Boy Scouts

Colin and Tristan have been Boy Scouts for about 3 months now, having crossed over from Cub Scouts in mid-February. They have gone on two camping trips and one 5 mile hike up a mountain. They've earned the Scout rank and now are well on their way to Tenderfoot rank. They seem to enjoy the weekly troop meetings although they get tired if these meetings run long. Oftentimes it seems the meetings don't end until 9:00 pm and well that's about their bedtime! Mostly it's been good. There has been some stress and issues real or perceived with some leadership. Mainly communication is helping to work those out. I hear there is behind the scenes drama too which I guess you get in about any group. There is about 6 more weeks of scout meetings for this year, an end of year camping and court of honor event and then summer camp in August. Much to look forward to still.

Some photos from recent scout events:

Below, Colin and Tristan spent some time rolling down this hill while waiting for their meeting to start, the patrol leaders were having a short meeting first.


Camping trip number 2, which was at Bear Brook State Park, about an hour away. Photos below:




You can lift that pack Tristan! He's getting better at it.

Below Colin and Tristan mark the areas they want their tents in while awaiting the trailer with all the tents and gear.



It's BUG SEASON


Hmm will the spray even help...

Tristan looks itchy even after applying insect repellent.



More boys arrive as does the trailer and tent set up can begin.








I think they mainly had a good couple days. Tristan came home very tired and said he was cold and found it hard to sleep. It was dreadful weather for it,, rainy and windy. Where is summer???

I hear the boys played on an awesome rope swing. Played multiple games of capture the flag, baked cookies in a cardboard box/foil oven and competed in an iron chef contest. Upon arriving home Tristan was grumpy, needed sleep but wouldn't take a rest, he seems to have a hard time going from camp back to regular life or something. I also think he tried hard not to get upset at camp around all the big kids and then lets it all out when we pick him up. He was tired, didn't like some of the food and did get cold at times but I think he's learning how to deal with these issues better each time. Colin said that he had a lot of fun. Upon arriving home he changed clothes and went straight to bed, waking 3 hours later. he didn't even tell anyone he was going to bed we suddenly wondered where he was and then looked and found him sound asleep.

Photo below:Tristan at pick up time.


Back the week before camping the boys participated in a 5 mile hike. This is part of the second class rank and also was an opportunity to earn money for camp although my guys didn't get any pledges for camp, they still did the hike.


The hike was up and mountain and a few parts were very steep. It was a workout!






above-boys at the tippy top of the mountain

below Hayley hiked in crocs!



Back down the mountain the boys were proud of their achievement.