Scout Camp

Steve's calling in our ward is over the 12 year old boys.

Part of this calling, even though he's not the scout master, includes attending scout camp at Camp Bradley every summer.

I have in the past I've sometimes been annoyed with his only 'real' vacation of the summer being spent with the deacons of the ward and not his family.  Steve doesn't take many days off…let alone an entire week…except for scout camp.

This year I wasn't upset though.  Part of this was my heart being softened through learning appreciation for a husband so willing to fulfill his calling.  (We work for blessings you know.  wink wink.)  But the main reason I didn't mind Steve going this year was that he was taking Carter.  Carter isn't 12 until October, but 11 year old scouts can attend camp if they are accompanied by their dads.  Pretty awesome deal if you ask me.

So Carter went and was surrounded by boys older than him.

He had a fantastic time and Steve over and over expressed his gratitude for Carter's happy and willing attitude for everything he was asked to accomplish at camp.  Carter came home with 11 merit badges.  He is 11 merit badges ahead of most the boys in his troop.

The following are a few tidbits from life at camp.

They boys had to help serve and clean up meals.

Service with a smile…maybe.

Carter told me later that the sloppy joe mix smelled awful.   He was so relieved when Brother Bulkley brought hamburgers up to camp!  No nasty sloppy joes for Carter!

Carter attempted the swimming merit badge but Steve pulled him out of the freezing water along with another boy.  These two didn't have enough body fat and were going into shock from the cold.

(Oh so super grateful Steve was there for that one.)

Taken before hypothermia set it.

One night there was a dancing contest around the fire.

My boy won the entire thing.

Hilarious.

Duck soup.

Carter is the kid looking like he's drowning right about the duck on the right…at least I think that is Carter.

Nature observation.

A little wood carving.

Study time.

How Steve made it through the week.

Carter accidentally packed his goggles.  They came in handy for the swim test.

Thankfully the swim pool is fed from a hot spring.

 My boys made it home safely Saturday…and they smelled like they were at camp for a week.

Hurray for soap and washing machines.

Had to include this shot.

Taken in front of our storage until right before it was filled to the brim.

I love these crazy boys.