I am writing early today because we will be participating in the You Gotta Regatta and the Scoutmaster Splash later on. The boys have their camp raft built and ready for launch in the pool, their viking helmets ready for spirit and their Scoutmaster ready to jump in. After that we have our closing Campfire.

We will be presenting the camp and fellow troops with something special tonight. There is a tradition that has been passed in a line from 1933 till tonight and has been around the world. Ashes from the original campfire have been taken to other events around the world – added to the opening of a campfire and the list of events shared with all participating troops. Each troop takes some of the cooled (that part is kinda important) ashes with them to share with other troops. We will be sharing ours with 14 other troops and the Henson Camp. Kinda cool!

I leave you with some final thoughts for this week:

1) They boys are always stronger than you think, smarter than they act, and greater than they will ever know

2) My senior boys have gotten it! I’ve seen more examples of scouts helping scouts in the past week than I thought possible!

3) excitement can be contagious – try it – I love the results

4) the camp store never runs out of nerd rope of ice cream – even though the boys tried their darnedest

5) don’t be afraid to try something new – whether its the dinner of deep fried bat wings with a lovely hollandaise sauce – or watching Mr L carve wood and himself a few times – keep trying – sometimes you can only get better!

6) and finally – these boys never cease to make me proud! They rallied through homesickness, bad weather, thunderstorms, exotic days (not my word it was one of your boys….really) and grumpy old guys – They did it! and they were all feeling pretty good when I left camp a little while ago.

So it’s here I leave you with the words to the song that we sing at the end of each meeting and campfire:

Softly falls the light of day
As our campfire fades away….

Silently each scout should ask
Have I done my Daily task….

Have I kept my honor bright….

Can I guiltless sleep tonight….

Have I done and have I dared
Everything to be prepared.

See you on the trail
Mr D

At this point I do need to apologise because today’s lesson taken from the book of Mr D really has little to do with a serious delving into spirituality, but instead I will take a little bit of inspiration (huh – good tie in there) and give you “THE FIVE COMMANDMENTS OF SUMMER CAMP!”

So here they are:

1) Thall shalt (I’ll apologize in advance about using the shalts but it all in the good cause of a chuckle and using a Don’t / Do will not tie into the subject line nearly as well) Any way – Thall Shart try all of the food that is presented for meals. Wow – why is that important – GOOD Question! We try to make sure we have a well balanced meal plan for all of the boys – We never serve the fried squid without a tasty sauce made with cranberries and so what if the boy need to catch the frogs to be sure we have enough for the stews…..this is a chance to try something new. We have a simple rule – try everything come back for the stuff you like – next year I’ll be running for Scoutmaster of the year so be ready for Deep fried Twizzlers with a supper fizzy sour sauce. I’m a shoe in!

2) Thall Shall change your socks – Mr D – DO you really need to make this in the top five?; again a question of epic gravity. The simple answer is OHHHHHHH YEAH! Picture the twenty three smiling cherub faced boys – all looking to you with a glance of hope, excitement and a little anxiety about facing a new day. Some with a streak or two or dirt or breakfast across their face – but a look to be in a Alphonse Rockwell painting (Norman’s little known brother, not as well artistically rounded – but crayon is as good a medium as anything else)
Anyway – as the camera pans down past the boys troop shirts lovingly stitched by the koobler elves and moves to their feet (AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!) I’d like to paint a picture using each and every word in the newest edition of the Funk and Wagnalls – But I’ll save for you and just say that this needs to be a rule and not a guideline.

3) Thou Shalt NOT make comments about MR D’s balding head while he is within earshot – OK – I’m weak

4) Though Shalt keep fires small, controlled and away from Andrew – I don’t usually mention names in my blogs – but here, in these absolute rules, the guidelines to live by, it is appropriate. If anything is going to happen, occur, descend, shoot out, break or all around be questionable – my young lad will be in the blast range of doom. We save time and strap the med bag around his neck, much like the alpine dogs of yesteryear minus the cask. Its far easier and the boy really doesn’t mind.

5) Thou Shalt not ask the same question more than 20 times in the same five minutes, even if you think you are being clever and changing the words around so that you confuse poor old Mr D into saying “yes”. I’m still a little sharper than a bowling ball – and I surround myself with other leaders. We are like the think tanks of scouting (more like a fish tank without all those annoying bubble things that make you need to use a rest room from listening, but I may be off topic a bit here)

So you would think that 5 wouldn’t really cover the scouting experience – and truth is – it really doesn’t – I could go on forever about the overall rules to the point where they would just get silly.

