DAY 10
Tuesday, August, 3 |
Sorry about the late updates. Between the ER run, an intermittent internet connection, and
a light case of Montezuma's Revenge last night, I haven't been able to get updates uploaded. (Hopefully his works today)
No rain overnight. It was partly cloudy this morning and mostly cloudy this aftenoon. The temperatures are cool today after
two days where it was almost too hot.
Last night was the usual evening activities. Ed went off to "Leave No Trace Overnight" at Flintlock and Andy went to the Fishing
Overnight.
I've been trying to meet the food truck driver (Joe) for every delivery (7, 11, & 5) and help him load empty boxes and
unload full ones. Evidently he likes us, because he brought us a whole tray of fresh, hot Grannie's Cinnimon rolls. The bad
news is that everyone in camp was real slow, so we were late getting up this morning. We barely had time to polish off the rolls
before heading off to camp assembly (late again).
Ed & Andy returned from their overnights and it was merit badge classes as usual this morning. Hoagies for lunch followed
by a free time. We have troop swim at 2:00p, followed by early destructional swim at 3:00p, and the Ironman at 4:00p. The kids will
be sick of the lake by tonight.
We have vespers tonight, and we're trying to recruit a new Chaplin's Aide to go to a class tonight. The Camp Chaplin came
to visit us yesterday at lunchtime, so we offered him a copy of our grace book and invited him to lunch. Yesterday evening
our new SPL's Mom and sisters stopped by for a short visit, and ended up staying for dinner.
That's about it for now. I hope the connection works to send this out so I can get back for the Ironman. Bye for now from Many Point.
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DAY 9
Monday, August, 2 |
If this update doesn't get out for a while, it's because the internet connection here at Many
Point is being finicky at the moment. I think one of the carrier pidgeons died. I will get it our when I can.
Before I forget, two pieces of business. One: Late last week an election was held to select
a new SPL (Senior Patrol Leader) to follow in David V's footsteps. Thomas J. was elected. Congrats to Tom, he's
already doing a great job. Two: I implied that we got lost on the way to the laudramat partly as a result of poor directions
from a scout. I appologise. The scout's directions were good, however it turns out that the laudramat (and the entire town
of Strawberry) is cleverly disguised as gas station.
Last night was the Voyager Camp welcoming campfire. I assume it was much the same as last week.
Two of us had to run a scout into Detroit lakes for a few stiches (Dont' Panic, if it was your scout, you know who you are).
We have had a few scouts over the past eight days that have had to visit the Health Lodge for minor things like the runs & such,
but this is the first time in my two years as an adult at Many Point that we've had to make the hospital run. Not a big
injury, but just big enough and in a spot where it needed stiches to heal right. Many Point has an EMT on site for just such
situations. The scout is back into activities and just has to refrain from swimming for a day.
After the beautiful day yesterday, I guess it should be no suprise that it rained last night.
It started about 2:00a and I guess it thundered and lightning most of the night. Somehow I managed to sleep through it all.
Fortunately the rain stopped about 7:00a and it has been sunny to partly cloudy all morning long.
This morning we were back to our regular schedule. The scouts were off to merit badge classes this morning, and after a
lunch of Ravioli, they are headed off to the beach for water polo. Last week we broke into three groups (red, blue & Greene)
for troop activities so that everyone would get a turn at the activity. Now that we are down to 32 scouts, we are doing
everything as a troop, except for shooting and archery. We split into two groups for that so each scout get more time.
After water polo, the scouts will have a free period, followed by a Super Troop Project, and then "Destructional"
(instructional) Swim. A lot of the scouts will be taking snorkeling this week.
A number of the scouts are off to Flintlock High Adventure events in the morning and evenings, including Huck Finn Raft
overnight, Fishing overnight, wind surfing, COPE (rope course), etc. The scouts need to be going to eighth grade or older
to sign up for those activities.
Well, that's about it for now. Much of this week will be a repeat of the same type of things as last week, so these updates
will probably be shorter. Bye for now from Many Point. |
DAY 8
Sunday, August, 1 |
Beginning of Week 2
Yesterday morning was mass pandemonium getting all the scouts that were leaving packed up to go. Since we reduced from 86
scouts week one to 34 scouts week two, we all moved down to Fort Bill and abandoned Savana Portage. When I got back to camp
from posting the last update, everyone was winding down, chilling out, and laying back.
We decided to do some laundry, so decided to follow some cars that were also heading out to do laundry. Thanks to some
questionable directions and limited map reading skills (ours), we ended up touring most of the White Earth Indian Reservation, all
the Tamarack Wildlife Preserve, and ended up in a laudramat in Detroit Lakes. The good news was that there was an A&W nearby
and we went there while we waited for our laundry.
