POSTSCRIPT
DAY 15
Sunday, August 06 |
As promised, I'm wrapping things up with a postscript. It's a cool Sunday morning of what promises to be a hot Sunday, I'm
in a lawn chair in my backyard having my morning coffee (somehow the drip coffee isn't the same as the percolator coffee
with the inevitable sludge). Only the traffic on Townline road and the other sounds of the city are breaking the mood.
When I went to the admin building to transmit the last update, Mr. Broeberg decided to come along to see the admin building
(because we usually come in the "backdoor", from the south, he hadn't been there since first driving in two years ago).
While I was transmitting the entry and checking emails, he was able to accompany a group of six or so from Family Camp
that was being given
a tour of the Many Point Camp museum. The troop toured the museum and the fire tower two years ago (2003) as one of our
troop activities and it is probably something we should try to do again next year. The museum is one of only two Boy Scout
Camp museums in the US (the other being Philmont). It outlines the history or the geology of the area, the phases of
occupants (Indians, fur traders, loggers, sportmen, scouts) and give some history of scout camping, hoew the camp was
created, and how the programs have evolved. It is really a very nice museum.
When I was done with computer stuff, I went to find Mr. Broeberg and found that he and the other guest were about to head up
the fire tower. The fire tower is a retired DNR fire tower that was bought and moved to Many Point by the Many Point alumni
association back in the mid-ninties. The admin building is on of the higher points in the area, so the view from the top of
the fire tower provides a spectaular view of the entire camp (all 2400 acres) and lake Many Point. The tower is very visible
in the distance from Voyager main beach at the south end of the lake, so of course we could see Voyager beach. We could see
the entrance to the bay that Flintlock is on, we could see the Ten Chiefs beach, the back side of Family Camp Point, and
even another fire tower that is about 15 miles away. Unfortunately, since we weren't expecting the opportunity, we did not
have a camera with us. However, if you go back to the 2003 pictures, there are a number of pictures there from the fire
tower.
Despite our detour, we made it back to camp by 3:00 for the Many Point equipment demo. This is where staff shows us the
proper way to fold and tie Many Point equipment (tents, cots, stoves, etc.) Normally, only a few leaders get this demo at
7:00, but since we had a free period and we have so much equipment, Genna (our commisioner) agreed to come down and give a
demo to everyone. It really seemed to make a difference. Usually we end up having to re-tie more than 25% of the tents and
cots because they don't meet Many Point standards. This year leadership had scouts re-tie a few cots and tents, but at
check out time, I don't think there were any re-ties demanded by Many Point. Good job guys!
We did have aquatics at 4:00 (I forgot about that in my previous entry), but by freetime, the Many Point tents were all
down and rolled up. Most of Leadership moved their cots from leadership field to make a ring around the still smoldering
(since Thursday) troop fire ring (I'm sure that rumours that they did this because they are afraid of raccoons is
completely untrue). Most of the other patrols gathered their cots under their dining flys (not sure why, it was a beutiful
clear night). The patrols were all required to have their stoves cleaned, in their stove boxes and the stove boxes clean,
their patrol boxes packed, and the campsites cleaned and inspected before freetime. The camp looked quite different when
they were done.
After free time, it was time to get into class A uniforms for the closing campfire. While it was the same basic campfire
as last week, it was different this week because Troop 346 scouts were the MC's and about half of the entertainment. The
usual "energetic" chants were exchanged as the troop entered. They guys did a great job keeping the energy levels up,
providing little bits that helped string together the skits from other troops. This included a bit where they called up
the three CITs (the much abused Councilors In Training or "interns"). They gave each of them a 346 T-shirt that had been
frozen in water and set them off to see who could put on the t-shirt first. Seeing the CITs trying to unfreeze the t-shirts
in the background provided a humorous backdrop to about three skits. Also, there was "Trevor's Three Hints on Writing a
Skit" that provided a transition into several skits. Troop 346 also provided a number of "crowd" chacters for another
Troop's skit (Kyle the Pile).
