Scout Camp for a week!!

Sunshine,
I had a god nights sleep and a good breakfast. Mike, the show of guy, went on a 30 mile bike ride up and down the mountain before breakfast. Steve claimed he slept better than he has done for several months and I had to make some noise to get him and most of the boys out of bed. I was woken up by the morning trumphet - which was nice. It is a joy seeing Adam handling himself out here. He had a blast last night playing in the dark around the camp site with the other boys. I could hear his voice giving out orders about the game for at least one hour between 9:00 and 10:00. I am very proud of him, but can see that the kids with a parent here get more attention. I am sitting in the outdoor chapel - very peaceful.
Steve will be a great scout master for the boys. He will make sure they are driven to reach their goals.

Thanks for giving Adam and me this oppertunity to escape from the realities of the world and from work. I would not describe it as having fun because I associate something else with that word. But it is great being away from work, Southern California, Newspapers, Radio, Computers. I can even accept the cost, I.e. Horrible Food, stinkey restrooms, dust and dirt. I wish you were here to share the experience with me. I am so happy to have a son like Adam.




It sounds like Adam is moving forward with his merit badges as planned, but difficult for me to evaluate as do not know the process and how the leaders handle the process. Mike claim they are more lax than any other camp he has attended.

I have managed on the food served today, but missing a good cup of coffee. Mike made lasangne and peach cobbler in the Dutch Ovens for lunch. His lasange was good. The chocolate peach cobler would be an acuired taste. Doubt it will ever be a great hit. He had problems with heat as the charcoal provided at camp do not give out as much heat as charcoal we buy for BBQ at home.

Still enjoying the peace and lake. Great camp site.

My favorite time of the day has arrived. I am sitting on "my" bench in the outdoor chapel writing to you.
Adam is on track to finish all his merit badges except First Aid today. He has one more day with First Aid, but looks like he will complete all merit badges he was signed up for. He manage his time well and makes sure he completes his "homework" before moving on to freetime fun. He has been very frugal in an attempt to save for a small sum he owes you. Good to see. He has $20,- in his pocket and thus can use money.
I got gas on the car this morning to be sure I can reach Fresno and a little more. Over $4.00 per gal !!! Got my battery for cell recharged to 75% and thus good to go for the next two days. I am trying to manage on the food and drinks we get here rather than bringing in more junk food. I should get my exercise and water covered this week.
Jared had nose bleeding two days in a row. Looked worse than is was, but still far more than I have ever had myself. He slept outside away from Camp last night -wilderness survival badge requirement. Most of the other boys took their beds outside and slept under the open sky -Adam included.
I was cold but refreshing this morning.
The Troop next door is a 4 boy group, but very commited and organized. They deserve winning the camp inspection contest.



The sky was amazing last night. Thousands of stars on a clear sky. The boys had arranged a fireside and did a good job. Mike had cooked upside down pineapple cake in the duch oven - a huge success.
I will miss this place when I am back home. The peace you can find here when the boys are out on assignments clears your mind and leaves you totally at ease with the world. All worrys seems to disappear it is as if God is telling you: "It will all work out, do not worry about tommorrow for I have given you a beautiful day to live. Enjoy my gift."

Adam's first Campout with the Young Men

Adam went to his first campout as a 12 year old Scout. The troop went to Malibu State Park. They left on Friday, February 27 and came back late Saturday afternoon. Adam had a great time. He said the boys were really nice to him. He wasn't homesick at all. I was so grateful that he had a great time. I was a little worried. The boys in the ward have just really welcomed Adam in the deacon's quorum with open arms. At the campout, on Saturday, they went rock climbing. They are working toward the Rock Climbing merit badge. Adam was a little nervous, but did end up trying it.

Zach Eschenberg, Tree Yager, Tyler Macdonald, Sam Thomas.

Adam trying rock climbing


The view from the top.


Adam and Tyler Macdonald

Boy Scout Sleepover and Hike

It is the big sleepover at the Simmons. Yes, out of the kindness of their heart(of, course, they have the biggest plot of grass) they have agreed to have Jared, Landin, Calvin and Adam pitch a tent in their backyard. Crazy people!!! From what I understand, Elizabeth went down to tell them to be quiet about 11:30 or lose their lives. Adam reports that they went to sleep around midnight and woke up to play games on the computer very early the next day. I can only image how sleepy the Simmons are today. But we love them and their big plot of grass.

The next day Jens picked the boys up at 7:00 and feed them breakfast before the big hike up to the waterfall. Jeff, Calvin's dad went with Jens to help with the boys.

Jens tried to teach them about poison oak, but he said they were chatterboxs! I can't image it!!!

They had a great time and even climb to the top of the waterfall. I know that Adam was so tired the next day that he took 3 naps.