Camping Preparations

So much has happened within the last week, I had no time to write of the fun we all had Saturday of last weekend at the Cub Scouts Fall Family Festival held at Camp Benjamin Hawkins. The planned event included a day full of skill building activities for the kids followed by some great BBQ, overnight camp out, morning service, and breakfast of pancakes made my local firefighters.
Having never been camping before, we opted to just spend the day with the others and leave after the closing ceremony. It was an excellent decision. I learned so much in one day of the preparations needed for a camp out that would not have been the same as researching on the internet.
I had planned to drive the car that day to save on fuel, but since Hubby had to work, I drove the truck. I am so thankful, because of previous erosion, someone could destroy a B-pipe or muffler in certain areas of the campgrounds. Parking was near the main entrance, so we had to walk to our pack's designated campsite. If I had a compass, I might not have needed to ask how to get there from our current location, appearing less than a mile away. The next lesson was during the long walk, hiking boots would have been better than Nike's, but since all was dry, we hoped we could survive the day in sneakers. 1st walk along the path.
Arriving at the site, several large tents were already set up along with a tent-covered kitchen. I told one of the parents I've seen at the pack meetings that I was not staying the night, this trip was to learn what I need to bring/do at a camp. She began to school me on tents, the good and the bad of tent selection. The main item to remember is the number of poles. The simplest is four, two to crisscross overhead, one over the entrance and one at the rear. Even though there were some elaborate and awe-inspiring tents out there, but the more poles the increased level of difficulty for the install. There was one that had several sections; screened sitting area in front, sleeping area in the middle, and storage area in the back. Another looked liked that USAF balloon that Gilligan (Gilligan's Island) destroyed years ago.
Downhill, the smaller tents were stationed. There were even deck platforms available for them. Son learned how to pitch a tent by helping another kid with his. After his first one, he began to help others. Others from our den arrived and each helped others to unload and setup. I left with another parent to take her car back to the parking area and to walk back with her. 2nd walk along the path. Returning, we found her tent at near completion. Once done, we unpacked their gear. I realized I should have brought chairs for us. Thankfully, my den leader had two and I used her son's chair. Our boys sat in the tent for their meal. The only time they sat.
We were given the morning to setup as the Opening Ceremony was scheduled for 12:30. We ate our packed lunches before we left camp as dinner was being provided for us later.
When it was time, we all hiked to the main activities field which was near the parking area. 3rd walk along the path. After the Presentation of Colors flag ceremony, the Pledge of Allegiance, and announcements, the activities began. Our group started with the Wagon pull. Two-by-two, a pair would pull a covered wagon through a maze of stacked cans in hopes to beat the other pair and not knock over any cans. There was only one pair that missed all cans, doing so by leaving the designated path the pulling their wagon all outside of the gaming area. It was all good fun and they were happy. Next the kids spent time on 3 blown jumpers, a waterless slide, dragon house, and obstacle course. It was then time for some skill activities.
Along the 4th walk along the path, we detoured off to the lasso area. Each kid had as many tries necessary to loop a horn once. Further down the detoured path, we arrived at the rifle range. Being son's first time with a BB gun, I was concerned that he might hit the target page at all, I was wrong. With a target sheet that had each ring exponentially larger than the next inner circle, he hit one in the 10 range, just out side the bullseye, another in the 9 range and a third in the seven range. He received special tokens for his performance. My son the marksman.
Next was archery in the same area. He didn't do so well, arms too weak to pull the tight bows. After a short walk uphill, we were back at camp. There was talk of more activities at main area but because of the lateness, we stayed at camp munching on light snacks until dinner. Having more time than expected we had our den kids complete some achievements that required outside activities. There were some one-on-one competitions like arm-wrestling, and group races. Many kids had gotten bored from running in the woods and joined us.
Dinner consisted of burgers and hot dogs mainly for the kids and additionally smoked pork tenderloins for the adults. It was DELICIOUS. Also there was spicy chili, 5 gallons of hot chocolate, and coffee. For the campfire, plenty of marshmallows, hershey bars, and graham crackers.
After some time at our fire, it was time for the closing ceremony. We made our 5th walk along the path to meet near the lake. After the ceremony we walked the steep hill to our parking area, while the others walked back to camp. The parking area was pitch dark. Another lesson learned. FLASHLIGHT or LANTERN. Luckily there were others ahead of us with illumination. When they reached their vehicle, hmmm what then. It seemed we should be near my truck. I pressed the keyless remote and thankfully, we were within adequate distance. The truck headlights, inner lights and taillights lit. Once made a wrong turn out of there but eventually we made our way.

The day was a great day and I learned a great deal. Now it's time to start checking yard sales, Goodwill and Salvation Army stores for deals on supplies. The next camp out is next spring and WE WILL BE THERE OVERNIGHT!