The crowning glory of the night however, was the mush anticipated (and feared) premere of the Troop 346 skit. We knew the
choereography was going to be great, but we feared what the story may be. It turned out to be a twist on a very old and
often repeated campfire skit. In one version of the original skit (and there are many), a new scout a greeted and passed
by two leadership scouts. However, when we "rewind the scene" and "replay in slow motions" (a several times) we finally
see that in the split second that the eye originally missed, the new scout is "roughed up" (there is also a version with
a New York tourist and two muggers). In this new 346 version, Becky (the Voyager camp director) and Al (the Voyager program
director) pass each other, Becky asks Al to clean up his tent, and Al reluctantly agrees. As we rewind (with sound effects
by the narrator) we see that Al is more than reluctant, in the final version he and Becky engage in an epic Star Wars
light saber battle, compete with back flips, guitar music, and "Darth Vadar" in the background telling telling Al to "let
go" and use the dark side. In the end, when Al has the upper hand, Becky threatens to fire him if he doesn't clean up his
tent and he reluctantly agrees. Finally, a troop 346 skit that scouts AND staff enjoyed. A job well done by Hathan (Becky),
Timmy V. (Al), Ryan (narrator and guitarist), and the other leadership participants.
Earlier in the day, I thought I might have gotten into some Poison Ivy, so at the very end of the fire, I snuck off for a
PI shower before the showers got busy. As I was coming out of the shower I heard this VERY "energetic" chanting that
obviously involved troop 346 and another group of people. I thought "Oh no, 346 has gotten into a chanting match with
another troop" and I hoped it wouldn't get out of control (sometimes emotions get pretty high during those "we've got
spirit, how 'bout you" chants). I was relieved when I got back to camp and eveyone was settling down and quiet, and no one
was rushing up to tell me what had happened. Friday night is when the staff finishes filling out the merit badge blue cards,
and since our screen gazibo was packed up, and the lanterns were attracting hords of insects, I grabbed my advancement
paper work and headed to the staff lodge to mark off everyone's status. When I got there and got talking to the staff that
were all busily working on their paper work, I found out that the other troop our guys had been chanting with was actually
the staff (all 20 of them). Nour happened to have his video camera handy at the time, so he got it all on tape and gladly
showed it to me. It appeared to be a good natured riot, with everyone jumping up and down chanting back and forth at the top
of their lungs. It was quite a show, I'll have to try to get a copy of it for the Court of Honor. The staff loved it, and
all the energy expended, explained why the guys were so quiet when I returned to camp, they were just plain worn out.
With all the skits and the chanting, it was about 11:00 before staff got back to finishing the blue cards. I stayed an
chatted with them and would check off the finished badges as they finished cards. Nour was there the whole time and we
talked quite a bit about US and Egytian scouting, where he lives, and his schooling. Considering English is not his native
language, he sure knows how to use it. About 1:00 (am) someone called the lodge and said that the Northern Lights were very
active down at the beach. Nour had never seen or heard of the Northern lights, and it had been years since I had seen them
(I don't usually stay up that late) so we put down the work and headed to the beach. They Northern lights were not colorful
or moving like they can be, but they lit up the Northern horizon like you were looking at the light polution from
Minneapolis or some other large city, only there are no large (and no small) cities north of Many Point.
We headed back to the lodge and Mike K. (Kooks) helped me finish off checking out most of the guys (except fishing merit
badge, I got thse in the morning). As I headed back to camp at 2:00 everything was absolutely quiet except for the snoring
from the adults and the raccoons wandering around the campsite wondering where all the food went (the trailer). Four hours
later we were up and packing (the boys don't get breakfast until we're done). I went to the lodge to get the last of the
merit badge cards, and came back to camp to track down scoust who add not completed the requirements. In more than one case,
they had completed the requirement, but the councilor had not recorded it, or there were multiple councilors and completed
requirements had not been communicated between them. So the scouts headed off with their incomplete blue cards and a good
number more came back completed. Most of the remaining ones can be completed back here if they wish, or next year at Many
Point if they put it off.
