July 1999, Camp Baker

Page 4

This year we went to Camp Baker for summer camp. We had 11 scouts, 3 Japanese, and 3 adults: Matt C, Trevor d, Ty F, Ian F, Grant K, Curtis M, David M, Amphil R, Conrad S, Kyle W, and Andy W. There were a group of Japanese students spending a month or so in the USA, and their first stop (for the boys) was Camp Baker. Three of them stayed with us most of the week, and they added a lot to the experience. They were T Shuichi, K Satoru, and M Taiki. The three adults along were Jody F, Dave R, and Don S.

This web page is a little bigger then most. In addition, some of the photos have an extra level of detail. So once you click on the small version of the picture you get an image which more or less fits the web browser. For some of the photos, you can click that image, and get a large photo. You may want to use this large photo if you want to print something on your printer. I didn't put small versions of all of the photos on this page, as that would be more huge then necessary. If you go to look at one of the photos, there are arrows at the bottom which will take you to other photos. You can get to the related photos in that fashion.

Jody also took a set of photos of the Slime Master 2000. This looks like a great project. If it is available at a time when the troop goes to Camp Baker again, I'd encourage any of the scouts who are old enough to participate.

The Japanese students did most everything our scouts did; sometimes even more. They took their turn in the axe yard attempting to split wood. Besides the tower, they also spent a fair amount of time in the archery range, and the rifle range. A number of the students completed all of the requirements for the Archery merit badge. Although not scouts, the camp presented these kids with the archery merit badge.

Friday
Friday morning saw the scouts completing their merit badges. If the afternoon, there was a series of campwide games. The first involved four of the scouts taking turns spinning around a stick and seeing if they could stagger back to the starting line. One of the other patrols in camp had a very nice flag.

The next activity was having all of the scouts work their way around the bouldering wall. After that was Chubby Bunny. You can ask one of the scouts about that.

The next was a race to carry water from one bucket to another using a can. Unfortunately, the can was full of holes. The next was a blue tarp stretcher race. Build a stretcher with poles and a tarp, carry a victim to the finish line and back, and put things away.

Next was a race where one scout carried two others (at the same time) across the volleyball court filled with sand. There was a sand sculpture contest. Some of the sculptures were quite nice.

Friday closed down with a campwide campfire where we got to learn of Chicago fires, Jaws, and doctors.
Saturday
It is time to go home. We met new people, developed and practiced skills, and everyone is ready for something different. We did arrange to leave Conrad for a couple of weeks at camp; with luck, the camp will survive. He is hoping to join on as a camp staff member next year.

The Japanese students and adults play a bit of catch with water ballons.

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If you have any question about this page, send mail to Dave Regan

	The Japanese students did most everything our scouts did; sometimes even more. They took their turn in the axe yard attempting to split wood. Besides the tower, they also spent a fair amount of time in the archery range, and the rifle range. A number of the students completed all of the requirements for the Archery merit badge. Although not scouts, the camp presented these kids with the archery merit badge.
	Friday Friday morning saw the scouts completing their merit badges. If the afternoon, there was a series of campwide games. The first involved four of the scouts taking turns spinning around a stick and seeing if they could stagger back to the starting line.	One of the other patrols in camp had a very nice flag.
	The next activity was having all of the scouts work their way around the bouldering wall.	After that was Chubby Bunny. You can ask one of the scouts about that.
	The next was a race to carry water from one bucket to another using a can. Unfortunately, the can was full of holes.	The next was a blue tarp stretcher race. Build a stretcher with poles and a tarp, carry a victim to the finish line and back, and put things away.
	Next was a race where one scout carried two others (at the same time) across the volleyball court filled with sand.	There was a sand sculpture contest. Some of the sculptures were quite nice.
	Friday closed down with a campwide campfire where we got to learn of Chicago fires, Jaws, and doctors.	Saturday It is time to go home. We met new people, developed and practiced skills, and everyone is ready for something different. We did arrange to leave Conrad for a couple of weeks at camp; with luck, the camp will survive. He is hoping to join on as a camp staff member next year.
		The Japanese students and adults play a bit of catch with water ballons.