But here I am after a full day – the boys are past the hump of the week and getting excited about being able to go home to their showers and beds, clean underwear and electronics and best off – Cheese Curls – they ran out at the camp store and you could imagine the collective scream of oh no as the news spread like wild fire, who knew?

I was able to tour the entire camp today, looking in on all of my first years through the 603 boys on staff – let me tell you how happy they looked.  The temperature was at a comfortable 3,000 degrees so the walk from class to class was pleasant, at least until you go into the sun.  Don’t want to say it was hot – but reminded me of the time I was chased by tigers in the serengeti…… we”ll save that one for a later blog (or at least until I extend the story – it still confuses the boys as is )

Brown Sea boys in Nature Class (check all good and having fun in the woods) – Boys earning their 100 year anniversary badges (Check – waving flags at each other in the old style texting called semaphore or tracking each other in circles) Boating, Climbing, Computing, Picture taking, first aiding, swimming, auto maintancing and shooting.  All having fun as they finish up their classes to earn their badges for this year.

All is well – the boys are ready to come home – there has been alot or crying – but the leaders will all stop when you pick you bundles of loving stinkiness up on Saturday

Be proud of your Boys!  They will all look a little taller and worldly when you first see them!  They worked hard, played hard and never cease to amaze and make me proud!

Still here at Henson Summer Camp!

See you on the Trail!

Mr D

I’m going to pick up where I left off last night – as I was shutting down last night I was given the news that the end of the world was coming in the next few minutes in the form of a thunderstorm of biblical proportions. It was over the Chesapeake at the time but was coming fast. Mr O and I left the admin and could see the bright – daytime like flashes making their way to us and the biggest thought I had was….. Wonderful – the boys just got back after showers and now – MUD.

Luck was with my com-padre and I because we made it back to the boat yard, next to the river, under the trees before the thunderstorm hit. It was mass chaos – kids in all directions – some running in circles – a few wanted to go home – all giving me a headcount as soon as I was seen in camp. Would have been great if anyone of them matched though.

Great news was the storm was not coming as fast as it looked – we had time to tie down the tents – do a visual count of scout noggins – confirm we had all of my little curmudgeons in their bunks and safe before the first drops of water hit.

Drops of water….drops of water…. yeah – it was like the tide came in over our heads at breakneck speed. But I was good – not only were all safe and freshly showered and wearing clean clothing (mostly) but the adult chairs were safely stored under the tarps so out collective cabooses would be somewhat dry as we waited this one out.

I decided with a couple of my friends to stay under our aluminum ribbed tarp, next to the propane tanks when everything started – my initial thought was that way I was at the entrance and no one would get by in a panic and another reason was… THIS WAS A REALLY COOL STORM AND I WASN’T MISSING IT!!!!!!

No kidding – the first flash of lightning turned the entire camp to day for a split second, we counted and then BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO….wait for it…………..OOOOOMM!

The good news was only half of the boys needed to re-change into clean clothing after that one, the other half just wanted to go home. Boy what a night.

I do want to mention the rescue deed a couple of my older scouts accomplished – I asked the older boys to keep their eyes and especially their ears open for any signs of panic, home sickness or all out terror while we battened down the camp. These two heard the scream of “HELP!” from one of the tents that they knew had the younger scouts – both immediately bolted to their fellow scouts aid – checked the situation and ran across camp to get me – This was no small feat! The lightning and thunder was past – but Niagara was still falling!

Mr L jumped to his feat like the super hero the he is and also thinks he looks like (uhhhhhh yep) and ran back to the younger scouts while Mr Howe and I sat in our chairs with the dry seats, and asked the older boys what the problem was. The tent had a HUGE hole and the water was pouring in at a rate that threatened to take both boys down the river riding their respective TI Boxes (good thing we made them from wood huh? forward thinking – what do you do in the case of tides……

Well the crisis was averted – the huge hole was fixed with a piece of tape and the steady drip was stopped! Another fine save from Mr L.

My older scouts made their way back to their tent and stepped (fell) into the knee deep puddle that they missed on the way to us – and they had a blast!

In all seriousness – this was a fantastic example of how we all look out for each other and do not even think twice about putting their training into practice. The younger boys were not in danger at any time, but they were seriously unhappy – my boys jumped, judged the problem and went for help immediately and without fuss. I cannot express in this silly bunch of words how proud I am of every one in this troop and the way that we all look out for each other!

