Lessons Learned at Camp

Last week I had the privilege of relaxing under swaying Pon- derosa Pines while admiring the beauty of the setting sun as waves lapped melodically against the rocky shore of Lake Coeur d' alene. If it hadn't been for the 230- some boys running to and fro and the occasional rifle reports, it would have been downright tranquil. As it was, it was a lot of fun.

On July 30, seven Scouts from Dayton and Waitsburg hit the road for a week of adventure at Camp Easton, accompanied by assistant scoutmaster Bill Warren and adult chaperone Kevin House. Boys attending from pack 332 included: Matthew Warren, Skylar Wood, Cam- den Costello, Tom House, Daltin Lambert, Seamus House and Brayden Wood.

I was to relieve Kevin as adult chaperone mid-week. With temperatures in the triple digits I made a quick trip to Walmart in attempts to heed the Boy Scout mot- to and "Be Prepared". An avid hat-hater, I gave in and bought a sun hat as well as a portable spritzer/fan, and a battery operated tent fan. I even purchased a cotton scarf after a very scout-like explanation from my son relaying that a wet bandana around my neck would offer relief from the heat by cooling my carotid arteries.

As it was, temperatures dropped to the very pleasant 80's shortly after my arrival and I survived quite nicely without the hat or scarf. I bet Kevin could have used them though.

Camp Easton is a friendly place where good-natured greetings from staff mem- bers with names like Juke- box, Squirrely, Rocky, Hol- lywood, Chewbacca, Goatee and Goldilocks abound. In the instances that the senti- ments behind the nicknames weren't self-evident, an inquiry would reward one with the story. Frogger, for instance, earned his name by catching a frog that proceeded to "do his business" on said staffer. I hope you weren't expecting some- thing deep.

Easton is best known for its fantastic waterfront and aquatics programs where Scouts can earn merit badges and patches in snorkeling, kayaking, motor boating, swimming, lifesaving, pad- dle boarding and more. Of course, the more typical class offerings of archery, rifle, shotguns, nature, cook- ing and such are also avail- able. Our boys took advan- tage of a variety of class offerings and enjoyed their free time cooling off on the massive inflatable slide and water trampoline or playing Ultimate Frisbee.

My role was basically to serve as an extra set of eyes, ears and hands -- allowing me to pretty much just relax and enjoy the antics. I did walk away from my stay with a few observations.

Lessons learned at camp:

1. You're never too old tolearn.

2. Life isn't all fun & games.3. Take time to ponder.4. Take things literally, onoccasion.

5. The best rewards areinvisible.

6. Sunburns happen. (selfexplanatory)

7. Names hold meaning.

Shortly after my arrival at camp, the boys were called for latrine duty. They were issued gloves, disinfectant, mops and brooms and given highly specific instructions for cleaning. Each private shower and toilet stall was inspected before the boys could proceed to the next. Adults weren't allowed to help and it's possible that Bill and I took a bit more enjoyment in supervising than we should have. (See lesson #2)

The days at camp began with a flag ceremo- ny, followed by songs and skits. Morning calisthenics consisted of activities like Jumping Jakes, in which all the boys named Jake were called forward as the rest of the Scouts shouted, "Jump! Jump! Jump!" (See lesson #4) Each flag ceremony ended with a "Thought for the Day". These could range from deeply philosophical ponderings to the, um . . . less so. "If Barbie's so popu- lar, why do you have to buy her friends?" (See lesson #3)

Over the course of the day, I watched as the boys participated in different mer- it badge courses. I especially enjoyed this conversation overheard by boys throwing tomahawks in Indian Lore.

Scout: "What do we get if we hit the bottle?"

Lightning-quick reply from staffer: "Self-confi- dence." (See lesson #5)

I offered encouragement as several of our boys strug- gled to earn their swimming merit badge. Entering the water fully clothed, they were required to remove their shoes, inflate their shirts and float without mov- ing, then remove their pants, tie a knot in the legs and inflate and float on them as well. Trust me, it's not easy. While there, I noticed a group of middle-age men practicing skills as directed by a staff member. Turns out they were earning their "Adult Paddlecraft Safety" credentials. (See lesson #1)

While the waterfront was a favorite place to hang out, the various shooting ranges were located at the top of Cardiac and Heart Attack Hills. Wednesday night's Scoutmaster Blanket Shoot competition lured Bill up Cardiac Hill where he did the troop proud by earning first place in the shotgun competition. Unfortunately, recovery from the trek was difficult and required several Tylenol and a few hits with my spritzer/fan. (See lesson #7)

Other incidents that may or may not have occurred at camp include politically incorrect campfire songs and skits, squirrel attacks, farting contests that may or may not have involved adults and possible overindulgences of treats from the Trading Post. Of these things, I claim no firsthand knowledge. Per- haps I should add a lesson.

8. What happens at Easton, stays at Easton.