We made it back just in time to head off to Ice Cracking Lodge for the traditional end of week one dinner. Ice Cracking
Lodge has an extensive menu; Thunder Burgers, Double Thunder Burgers, and Triple Thunder Burgers. This will be the last
year to have dinner at the old Ice Cracking Lodge. After Labor Day, they are tearing down the old lodge and moving to
a brand spanking new pole barn across the road. The old lodge has all the quaint character that you would expect from
an old lodge. The new place has all the character of .... well, a pole barn. We may have to come up with a new tradition.
As we sit in the camp, there is one profound difference.....silence (well relative silence compared to last week). With all
the quiet, we could hear the loons, we could hear the water, we could hear the wind. It was VERY peaceful. I think we were
the only troop (at least in Voyager) that stayed over, and all the Staff and CITs (Councilors In Training) disappear from
Saturday noon until Sunday. They left food for us in the staff fridge and we had to help ourselves for Saturday lunch,
Sunday Breakfast, and Sunday lunch.
We did some Dutch Oven baking last night, Mr Broeberg made a Peach Cobbler with chocolate cake, and I made two batches of my
Oatmeal Cookie suprise (we're suprised when it turns out). The challenge is to try to make things out of left over food and
staples. The Oatmeal cookie suprise is a modified Oatmeal cookie recipe that is made from Instant Oatmeal, brown sugar, and
raisins (staples), and pancake flour, egg, and margarine (left overs), with a little vanilla and cinnimon we brought. Cookies
don't work real well in a dutch oven, so we make it in a pie tin (thanks Mr. Scharf) like a bar. Everyone loves it. We need
to have a contest of who can come up with the best recipe made from left overs and staples. We may try a custard with eggs and
brown sugar (like Mr. Furlich did last year).
The scouts decided to play a game of capture the flag last night, but were kind of limited to
roads and paths to avoid Poison Ivy. Some of us went down to the Round Lake and Many Point beaches to see the "Blue Moon" and
to check out the stars in the night sky. After a very late TLC, we headed off to bed after agreeing to let the scouts sleep
until 10:00.
The adults were up early making coffee aqnd improvising breakfast. The camp had left us eggs and bacon. Mr. Broeberg made
Apple Cinnimon pancakes using left over pancake mix, left over apples he cut up, and some cinnimon. When the scouts got up
some had eggs, some had fruit, some had left over sausage with their bacon. It was a good, but LATE breakfast.
Most of the rest of the morning was spent cleaning up. A lot of tents were wet yesterday at checkout, so we had to leave
them up over night and roll (and re-roll) them this morning. The Many Point Staff is VERY particular about how tents
should be rolled. Because of the wet weather, the new scouts missed out on the opportunity to take down an roll tents.
We had to go down and get Savana Portage cleaned up, because a new troop is moving in this afternoon.
After a late lunch (ham and cheese sandwiches) most of the scouts are out riding their bikes and some are going back to
swim qual, even though they don't have to, just to be able to go swimming.
The good news on the weather is that the morning was bright and sunny and everything is drying out nicely. The bad news is that
it's bright and sunny and hotter than the dickens. Everyone is staying in the shade as much as possible and we're going throught
lemonade like it's going out of style. There's a pin-hole leak in the waterline to Ft. Bill, so during the tent rolling
this morning, several of us were cooling off in the light spray from the leak.
To night we start last week's menu all over again (so I may not update it each night) with hamburgers. Our first official
activity of the second week will be the welcome campfire tonight at 9:30. Then, it's back to the usual schedule next week
of merit badge classes in the morning, troop activities in the afternoon, and free time in the evening. I will try to upload
some pictures tonight, but we'll have to see how the schedule goes. After the busy week we had last week, I plan on taking it
easier this week.
That's it for now from Many Point. |
DAY 7
Saturday, July, 31 |
We had more rain last night, but this morning was clear and sunny and dry. It got down below 50 last
night and was very chilly this morning. I was wearing a t-shirt, flannel shirt, sweat shirt, and wool shirt when I got up.
As the morning progressed and the sun shined, I was able to shed all but the T-Shirt. It is great right now.
Everyone got packed
up and ready to go before they enjoyed a cold breakfast of bagels, cream cheese, and apple juice (so there were no dishes).
The equipment was all driven up to the Voyager lodge, to greet the bus. Everyone that was leaving was loaded up and managed to leave
by 11:40. They should be back by 5:00
It is a beautiful sunny day (knock on wood) and those of us staying are off to do laundry, take naps, enjoy the weather, and
head off to Ice Crackin' Lodge for an early dinner later this afternoon. I plan to go back and enjoy the quiet, so I will not be
uploading pictures until later tonight or maybe tomorrow morning. I have pictures of the greased watermelon, the troop camp fire,
and the Voyager camp fire, as well as pictures of scouts leaving that I will try to post. Of course there will be many more pictures
after I get back to a speedier internet connection.