Well – gonna go back out – the boys are all taking part in the camp-wide games, wearing their viking helmets and screaming alot. So far each of their stops have given them points for enthusiasm.

At this point in the week – I think it would be safe to declare this trip a success!

Proudly representing the Boys and Leadership of Troop 603 at Summer Camp 2010!

See you on the trail!
Mr D

That’s right – these boys all rose to put on their bathing suits to jump into the frigid waters of the Camp Henson Pool…. We chopped through the floor of ice – doned our goggles and gave it the collage try – in we went – some feet first – some in a dive – we had the paramedics and crash carts available for the older soles with poor hearts and frost bite victims…..and…….um……and…. Ok – the truth of the matter is 23 boys were force marched to a luke warm pool and told them they had to jump in. All of this was done while I sat back in my camp chair and enjoyed my first cup of coffee.

But they came back to camp refreshed – ready to face the day and also a little more purified form the chlorine. Good thing all around really.

Then it came – The Rain – and not a summer shower or a slight sprinkling – this was the cool wrath of the Lord kind of stuff – we couldn’t here people close to you and animals were leaving for the boatyard in two’s. But at least it cooled off the camp to a chilly 175 degrees and brought down the humidity at least a percent or two. It was a little sticky – no doubt about it – the boys all looked liek they had been shrink wrapped in their clothes – so much for the pool water.

But like everything else we all survived another day of fun – got a little damp while we frolicked or went to the camp store to spend the rest of our hard earned cash and change found in the bottom of TI Boxes on the worlds best candy – Nerd Rope! Pure sugary goodness lovingly wrapped in a cellophane that calls to you from the shelves – much like the sirens from the Greek legends. Or at least that’s what they told me.

But the weather cleared and I made my way to one of the classes that a few of my boys were taking. Good walk and I’m glad that I made it. Going to the door with excitement and pride as a couple of my boys would start woodcarving and maybe starting on a new hobby that could last a lifetime. Ah – a Kodak moment in the works – Scoutmaster looking in on his boys as they work diligently on their wood projects while trying not to alter their hands in any way with the choices of sharpened tool. I was there – couldn’t;t wait – ready to be proud…….. their seats were empty.

The Kodak moment changed to one of them walking toward me up the path, one quickly trying to explain that it wasn’t their fault and the other so nervous he almost made his ice cream explode – oh well – another life experience and a build of the myth that Mr D is everywhere.

I’m off now to gather the boys for another end of day march – It’s Shower Night!

See you soon – We are all well here t camp!

See you on the trail!
Mr D

But Fear not fellow 603 blog followers – I am with your boys and there is always something going on here. So today I’d like to talk about my Brown Sea group and the steps to proper first aid.

So your first question on your mind is probably….”why do I keep logging into this site an reading whatever seems to fall out of this guys head and onto the keys.”

But besides that your next question is probably “Mr D what is Brown Sea and what does it really mean?”

I’m glad you asked – the second question I mean, the first can be cured after some good talk time with a trained professional, but Brown Sea is the program at summer camp for all of the newer boys that just came from cubs. It gives them a chance to learn some of the basic scout skills needed but also to help them adjust to scout life. The program is named after one that our founder put together for the first scouts from London. He took a group out to a place called Brown Sea Island for week program of basic fundamental skills of first aid, knot tying and creating non flush-able facilities with a really fancy French name.

And here we are – a good long time later – pretty much following in his footsteps and torturing young lads for a week of forced showers and eating outside.

So any way here are the steps that I noticed that my new boys use in treating an injured person:

1) Keep calm – while this seems to be extremely hard to practice – the first step is to do this. My young lad, upon hearing that bug spray was put on his buddies scratch followed this rule wonderfully. He raised one finger in to the air like Superman about to take flight and screamed “I HAVE MY FIRST AID KIT!!!” And in fact he did – he hasn’t taken it off his belt since he arrived.
Now it was good that this young Marcus Welby yelled very loud because it got my attention so that I could witness and stop him from putting full badges around the boys leg – this would have been OK accept the scratch was at the back of the other boys neck.

2) Carefully open your med kit – In his excitement the kit was opened and the bandages flew – as I walked over I was greeted with a wonderful flesh colored ticker tape parade.

