The calm before (and after) the storm

I'm finally sitting down for a glass of ice tea; I started brewing this sun tea yesterday in a zip lock bag and it works pretty well. The morning was very busy; pancakes were on the menu which is time consuming to make AND clean-up (fotunately, lunch is ham sandwiches). I was busy writing notes for various Scout classes and answering questions). I have just posted a sign up sheet for Scout Master conferences and Boards of Review; I expect a flood of requests as soon as the Scout come back from classes.
The older Scout have been working with the first years, helping them sign off requirements. I hopw to get the First Class adventure (FCA) sheets this afternoon, so we can sign off books also. You can see pictures of FCA and the Scout working together on the troop website.
I left yesterday afternoon to go to admin to upload picture, have dinner with my son Nick (commisioner at Buckskin) and to give him back the car so he could come to the Thursday night troop campfire.
When I left, the we just a few logs and branches laying around, but when we got back, there was the traditional three story campfire ready to go. There should be pictures of it up by Sunday. We had the usual "quality" entertainment with patrol skits and songs. Staff even came and contributed. After the entertainment we did a very nice flag retirement ceremony. With all the flags we retired, it really lit up the sky. After the flag retirement we had cake, ice cream (very soft), and pop (left over from summer fest). Unfortunately, leadership's clean dishes and the sheet cake sitting on leadership's table in Ft Bill (the fire is in Two Harbors) and the raccoons came and ate a corner of the cake and walked all over the clean dishes. Most of the cake was saved (the mauled part was cut off an thrown away), and everyone had a great time. After refreshments, Mr. Sanderson, who worked here at Many Point in the 80's, did a great job telling the true story of the Flintlock Yeti.
After all that, leadership had to stay up and clean up after the raccoons; after which they sacked on to cots around the fire. Then about 3 in the morning the sky opened up. It didn't rain long, but rained hard, and they got very wet.
...
There was a break there; the scouts came back from morning classes and we got busy doing Boards of Review for three new scouts while we grabbed a bite to eat.
After lunch the troop had Troop Reflection (see picture); time for talking about what went well and changes we need to make.
Now the Scouts are off to Archery, Aquatramp, and kayaking.
Pork Chops and Potatoes for dinner tonight and then one last night of freetime. About 9:30 tonight will be the Voyageur wide closing campfire with OA callout.
Tomorrow, we'll be up bright and early to strike camp in Two Harbors, consolidate the remaining campers (15) in Ft. Bill, and load the rest in the bus to come home.
We'll, I've got to get some this cleaned up before the Scouts get back.
We'll see some of you at the church tomorrow.
That's all for now from Many Point Scout Camp.
Jon Yearous
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