I will be up here until Thursday next week, and will continue the updates and pictures as I can, althought perhaps at a slower pace.
Have a good weekend, I know I will. |
DAY 6
Friday, July, 30 |
Thursday alternated between sunny and cloudy all day long. When it was cloudy it was cool and we would put shirts and coats on.
When it was sunny, it was hot and we would take the coats off. It was back and forth all day long, but no rain.
Thursday night we had a troop "campfire" at the Fort William site. I put "campfire" in quotes
because when it was lit, the spacestation reported see it and SAC was informed of a missle launch in Minnesota. After it burned
for a while we could get close enough to it to have skits. Each of the patrols put on a skit and we'll wee later if any of the
pictures turned out. Mr. Broeberg told one of his famous Many Point stories and Joe Hanson recounted the legend of the Yeti
at Many Point. The first year moms brought the makings for Somores for everyone. Once again a big thanks
On Friday, the scouts went off to finish their merit badge and first class adventure classes. We continued to have scout master conferences
and board of reviews all day long.
The three groups that we split into for afternoon activities, all finished up their turn at various activities, with the entire
troop meeting at the beach for the greased watermelon game. It is kind of like water soccer, but with a watermelon that has
been greased up with Crisco. After we're all done "washing" it in the lake, we slice it up and eat it at the beach.
The weather on Friday was really Minnesota style (if you don't like the weather, wait 15 minutes). All morning we wore long pants,
but about 1:15 the sun came out very bright, and many people started putting on shorts. By 1:45, it clouded up again and the
rain came down so hard, we expected Noah to float by. It let up a little after 2:00 and we headed to the beach for greased watermelon.
By the time we got to the beach, it was bright and sunny again. We had rain Thursday night and about 4 hours on Friday. The soil
is sandy here, so things drain quickly and we don't have too many puddles.
Fortunately it stopped raining long enough for the final goodbye Voyager Camp Wide Fire. As usual Troop 346 dominated the cheers
and put on a great skit, until it was "interrupted" by staff. Everyone was on their best behaviour and participated in the camp songs.
The scoutmasters (including Mr. Scharf) were recognized for their service and were presented with a Many Point Camp chair. They
also entertained us with a round of "I'm a Little Teapot". The Order of the Arrow callout ceremony was completed (Troop 346 will
do it's own later) and a final Many Point song was performed. After the fire, everyone headed back to camp, some for their last
night at Many Point this year.
Breakfast was english muffins, eggs, sausage, and cheese. Lunch was beef stew, and dinner was Pork Chops and Potatoes
. |
DAY 5
Thursday, July, 29 |
Yesterday, we had about three hours of rain in the morning, an hour about lunch time, and an hour
about dinner time. Other than that, it has been partly cloudy and cooler than usual.
Last night was a busy night. The first year scouts went on a five mile hike to meet one of their
rank requirements (see pictures). Several brave parents accompanied the scouts. Many thanks to those parents (the staff really
appreciate it!).
The second year and above attended the "Beach Bash" with swimming, games and hot dogs (sorry no pictures of that until later).
The adult leadership went up to the Buckskin Dining Hall for an inspirational talk, Many Point update, and rib dinner (see picture).
After that we all returned for evening free time.
EXTRA bright and early this morning, a number of us (about 15) got up and went to the beach for the Polar Bear Swim. Normally
at Many Point in July, it's not very Polar. However this morning it was definately a Polar swim. The Polar Bear swim is an
"interactive" story, with two staff members playing out and telling the story of Polar Bolarinski and the Polar Bear that chases
him all over the country (including into a lake) and they end up at Many Point in the 1940's when it's being built. The audience
has to run into (brrrrr.) and out of (even more brrrrrrr) the lake three times during the story. They also YELL at the top of
their lungs (polar bear, Polar Bear, POLAR BEAR, P-OOOOOOOOO-LAR BEAR!!!!) about eight different times to wake up everyone on
and around Lake Many Point. It's a LOT of fun (I've done it twice now) and the scouts who did it will get a Polar Bear bar
for their Many Point patch.
The hikers had a bag dinner on their hike, the beach bashers had hot dogs for dinner, and the adult leadership had ribs for dinner.
Pancakes and sausage for breakfast, toasted cheese sandwiches for lunch, and we will be having chicken patties for dinner today.