3) administer the first aid – again, these probably seem like simple steps – but in the case of Wilderness first aid the practice of helping your wounded individual should not be stopped until complete – even in the case of jumping frogs.

So, by keeping these simple rules in mind you should be able to easily administer first aid four minor injuries without additional injury.

Now if you are looking for me – I’m hiding from the overanxious scout who found that I got a splinter from the picnic table. I admit I panicked – but when they talked body cast, I bolted.

Have a great day!
See you on the trail!
Mr. D

All of the boys seem excited to start their week here at lovely Camp Henson. Or it could be that they spent all of their spending money on “super sugar coated sour sugar balls”. Not sure, but the excitement level is high either way and I’m good with that. We went through or orientation, duty rosters, explanations of the duties associated with the duty rosters, explanations of the explanations of the duty roster and finally answering the same question of “Mr D….. are you really serious?”" about 27,000 times. I intend to get as many pictures of the boys washing dishes and cleaning latrines (they call it a fancy word to make you feel better about the experience….it really doesn’t work….but we carry on the tradition anyway)

If your boys come home from their week at camp and tell you they don’t know how to do any chores – they may be pulling your leg a bit. While I can’t guarantee that they will do it to any of your home expectations, I can say that I will produce evidence of the effort and the experience probably won’t kill them. Mostly because I don’t want to have to do the extra paperwork.

Anyway, check back here each morning as you pry your eyes open with your morning coffee and look to see what the 603 boys were up to the day before. I will try to keep the spelling as close to readable as possible – but you may have to bear with me a little bit

Reporting from the field here at Camp Henson….

Mr D – the guy with the 13 inch horns attached to the top of his Wheaties hat.

See you on the trail
Mr D

 Of course I realize it’s different for each of us – but mine was always that end credit music from the old Hulk TV Show with Lou Ferrigno…. Poor Bruce Banner…..

 -          Anyway –

 Here we are at the end of another 603 year, the boys have grown, some have advanced and all have had a good time.  Now we have to roll the flags, pack the tents and put away the gear until next time…….(heavy sigh and head hung low)….

 ——————————-

 ——————————-

 Ummm What?!?!  It’s not over yet!?!  THAT’S RIGHT – WE STILL HAVE SUMMER CAMP!  WOOO HOOOOO

 Another week of sweaty days and bug filled nights!  Can’t wait to get out there and listen to the wildlife (our boys).

 I’ve done this summer camp thing for a number of years now and I’d like to list a few of the events that will happen during the week:

1)      None of the boys will be able to sleep that first night because of a combination of overexcitement and the sugar they consumed by spending all of their money at the trading post as soon as Mom and Dad left

2)      Morning will come a whole lot earlier at Summer Camp – I think it’s because we pass the date / time line or something – not sure will have to ask Mr. O- He’s kinda smart

3)      Mr. D will have to think fast whenever the camp inspector finds something “out of place” when he does his morning walkthrough – “honest sir the boy was so excited to get to his first class he ran clean out of his undershorts….that’s why they are in the middle of the path.”

4)      My “happy wanderer” will really try to make it to his first class on his own – it’s not his fault he saw something really interesting that made him forget where he was going

5)      The weather will have the same lovely temperature as seen in the fun filled movie with Peter O’Toole – “Lawrence of Arabia” though there will probably not be as many camels

6)      Humidity will be at a comfortable 3,000%

7)      KP will take 15 hours a day

8)      We will have some crying and homesickness…….. from the adult leaders

9)      We will miss Gil’s singing

10)   And finally…. your boys will all look like they’ve grown an inch when you see them at the end of their week. The look of accomplishment in their eyes cannot be beat!  Enjoy it!

 I am really looking forward to this year’s summer camp!  We have an excellent group of boys and adult leaders attending! 

But remember – no how much crying you see, Mr. Howe needs to stay the entire week!

 See you on the trail!

Mr. D.

Along the way, they’ll stop by the Continental Tie and Lumber Company.  They’ll compete in traditional logging events, such as spar tree “pole” climbing, axe use, cross-cut sawing, etc…  I sure hope they have the first aid kit handy!

Where is that first aid kit???

The spar pole climbing looks like fun.  Hope no one is afraid of heights!!!

Am I really that high up???

Crew 626 – E2 has a 7.5 mile hike ahead of them today, ending up at 8,720 ft., camping at Agua Fria Camp.  Along the way, they’ll swing into Fish Camp to participate in the program there.  Fly-tying, Fishing Lodge Tour, and a chance to catch dinner!

