Scout Camp

Tanner is an 11 year old scout. In our church troop that means Tanner can do all of the scout activities except for over night camping. Once he is twelve he can begin to camp overnight with the rest of the troop. This year our troop went to scout camp a couple of weeks before Tanner's 12th birthday, so that meant Tanner couldn't go.

Luckily, our council offers a Scout Resource Camp about an hour away from our house. Tanner and Conner, the other 11 year scout in our troop, were given permission to attend the resource camp, tagging along with another troop. The only catch was their parents had to get the boys to and from the camp each morning and night. Everyone else at the resource camp were camping overnight.

We weren't excited about the drive, but we were willing to make the sacrifice for Tanner. He has been the only 11 year old scout in the troop since he turned 11. Much of that time there hasn't been a lot going on in the way of scouting for Tanner. We have felt bad about his situation, so we really wanted him to have this opportunity.

Tanner was a little nervous to go on Monday morning, but he went anyway. By the time he got home on Monday night he was beat. Not only had it been a fun tiring day, but it was hot and the bugs and ticks were out in full force. The ticks didn't seem to like Tanner much, he only had one tick bite all week. The mosquitoes, on the other hand, loved Tanner. Every night Tanner came home and poured the Calamine Lotion all over his body! Tanner wasn't sure he wanted to go back to camp on Tuesday, but he went anyway.

We had to have the boys at the camp every morning at 7:30 and we picked them up at 9pm every night. We found out that the bugs got really bad after dinner, so Tuesday night we decided to pick the boys up at 7:30 instead. When Chad got up to camp Tanner started asking Chad if they could stay until 9pm. The camp shooting range was open and Tanner really wanted to go practice shooting. Tanner usually isn't the one who wants to stay, so Chad was happy to oblige. It was another late night, but well worth it. It was great to see Tanner so enthusiastic.

Tanner had a good time for the remainder of the camp. Tanner was able to pass off several requirements and achieved his swimming merit badge. Tanner and Conner also participated in the specials. They were held after classes before meals. The troop Tanner was with didn't participate, so Tanner and Conner went alone. They had a lot of fun. Ironically, on the last night they handed out an award for the troop with the highest number of points for the specials, Tanner's adopted troop won. Tanner and Conner basically won the award for the troop!

The last night of the camp families were invited to attend the closing campfire, Chad took Kaden and Trevor. Tanner's troop performed a skit, which the boys said was really funny. Tanner was very happy when he got home. All of the boys were excited to tell me all about the campfire. I am really glad Tanner had a good experience at scout camp this year. I think he is already looking forward to next year!