The weekend of the 12-14 of May, the Thunderbird Rovers organised our second camp in four years for the 81st Hamilton Scout Group. This year, we had about 65 participants, ranging from Beavers to Group Committee, leaders and parents. Everyone seemed to have a lot of fun, and learned a few things along the way.
Friday afternoon, the Rovers were the first to show up, setting up camp. Lumberman, Qweak, Laura, Miller, Wildman, Heather F, Todd, Dave and Cory started out the weekend, and appreciated all the help we got from Chris Augstman (Venturer.) By the time the kids started to arrive, we were ready to go!
While the Cubs set up their tents, the Scouts made camp in the Adirondak shelters in the valley. Later on, we played games until it was late. Unfortunately, it started to rain… well, actually it was more like a deluge. The worst storm in recent memory caused the wash-out of all the bridges across Nemo creek, effectively stranding the entire Scout Troop in the valley. At the same time, the Cubs moved all of their stuff into Apple Day and spent the night on the floor.
In the morning, Wildman, Cory and Lumberman got up early to survey the damage. By around 6:00, the three of them (with the help of Chris) began building a temporary bridge across the creek. When it was completed, we went to look for the Scouts, but they were nowhere to be found! Scouter Ted had instead made them all rise and shine very early and hike out around the headwaters of the creek and back to camp. They rolled in at around 9:00, none the worse for wear, but a little disgruntled.
Programme for the day included badge work, games and snacks! The Beavers also joined us on Saturday morning, making Apple Day their base camp. By nightfall, everyone was tired, and ready for a relaxing campfire before heading off to bed.
Sunday morning, it was time for cleaning up, and Scout’s Own. Afterwards, parents started to arrive and take their children away, while at camp closing, members of the Ontario Rover Community (including our own Melissa and Flynno) showed up unannounced at presented the Thunderbirds with the 1999 Roland S. Dell Memorial Award. What a pleasant surprise!
Cory and Wildman, trying to replace the
washed-out bridge.
Beaver programme on Saturday.
Scouter Terry helping a Cub on the climbing
rope.
Dinner time!
Scouters Jim, Diane, Linda and Terry enjoying
their jello desert!
I think Cory enjoyed his a little too
much.
Receiving the R.S. Dell.
