What does that mean to you?  “Happy Birthday America!”, ”The Birth of Democracy”, “The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave”, or perhaps simply a day of barbeques, picnics, fireworks and family gatherings.  This year for me, it means all of that of course PLUS packing for Summer Camp. 

Talk about the American Dream?  A fun-filled week at Camp Marriott eating ”heater stack” meals, swimming in Lake Merriweather and sleeping under a mosquito net ought to do it.  Not quite the “Marriott” you envision perhaps, but for our small contingent of 11 scouts and 5 adults…it’ll do!

It all starts on Thursday, July 6th with a personal gear shakedown, loading of the troop trailer and one final review of merit badge pre-requisites.  Then on Saturday, July 8th at 9:00am we are on the road to the Blue Ridge Mountains.  We will stop for lunch along the way and then check in at camp around 1:00pm. 

Before you know it July 15th will arrive and it’s rise and shine at 5:30am followed by a light breakfast and back on the road towards home.  Expect a 10:00-10:30am arrival back at the church.        

For those still thirsting for additional information, feel free to check out all of the info you need including the Leaders Guide all located online at:

 http://www.boyscouts-ncac.org/pages/180_camp_marriott.cfm

Yours in Scouting,

Mr. H 

No, I’m not discussing crustacean auto theft or low budget “Creole” but rather a recipe for fun!  Our hike back to our Wilderness Camp last weekend took us across a gentle flowing stream.  A great place to pull out the water filter, take a breather and low and behold…catch crawdads.

Yep, the joyful cries of “I caught one” rang out among the loblolly pines and sycamores.  The equipment…a wilderness survival fishing kit made up of a popsicle stick, fishing line and a hook.  The bait…a small, very small in fact, piece of that stick shaped, meat-like trail snack substance affectionately known as a ”SlimJim”.  And it wasn’t a fluke, they caught two!  Not sure what the limit is on crawdads, but we honored “catch and release” rules just in case.

Proof positive that this wilderness survival stuff really does work and what a delightful memory to take back with us.        

Been there…done that…don’t have the t-shirt but by golly I have the bumpersticker!

Last Sunday was Father’s Day but my present came early…Saturday was my oldest son Corey’s Eagle Court of Honor.  Yes, my “wait til the very last possible minute to get it done” son Corey is an Eagle Scout.  What a gift!  What a gift! 

Not simply the Eagle Award, but the twelve years leading up to it.  From Tiger to Eagle was quite a trail. 

A trail from Pinewood Cars and Buddy Bake Cakes to “just finish up Personal Fitness” for goodness sakes! 

From BB Guns and Climbing Towers to the the top of Mt. Baldy, our finest hour! 

One pack, four troops and a ship none the less would be a part of your journey each with merits you’ll confess.

Perserverence pays off, you are a great example to the rest and a testament to the Cub motto ”Do your best”!  

There were times I admit that I thought you were done but I couldn’t do it for you…you had to be the one.

Success is not a destination but a journey they say, Corey you have made it to the summit and had great fun along the way. 

Congratulations son and thanks for the memories!

Dad