Maybbe our guys will catch some dinner!

Crew 626 – E3 has a short hike of 3.21 miles today.  They’ll end up at 9,360 ft. at Apache Springs Camp.  This will also be their layover day, so they’ll be spending two nights here.  They’ll learn about life as the Jicarilla Apache lived it.

Apache Life

Perhaps, some of them will choose to spend some time in the sweat lodge!

Sweat Lodge

This is also a scheduled food pick-up.  And, since they are spending two nights here, I’m hoping that they wash some clothes.  This is also where they will perform their conservation project.

Conservation Work

Hart Peak, with Mt. Baldy in the background

Once at Ponil, they participated in the Western Lore program.  Remember the nice, new, and very expensive, hiking boots that we all rushed out to buy?  You know, the ones that we were sure would keep the tender feet comfortable along the way.  Well, take a look at them now!

Those stinky, dirty boots are now souvenirs of the trip, never to be thrown away!

This crew will eat a hearty meal tonight, at the ChuckWagon dinner.  Then, before heading off to bed, they will take in the Cantina Show!  A classic, rip-roaring good time, corny jokes and all!!!

Cantina Show, with the camraderie of Scouts from all over the country

Crew 626 – E2 hiked into Carson Meadows camp, about 2.76 miles away.  They are now at an elevation of 7,750 ft.   Along the way, they participated in the Search and Rescue program.

Search and Rescue Program

They also got a glimpse of their future while at Carson Meadows.  They are able to view the Tooth of Time from Carson Meadows.  This is a famous landmark at Philmont.  It is also the trail that will mark their last of hiking.

Carson Meadows, with the Tooth of Time in the background

That sure looks like it is far away!!!

Crew 626 – E3 headed for Fish Camp, about 6 miles away.  Once there, they will be at an elevation of 8,480 ft.  Here, they will get a tour of Waite Phillips’ Fishing Lodge.  They’ll also get an opportunity to tie their own fishing fly.

Fly Tying at the Fishing Lodge

Fishing Lodge

Crew 626-E1 got off the bus yesterday at Six Mile Gate and hiked to Anasazi Camp.  A short hike, only about 2.25 miles, but filled with Ranger Training.  The Philmont Ranger provides instruction on water purification, food preparation, bear bag hanging, etc…  The Ranger will also go over map & compass skills.  Thanks to LTC Trunzo, they shouldn’t need much in this area!

The elevation at Anasazi Camp is 7020 ft.  This crew will be gaining elevation everyday for the next few days.  In addition to Ranger Training, the crew will also get a glimpse of pre-historic history.  They will get a chance to see a Tyrannosaurus Rex track.

Tyrannosaurus Rex Track

Today, Crew 626-E1 will head for Cottonwood Camp, 4.4 miles away.  They’ll camp at 7,360 ft., draw water out of a purified well and get a chance to see some awesome wildlife!

Philmont Wildlife

Did I ever mention the time I stepped right over a rattlesnake and didn’t even know it?  That was fun!  Anyway, there are showers available a short hike away and I’m sure that there will be some willing to make that side hike!

Crew 626-E2 got off the bus at Rayado Camp and hiked 2.11 mi. into Olympia Camp.  They’re at 6,720 ft. above sea level.  In addition to the Ranger Training, this crew should get a chance to visit the Kit Carson Museum.

Kit Carson Museum

Today, they’ll hike a short 1.83 miles over to Zastrow Camp, at an elevation of 6,960 ft.  They’ll have an opportunity to sharpen their Land Navigation and GPS skills at Zastrow Camp.  In the evening, they’ll participate in a Scout Re-Dedication Ceremony.  They’ll also be provided with ingredients to make a hot cobbler for dessert!

Zastrow Camp - Staff Cabins

Crew 626-E3 got off the bus at Zastrow Turnaround and hiked 2.58 miles into Old Abreu Camp.  They’re sleeping 7,600 ft. above sea level. They’ll be hiking along an old Jeep trail for the most part so it’ll be an easy start.

Hiking into Old Abreu Camp

The crew will hike 4.19 miles to Crags Camp today, at an elevation of 8,080 ft.  They’ll participate in a Search and Rescue program along the way.

Search and Rescue Program

And, if there is time available, there will be fishing opportunities!!!

Looks like a nice stream. Bet Mr. Reel wishes he was there!!!