Things were coming together pretty good by 9:00 and they boys had their bagels, cream cheese, and juice as some cars
started to pull out. As cars and trailers came, we continued to get the packed up, finished checking out, and finally the
last cars trucks and trailers left Many Point about 11:00. The Storliens, LeCroix, Joyces, VanSickles, and several other
parents I can't recall right now, made the drive up Saturday morning to help as drag everything home. If we missed any
scouts, we'll pcik them up next year. Most groups stopped in Wadena for lunch and headed home by various routes. I decide
to try 71 south through Salk Center to I94 and that wasn't a bad route. Most people gathered at the church to unload troop
equipment and to collect bicycles and personal gear. Patrol and stove boxes were sent home for cleaning and the rest of the
equipment was stored in the garage. we finally got home about 4:30 and unpacked. It's suprising how much wildlife we have
noticed since returning from camp, there was a dead raccoon on Woodland, and when we pulled from the front church parking
lot to the back, there was a young deer in the upper parking lot. As I've sat here typing, a bunny as wandered across the
backyard, and the bird have been active this morning.
After several showers, we headed out to dinner, followed by a two hour "nap" on the couch, and headed to bed. It was the
first time in two weeks that I wasn't woken up by raccoons or owls. That's one thing I won't miss. Well, I've been at this
for about an hour and a half, my coffees getting cold, the family is starting to wake up, and I've got more unpacking, wash,
and burning to do, so I think I will wrap it up for this year. I will try to get most of the pictures up by mid-week and
will be glad to accept any CDs that people want to give me of other pictures you may have taken. Watch for picture updates,
and be sure to come to the Fall Court of Honor, I'm sure we'll have quite the presentation. I hope you enjoy having your
scouts back and we'll see you in September. That's all for now, from my backyard after Many Point....Jon Yearous
|
DAY 13
Friday, August 05 |
I'm going to let you read last week to see what we ate, it's the same menu. The only difference is that twice this week
the food delivery guys has brought us trays of warm Granny Rolls (Cinnamon Rolls). I think he really appreciates that we've
been keeping his turn around area clear and that someone always comes out to help him load empty crates and unload full
crates. It keeps him from having to jump in and out of the truck. We also gave him a pie tin of our famous Troop 346
Leftover/Staples Raisin Oatmeal Cookie Bars. The kitchen staff seemed to enjoy them. Now than Jon Scharf is here, the
Dutch oven cooking has kicked up a notch also. Nobody but Nick and I showed any interest in Dutch Oven cooking up until now.
They all want to eat it, but nobody wants to learn how to make it. Mr Scharf made a blue berry cobbler last night that the
adults shared the remainder of. I made a carrot cake with cream frosting that everyone in leadership had for dessert last
night. We also made more Oatmeal Cookie bars that we shared with any scout that asked. This morning Mr. Scharf got up early
and made a great dutch oven egg dish, with ham, cheese, and left over potatoes, onions, and eggs. Once again, the adults ate
great and shared the remained with leadership (that were having scrambled eggs, sausage, and english muffins). You can see
why I'm writing about the "special" food rather than the same menu as last week. We have more things we can make, but we're
running out of time quickly.
A lot of people have been coming and going lately. I want to thank the three adults who read the blog and brought emergency
supplies of coffee. We used up my last pack this morning, so they came to the rescue just in time. Mrs. Furlich and Eric
headed out yesterday. Mr. Hinck and Connor are leaving this afternoon, and Vismay left this morning (after first finishing
his merit badges!) Mr. Oas and Mr. Beck arrived last night, Mr. LeCroix and Mr. Storlien are expected back today, and Mrs.
VanSickle and someone from the Miller dynasty are expected today or tomorrow. I'm losing track of all the comings and goings,
but we always appreciate the help and the company. Mr. Buss has been a great help all week running kids to Flintlock
overnights and the Lifeguard class at Ten Chiefs.
The rib dinner Wednesday night was great as usual, but the pre-dinner talk was the same, but only Mr. Broeberg and I had
sat through it last week. I understand that while we were gone dinner, the leadership trounced the Staff in a game of
water polo (good job guys). Usual freetime activities in the evening. At 9:15 is the "teacher conferences" for all the
merit badge classes. On Wednesday night the advancement chair (this week at camp, that's me) goes up and meets with all the
merit badge councilors to turn in blue cards, to find out who has and has not been going to class (and in some cases which
class), and what homework still needs to be completed before Firday. Our guys have doing great, but with all the guys we
have in all the classes, it still took an hour to talk to everyone (they're great people to just shoot the breeze with in
any case.
