Camp Miakonda

One of the first things I caught wind of after we moved into the house was that our ward's Cub Scouts were getting ready to attend Cub Scout Day Camp. It seemed especially fortunate since Caleb and Brendan had missed it back in Henderson. It had been held in May before the extreme heat would set in, but they couldn't go since it was the exact same day as my mom's 60th birthday celebration in California. Both boys had been bitterly disappointed. Brendan, since he was missing his first chance to attend and, Caleb, because it would be his last! Not to mention that there was an extra cool theme this year...air and space! 

So, after a number of phone calls, arranging to transfer the boys' scouting records, some confusion on the part of the camp and some confusion on my part, I finally managed to get the boys registered to attend the local camp. Camp Miakonda's Cub Scout Day Camp. An entire week of activities, belt loop earning and fun. Yes, an entire WEEK!

However, the boys started off the week less than enthusiastic. My two homebodies were not thrilled about the fact that they would not be staying home to try and watch tv and play video games all day long. Not only that, but they would be separated and put into their respective age groups. They would not be attending with any of the boys from our ward either. The week the others had attended had filled up before we could register. But nevertheless, the money had been paid and they were going to go whether they liked it or not. So, I packed their backpacks and lunches, covered them in sunblock and bug spray and off we went.

I have to say that my first impression of the camp was, "WOW". It is a full blown forest camp, complete with a lake and stream running through it, log cabins, lodges and wooden plank bridges. The week long adventure would include archery, BB gun shooting, BMX biking, blow darts, arts and crafts, fishing, obstacle course running, geology activities, kickball, swimming and ultimate frisbee, not to mention learning camp songs and preparing for the big campfire at the end of the week! I was blown away. It was a far cry from the Stake Center parking lot single day camp we had back in the desert. 

I think the boys had the same impression I had once they actually arrived and saw that it was in a huge forest. Next, they were assigned their crews. Brendan was in tribe 3 with his leader, Kaylah, and Caleb was in tribe 9 with his leader, David. I stayed to see the opening flag ceremony carried out by the Boy Scouts volunteering with the camp (complete with a bugler), then kissed the boys goodbye. Let the good times roll!

So Monday through Friday of this week from 9 to 4, Caleb and Brendan were up to all sorts of stuff at day camp. I think they both enjoyed fishing, BB guns and archery the best. Despite the fact that it did rain a bit some of the days, they didn't complain. One day there was a pretty knarley lightening storm with a tornado warning, so they spent some time hunkered down in the bathrooms that afternoon, but spent their time singing and hanging with their crews. The other days passed without crisis. 

On Thursday, the camp had its family night, so the boys showed me all around the camp.

Riley and Brendan by the fishing lake

Caleb with the walking stick he found

 Looking at the baby fish in the shallow waters

 Near the outside interfaith chapel were stakes with all the Boy Scout characteristics. I told the boys to stand by their favorite. Caleb chose "Brave".

 Brendan chose "Cheerful".

The giant Jenga pieces

After the tour, there were hot dogs for dinner. While we were finishing up, Spike the fish from the Toledo Walleyes (the local ice hockey team) was mulling around. Riley really wanted to go say hello to him.

Then it was time for the big campfire presentation by all the crews. Brendan's crew sang a silly "Campfire Song". Caleb led his crew out in singing "On Top of Ol' Smokey". Other crews also sang songs or did classic skits. It was adorable. Even Riley was interested in watching (and that's saying something). 

Friday was the last day, so there were some special surprises. The camp leaders had light saber duels (remember the "space" part of the theme) in front of all the boys. The boys were all cheering for their favorite contenders. Then all the boys were sent home after flag with their own individual fishing poles and bobbers, the insect traps they had built during crafts and a special "Air and Space Day Camp" patch. It was incredible. Both Caleb and Brendan agreed that they were glad they had attended after all. Well, hallelujah! Mom can occasionally be right about something. I think Brendan will be excited for next year - and Caleb is curious to see what will happen when he attends the camp as a Boy Scout next time. Go, Camp Miakonda!