Cub Scout Camp

One of the fun things that Boy Scouts is known for is camping. At the Boy Scout level, the boys camp over many weekends and in the summer they get to go away to camp for a full week. At the Cub Scout level, we do what I like to call "camping light". The Cub Scout Camp is for three days and two nights. The days are filled with activities like BB guns, archery, sling shots, crafts, catapults and swimming. The food is all cooked and served in large mess halls. We sleep in army style canvas tents on cots. So there isn't much for a parent to do except sit back and enjoy your time with your Cub Scout. This was our last year to do Cub Scout Camping. Although it was scheduled right before leaving for Mrs. International, I am so glad I took this time with my son. I hope the judges can appreciate a sun burned nose and tan lines!

Matt and his best buddy, Derek, work on crafts. They are building a small catapult.

Here are the boys getting ready to launch a full scale catapult. They first practiced with tennis balls eventually tossing 16 balls in the air. The final launch was a soccer ball. For the launch to be successful, the boys had to work as a team. This was a great exercise in working together and following directions.

The boys and their siblings are preparing for archery. They are actually establishing what is called "eye dominance". In children under 14 years of age, this can change quickly so it must be reestablished each time they prepare to shoot a weapon.

Safety was a big part of each weapon station. Each time we approached the range, the counselors reviewed all safety tips. We had to ask permission to enter and exit the range and eye protection was required at all ranges. Being a Boy Scout Counselor is a lot of responsibility. It is an opportunity to gain valuable leadership skills that will take all these young men and women into a better tomorrow for all of us.