Everyone was busy this morning with the usual classes and they are all off to various troop activities as I write this.
We adults had a mass book sign-off party this morning to sign off all the requirements they have (and will) meet as part of their
classes here at Many Point. This has resulted in a LONG line of scouts waiting for scoutmaster conferences and board of reviews
for rank advancement. We will be bringing home a large crop of new Tenderfoot Scouts, as well as a smattering of Second Class,
and Life scouts.
It's a beautiful mostly sunny but cool afternoon and life is good. Bye for now from Many Point. |
DAY 4
Wednesday, July, 28 |
Ironman went GREAT yesterday!(see Ironman pictures) Three of our new scouts (as well as many older
ones) completed the entire race. It starts with canoeing out past a buoy and back, next is a swim around the dock, finished up
by a run (1-1.5 miles).
We had Vespers last night, followed by a talk by an International Scout (England) for the scouts that are or will be working
on Citizenship and the World. Several of the new scout Moms brought over a LOAD of popped popcorn for the entire troop to enjoy.
Everyone appreciated that.
We started getting up earlier this morning so that we aren't late for assembly. It really paid off, because everything was
cleaned up and ready to go when rain hit this morning. We've been having beautiful clear weather with highs in the 80's and lows
in the 50's, but today it has been raining since about 8:30. The boys are all off to class as I write this. All activities are
rain or shine (except swimming if there is lightning).
The Scouts taking Environmental Science have all been collecting live bugs
in empty water bottles and drawing a poster for the class (that has to be signed off by an adult). The First Aid merit badge kids
are putting together a first aid kit. They have to explain the use for the contents of the kit for their class.
Lunch yesterday was hoagy sandwiches. Dinner last night was spahgehti(sp?) with meatballs and canned peaches. Breakfast this
morning was scrambled eggs, bread, and juice.
The scouts have troop activities this afternoon, followed by a five mile hike for the new scouts and a "beach bash" for the
olders scouts. This will be followed by the usual freetime activities.
Tomorrow morning (at 6:15!) is the infamous Polar Bear Swim. We meet at the beach at 6:15 and go for a cold dip while we
hear the legend of Polar Bearinski! Ask the boys about it when they return.
Hopefully more tomorrow. The pictures are limited now due to time and capabilities, but there will be MANY more pictures posted
when I return from camp after August 9th. Many thanks to Mr. Henck and Mr. Storlien for saring their pictures as well. Eventuall
we'll have Mr. Lokken's as well but we don't have the right adapter here at camp. Please isgnor any misspellings or other errors. |
DAY 3
Tuesday, July, 27 |
Everyone was up bright and early by 7:00, breakfast was french toast, then everyone off to
classes, where they are as I write this. Hope for another update soon. The Ironman race is this afternoon at 4:00 (Canoeing, swimming
running). Vespers tonight and a International Scout talk for the kids that are working on Citizenship & the World.
Tomorrow will be the five mile hike for the first year scouts (part of first class requirement) and the "Beach Bash" for the
other scouts while the adults get a well deserved dinner at the lodge. Outgoing went out today, some lucky parents will get
another story than mine, dont't believe a word of it. |
DAY 2
Monday, July, 26 |
Eveyone was up bright and early by 7:00, breakfast of traditional Marshmallow maties.
Everyone headed off to classes. First & Second years headed to Environmental Science (see picture) then it was off to First Class
Adventure for first years and first aid for second years. Older scouts are all in various merit badges. Lunch was Ravioli
(although a lot of kids had PB&J or Ramen Noodles instead). Then it was an afternoon of troop activities including
Camp clean-up, super troop activities, and water polo (see pictures). Dinner Salsbury steak & mash potatoes (or pb&J) and
chocolate pudding (with flavor nuggets!). First years went to cooking merit badge demo and everyone had free time to
do camp activities like sailing, swimming, shooting, archery, etc. The "Bank" was open and some scouts took advantage of the
trading post (see picture). After a long day, everyone hit the hay after the flag ceremony. |
DAY 1
Sunday, July, 25 |
It was a long drive, but after stop in Park Rapids for lunch,
we finally made it to Many Point. The weather is beautiful up here, sunny with temps in the 80s.
After transporting our gear to the camp site (see the picture), we changed for swim qualifications.
That water sure felt good. Then it was back to camp to finish setting up and cooking dinner (Hamburgers).
After clean-up all the first and second year scouts went up for orientation, while to older
scouts relaxed. At 9:30 we will be going to the camp wide welcome campfire and then I sure we will
all be quite tired. Because of the slow connection, I have only uploaded two pictures, the group
picture at the church and a picture of gear being hauled. I will try to upload more and add more
comentary as time allows. |
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