As I mentioned, the first part of the week was miserably hot, the poor people that ran in the Ironman really suffered. So,
when does the temperature go down? Why just in time for the Polar Bear Swim on Thursday morning! The temperature was
hovering around 55 when we headed down to the beach at about 6:00 Thursday morning. "We" consisted of me, Mr. Devine, Kenny,
and Ben O. Nick also came along to make sure I got up and to laugh at his old man running into the water. Same story as last
week but Al, the camp co-director, for some reason delegated the role of Polar Bolarinski to someone else on this chilly
morning. Nick the water front guy (and narrator) decide to have us run in four times this week (instead of three.) The
good news is that the water was warmer that the air, so it felt good going in , but not coming out. To be fair, the
tradition has been that if you want to be woken up for polar bear, you are suppose to put your towel on your tent the night
before, and leadership will come and wake you up before they head down. However, there was some "miscommunication" and
leadership did not wake-up the people with towel (or themselves), so several people that wanted to go were disappointed
that they were not woken up. I guess that means I will have more company next year. I wonder if I can put five Polar Bear
segements on my uniform to show that I've been insane at least five mornings (not that two two week tours of duty up here
aren't proof enough.)
Usual pancakes Thursday morning, same lunch, same classes. We were suppose to have troop sailing on Thursday afternoon,
but there were wind advisories on Thursday afternoon (at least one tarp blew down), so they pulled all the sailboats off
the lake. We reminded the staff that if the boys were sitting around the camp with nothing to do, they would probably use
the time to make up "skits" for the closing campfire, so they quickly put together some activities for us. One group had
a troop swim, the other had supertroop (service) project, then some other activity, followed up by a troop wide water polo
game. The older boys were disappointed they could sail (a "little wind" didn't scare them) but I think everyone else was
happy with the activities. Usual dinner (except for the dutch oven extras) followed by the usual freetime activities. One
difference was that each campsite had to be inspected by the scout master and the SPL before the patrols could go to free
time. This was a very needed change in the routine.
Thurday night was our new traditional troop campfire. Knowing that it needed to be out in two days, the boys didn't build
it quite as large as last week, but it was impressive none the less (pictures when I get back). The second year scouts put
on the best (and first) skit of the night, with their interpretation of the morning camp assembly, complete with impressions
of camp staff and their rendition of the Skip Along song from morning assembly. There were a couple of other skits, but none
compared to the second year's. The second years tried to shame the third years into doing a skit, but it didn't work. The
adult skit was probably the second best of the evening, with their rendition of Goldielocks and the Three Bears, called
Tommy and the Three Raccoons (ask Tommy for a description of this skit based on true events). A large contingent of staff
attended and their attendance was greatly appreciated by all the boys. They get invited to a LOT of campfire, but I have it
on good authority that they do not turn out in this great of numbers for any other campfire (other than theirs). They got
up any led everyone in a fun song (My old man's a sailor man). After the skits, we all broke for ice cream sundaes provided
by the Family Camp patrol. Everyone (including staff) LOVED the ice cream and really appreciate the effort that the Family
Camp families put into it. It's strange eating anything that's really cold after two weeks at camp.
After the treats, everyone pulled in closer to the fire and it was time for scary stories. Mr. Broeberg re-told a favorite
from two years ago (Lavender), then the boys started telling various scary stories they had heard over the years. After
scary stories, staff and leadership gathered around the fire and sang songs until about midnight, when everyone got shooed
away to bed. It was one of the best troop campfires that I've ever seen. Everyone (including staff) looked a bit sleepy this
morning, but I think everyone thought it was worth it (the rolls this morning helped wake everyone up). The raccoons were
really busy this morning at 4:00 and did not help the sleep situation at all. One thing I will not miss when I get home
is the nightly raccoon visits.
The campfire was still burning this morning (burning, not smoldering) so that should give you some idea how big it was. It
got into the 50s last night, so the fire was popular spot this morning.This morning was the usual routine. It was
everyone's last chance to finish up merit badge work (other than some last minute hustling during free time). We're having
hot dogs for lunch. I was sitting in the staff area earlier (where I can get to power), but I'm typing on batteries right
now in the campsite waiting for lunch.
After lunch we will have troop wide campfire reflections until 2:00, then half the troop will have archery and half will
be doing super troop projects. At 2:00 I'll run up to admin to upload this last update. From 3:00 until dinner we have
free time and we're planning to start packing up.
