet completed.  Very close to finishing the books, then will move on to other books. Great material.

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100 Days of Scouting, Day 94

Today is Memorial Day, a day when we remember those who gave their life so that we can have the freedom we do today, and the day we thank those who served or are serving in our armed forces.  As a former Army vet, I understand the sacrifice.  The great thing about this country and our armed forces is that most are there serving their country because they want to be.  If you see a member of our armed forces today, please take the time to say thank you. 

There are two parades we were invited to participate in, one for the pack in downtown Lebanon, the other for the troop in downtown Mason.  We had to split up with my wife taking my two youngest to Lebanon, and me going with the oldest to Mason.  Next year, we’ll have one in Lebanon and will probably skip and just participate in Mason.  We do our best as volunteers, but as I’ve mentioned before, time is precious.  I need time together since I travel a great deal.  Even if we aren’t home, we need time together, not apart.  I don’t want to leave again on a business trip and know that I didn’t even spend time with my family while I was home.

Today we also spent time in the First Aid Merit Badge book.  According to Boy Scouts of America, at least as of 2007, this was the most popular merit badge, followed by Swimming, Camping, Cooking and Citizenship in the Community.  We’re all learning so much from this pamphlet.  The first section of the pamphlet discusses ways to reduce risk.  No surprise that the first one listed was “Stay in good physical condition so that you are ready for the demands of the activities you enjoy.”  So many of us fall short in that category.  I need to be much better at that than I have been.  It’s time for changes.  I also have a trip to the Scout Shop this week to pick up more merit badge books.  Another reason to go shop!

Once we finish the First Aid Merit Badge book (I need to make sure my oldest gets with the Merit Badge counselor) he wants to take Emergency Preparedness, Camping and Cooking.  Will have to discuss with other ASM’s and the SM.  As I mentioned previously, he’ll be working on Swimming at summer camp (really looking forward to that).  I need to get the full list to see what else they will be working on.  So much to do, so little time.

I finished the evening catching up on blog and twitter posts, and watching old war movies.  The Longest Day, followed by Midway.  Unfortunately, with the 100 Days Of Scouting over for most, there isn’t much being posted.  It also being summer and all, I don’t expect anyone to be sitting in front of a computer banging things out.  After all, it’s all about being outdoors.  I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend.

Do A Good Turn Daily. Have you completed yours?

100 Days of Scouting, Day 93

One week to go in the quest for 100 Days of Scouting.  For most who started this, they are already finished.  For others, we’re almost done!  Thanks to all those that participated.  I know as volunteers, there are lots of other things we could be doing.  For all of you to take the extra time and blog your activities, I appreciate the time you took.

Today was another good Scouting day for me.  It’s great to be off my travel schedule to actually spend time with Scouting, one of my passions, and with my family, my biggest passion.

Today we worked more on my oldest Tenderfoot requirements.  He’s still a little nervous talking to others at this point and likes to “rehearse” what he’ll tell them.  We’ve started work on the First Aid Merit Badge, and will also work a little on the Citizenship Merit Badge (Citizenship in the Community).  He’s interested as well in Lifesaving and Emergency Preparedness. 

He’ll be working on his Swimming Merit Badge during summer camp in July. It’s great to see him interested in this stuff.  What most people don’t realize is that these are life skills, important for everyone to know, not just Scouts.  The Merit Badge pamphlets were written for young scouts so it’s easy to read, easy to learn.  I’m actually learning valuable information too!

I also spent part of the day preparing den meeting notes for Traveler, Family Member and Outdoorsman.  We’ll be camping in August as a den to work on a lot of the Outdoorsman requirements. 

 

The rest of the day was spent working in the yard and hanging out with the family.  We spent some time at the Beach Water Park today.  This is extremely valuable time for me.  I need a plan to get more of this, and less work/travel.  I don’t want to sound clichéd but life is truly too short.  I can never get this time back.  I love my family dearly and would do anything for them.  

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100 Days of Scouting, Day 92

Saturday was a busy Scouting day for me.  It was the first day I actually started communicating the Webelos plans to the den for the summer.  All the plans have been completed, we’ll see what happens.

The first badge we’ll work on this summer, in the month of June, will be Traveler.  With summer break upon us, and with gas prices where they are, perhaps it was a bold assumption that this would be a good month to “travel”, and earn the Traveler activity pin.  Interestingly enough, although there are 13 potential requirements, only needing 5, it does not appear you actually have to go anywhere, just plan the trips. I know this part can be frustrating, at least it was for me.  I hated planning a trip but never getting to go.  As I mentioned, for the Gormly clan, we are a few weeks away from our jaunt to Cedar Point in Cleveland.  I’ll let my new Webelos plan our route to Cleveland with the help of his two older brothers and see what happens.

I also published the summertime calendar for pack events.  There is a bike rally, camping trip, and Beach Waterpark trip in June, July and August for the pack.  August will also bring the annual pack planning meeting so need to give some thought to that.

We also took our “annual” family photo today.  We started this several years ago when we started adopting.  My wife has this “thing” about a family photo without everyone in it so once a year we’ve gone to get the kids pictures and the family photo taken.  We did the picture thing then headed to TGI Friday’s for a nice family lunch.  I’ve been traveling so much lately that it was a rewarding day for me.  I’ve missed my family.

Do A Good Turn Daily. Have you completed yours?