Tired of hearing about the rain yet? We're tired of it too! But the good news is, it looks like it's finally behind us! Today is our last full day of summer camp, and we're hoping for some sun today. Friday is also "Free Day." This is the day where the boys can finish up any last minute requirements for their merit badges, but then they can participate in most any of the activities they want. 

Many of our scouts who took horsemanship will be doing a trail ride today, and several of the parents will be going along! With the sun finally showing up, many boys are looking to some of the water activities. And the rifle and shotgun ranges are favorites too.

On Thursday, the boys had their last full day of merit badge classes with most boys earning the majority of their requirements. After a long, soggy day, we all enjoyed some time under the canopy playing dominoes, Farkle, and just hanging out together. It was a great night. 

Flag ceremony begins in 30 minutes at 8am, so that concludes this entry.... more to come!

As much as we had hoped for dry weather, it's not happening. Rain this morning, then it should let up until this afternoon. We had heavy rains overnight, all night long. A little water inside some tents, but no major complaints.

The Mile Swim Club (Mr. Busby, Mrs, Busby, Elliott, Collin and Spencer) was up bright at early at 5am and all successfully completed the swim... Congratulations!!!

Here are a few more pics from yesterday. More tonight!! 

Today wrapped up day 4 of Summer Camp with some rain throughout the day, but overall, the day was a great success!
Most merit badge classes went as planned, if not slightly modified. The water classes were delayed due to some distant thunder, but were eventually able to resume. 

We said goodbye today to Mr. Tillett and Mr. Ojeda, and welcomed Mr. Levesque and Mr. Wozny to camp to take their places for the remainder of camp. Ryan was overheard saying, "You know, I kinda miss my dad." Not to worry... all the boys are doing great!

Some highlights of the day. Mr. Levesque competed in the Scoutmaster's shotgun competition. While he didn't win, he represented well. Ben competed in the Senior Patrol Leader rifle competition... no results yet, but he made all five shots in the bullseye!!  Great job!!   Let's see... Wyatt had his first experience with a leech... a little rubbing alcohol and those suckers fall right off. 

Free time was a blast tonight.... many adults and boys taking their turn down the Wet Willie, which is basically a water slide. Then it was time for The Blob. See some action shots below! They're a little hard to see, but it was great fun. 

Everyone has been in bed for over an hour. Tomorrow, Mr. & Mrs. Busby, Collin, Elliott and Spencer do their "Mile Swim!" Good luck!! The boys wrap up their merit badges as much as they can, and then more free time. We've been hoping for a break in the rain, but it looks like tomorrow is going to be WET. Regardless... the boys are all having FUN!!!

Oh.... and.... rain. 90% chance for Tuesday night. 80% chance of rain Wednesday. 90% chance on Thursday. 60% chance on Thursday. Hey... at least it's not 100%!!!

Yes, it rained. But so what? Everyone is having a GREAT time! The only bad news from today was that our flag retrieval ceremony was cancelled due to rain. Otherwise, the boys are learning a lot, laughing a lot and making good memories. 

Here's a glimpse from today's activities... Sleep well everyone!

As for the weather... today they are getting a preview of the next couple of days. It looks like rain will be pretty scattered today, but then more steady tonight. Wednesday looks to be the bulk of the rain as the tropical storm makes its way through. Then more rain Thursday into Friday, but not as heavy. Keep smiling, boys!!!

These guys can't seem to catch a break on summer camp. 

• 2012 at Camp Hale... Blistering hot weather
  
• 2013 at Peaceful Valley... wildfires caused evacuations the week before, and delayed our arrival. Not to mention several heavy thunderstorms. 
  
• 2014 at Worth Ranch... rain, and lots of it.
  
• 2015......... hurricanes and tropical storms??? 
  

Night #1 for Summer Camp 2015 is in the books! The boys got up bright and early for their flag ceremony, ate breakfast and headed off for their merit badge classes. While they may not look very excited today, things will get much more fun after they get through their orientation portions of their classes. 

Here are a few pictures from this morning. More to come!!!

Everyone gathered this morning at the church and got things loaded in the trailer. After a short prayer service led by Elliott, our Chaplain's Aide, the caravan headed out. The troop arrived safely to Camp Hale early this afternoon. 

Upon arrival at the camp, check-in began and everyone headed to the Ottawa site to set up camp. The boys were also given a tour of Camp Hale. And, of course, a visit to the Trading Post was in order. After everything was set up, some boys relaxed by playing Pokemon, while a couple of other boys enjoyed a snooze in their hammocks!

And as if we haven't had enough rain...... Yes, there was some rain today, with more on the way this week... but it didn't dampen any spirits, for sure! 

Turkey and dressing was on the menu for their first meal tonight. Everyone is settled in for a good night's rest. Tomorrow, merit badge classes begin! It's going to be a great week!!