Scout Camp

The four older boys all went to scout camp the first week of vacation.  The older boys went on a little side camp consisting of hiking, events and spiritual lessons.  I wish I could give a more detailed account, but I only have what I can remember from the ramblings of boys when they got back.  They started off with a bang by getting lost the second day there, first day of hiking.  16 boys from our ward were lost for most of the day.  They now call themselves the Lost Boys and have some pretty great stories to tell.  Briefly, they did a lot of walking, a lot of praying, a lot of bonding and a little bit of playing.  They found a place to swim while they waited to see if any leaders came along the trail.  This proved to be fun until Stephen carelessly through a rock and hit Rhett in the head.  It bled pretty good and that freaked Rhett out.  Honorably, all the boys pitched in to take care of him.  I worried about them teasing him because he didn't handle it well, but Stephen said they were all very sweet.  Eventually they were able to find a hill with reception and one of the boys who defiantly brought his phone, called the leaders to arrange for a rescue.  They pulled into camp about 9 pm that night.  They weren't ever really scared, but said in the end it was a really great experience that taught a lot of lessons and provided for some close relationships.

Camp ended with a very tearful testimony meeting that even some of the leaders said they haven't had many more spiritual experiences than that.  All my boys participated, even Nick who didn't necessarily bare testimony, but a desire to have one.  My take on the whole situation was that these boys came back better and stronger for their time spent there.  I'm so grateful for all those that made it possible.

Rhett's wound

Dalin, being younger, stayed at base camp with the other younger scouts and worked on merit badges.  He got the award for most badges earned, ten.  He was very proud of that.  Other than not showering for a week, he had an awesome time too!

Brooklyn was away at girls camp during the same week.  I have no pictures, but she came back talking a mile a minute and sounded like she had a great time as well.  I mean, who doesn't love girls' camp??