Camp Dakani---March 8-10, 2013

The weather was a bit on the chilly side and a little damp, too, but the boys hardly seemed to notice. They spent their time orienteering, hiking, playing frisbee, picking up trash, trying out the ropes course, shooting some hoops and, of course, eating. Joining us were two Webelos packs who seemed to be having a good time as well. Our boys stepped right up to make the Webelos feel welcome.

Daffodils whisper a promise of spring near the totem pole at Camp Dakani.

Bear debating whether or not he should raid Mrs. Bass' tent.

(he decided not to)

(no granola bars in there)

using a topographical map

Calum teaching about maps

Chandler explaining the orienteering activity

 

Scouts and leaders helping the Webelos.

 

Some of the older scouts and the troop mascots

The Bear, The Bass and The Shoe   (??????)

                                                                              Goat.

Goat berries.

Don't ask.

Carson's signature pose

The ropes course

Mrs. Bass manning (womanning?) the ropes course

Aidan crosses in his own inimitable style

Caleb

the boys line up for a hike

remind me never to let Mr. Betts cross behind me on a suspension bridge

I am a little nervous on suspension bridges

apparently he is not

                       

the trash hike

                         

Carson with his treasure trove of trash

a little trash we did not pick up.

possum in the trash barrel

the older scouts

peace in the valley

the warmth of the campfire

the sound of the crackling wood

the smoky comfort of sitting around the fire with friends

We had a friendly little cooking competition to see who could make the best Dutch oven cobbler.

Team Patrick vs. Team Mrs. Nilson

The judges:  one of the Webelos leaders, Mr. Pierce, Mrs. Bass, Mr. Betts
 and I can't remember who else.

If you were a judge and care to admit it, please let me know.

I have no hard feelings. Really.

Dutch oven pizza

Dutch oven apple cobbler

Team Patrick

tent city

the whole gang

An Achiever

Candles glowed, nestled in forest greenery while the elk smiled down at us and the Indian saluted the flag. Tantalizing smells escaped from the kitchen, hinting at the feast to come.

Mementoes of years of scouting adorned the tables: scrapbooks, medals, flags, certificates, photographs, Chandler's Arrow of Light and even some pinewood Derby cars and other projects from Cub Scout days. Missing however, was Chandler's bass who had so faithfully accompanied Chandler on many camping trips and had even made it to the summit at Spanish Peaks Scout Ranch. I could only hope he hadn't gone from the frying pan into the fire.

We were gathered in the Lodge at John Nichols Boy Scout Camp to celebrate Chandler's Eagle Scout Rank.



 Family, friends, fellow scouts, leaders, and mentors--all present to congratulate him and his family.

The ceremony begins with the presentation of the colors.

Scout leaders and other mentors congratulate and challenge Chandler.

Dad and Mom also congratulate and share memories.

Chandler's first scoutmaster, Randy Stark

The Eagle Oath

Chandler reads aloud a letter he had written to his parents.

Not a dry eye in the house...

Justin puts the Eagle scarf on Chandler.

Scoutmaster Mel Pierce

Chandler addresses the audience.

Troop 30's newest Eagle Scout, Chandler!

CONGRATULATIONS ON A JOB WELL-DONE!

(look very carefully at the bottom of the totem pole--it appears Chandler's bass made it, after all)