Our commissioner Genna is going to come down at three and train the boys
how to pack up the Many Point equipment. The plan is to pack up all but one Many Point tent and store them in one tent we
leave up. That way, we will have dry rolled up tents in the morning. They boys will sleep out on their cots tonight, under
their mosquito netting, either under the stars or under their dining tarp. The forecast for tonight is 60-65 with clear
skies (no rain until Tuesday). After dinner we will also have them pack up the stoves and patrol boxes. After free time,
we can load the bikes into whatever trailers we have here tonight.
With any luck, the only thing we will have to pack tomorrow is cots, dining flys, and personal effects. We hope to check
out about 9:30, but we'll see how it goes. We'll call someone when we leave on Saturday, so they can call around a let
people know.
It's been a great two weeks. That's not to say that we haven't had our challanges to deal with. However, just as the adults
have had challanges to deal with, the scouts have had their share of challanges to deal with also. Some challanges result
from the classes they are taking and some challanges result from just trying to live in close proximity to a bunch of
people under the conditions of camp. Hopefully the boys have all learned something from their challanges and will come
home with more skills than when they left and feeling good about how they faced and dealt with their challanges.
(By the way parents, the boys CAN cook and wash dishes, so you may want to have them practice these skills at home. You
tell them that it is good practice for Many Point next year).
Next week, I will try to get all the pictures I have gathered, uploaded to the website. If you or your sons have pictures
from Many Point (or any other troop activity) that you would be willing to share, please burn them on a CD, get them to me,
and I will try to add them to the website. At the fall court we will hopefully have a lot to look at. I know we're going
to have a busy court of honor with all the advancements and merit badges.
This will most likely be my last update from Many Point. If anything significant happens this afternoon or tomorrow, I will
add a postscript when we get back. I hope you have all enjoyed hearing about our adventures and brings you a little bit of
understanding of what camp is about and what the boys have been through. I know it is always frustrating when kids return
from an event and you ask "what did you do" and the answer is "stuff." Hopefully this gives you a head start of things to
ask your kids about. I know I'm not looking forward to returning to work next week, maybe I'll have to sit out side in the
morning to drink my coffee, just to capture some of the experience we've enjoyed these past two weeks.
There's a loon off calling in the distance, the kids are just about done with reflections, and you've heard just about
enough from me for a while. We all look forward to seeing our loved ones when we return tomorrow. I hope everyone has the
opportunity to take some time to catch up and get your kids versions of my tall tales before everyone gets back to their
usual busy routines. Thats all for this year from Many Point Scout Camp.....Jon Yearous.
|
DAY 11
Wednesday, August 03 |
Well, the mundane stuff first: Monday Dinner, Salisbury Steak; Tuesday Breakfast, French Toast & sausage; Tuesday Lunch,
Chili & Corn Chips; Tuesday Dinner, Spaghetti & Granny Bread (leadership used left over margarine & garlic salt to make
Garlic toast on the grill); Wednesday breakfast, hash browns & eggs & bread (leadership used the bread & eggs to make
French toast again with left over syrup). The Buettner's headed out yesterday, Mr. Greene came to visit overnight, and
Mr. McGovern headed back home this morning. Weather has been miserable the last three days (Sunday-Tuesday). The temps were
in the 90's and humidity was high. The weather radio said that the heat index was around 100. Standing in the sun was very
uncomfortable, so everyone has been seeking shade where ever they go. Nick went kayaking for four hours and came back red
as a lobster and has learned why sun screen is so important.
Yesterday we had troop wide water polo (great fun was had by all) and Tuesday of course means IRONMAN. We had a number of
scouts and several adults participate. Tom Joyce was to overall "winner" (although no one is keeping track). It was tough
for those runners in this heat, so everyone cheered extra hard for them.
Late yesterday, a cool front started to come in, but of course that meant rain. We started hearing thunder about 5:00 and
got a brief shower about 6:00. That brief shower only made the humidity worse. Vespers were at 7:00, and even though the
rain stopped, sitting there for Vespers in class A uniforms was hot and muggy. The good news is that Troop 346 help liven
up the Vespers service with music. Trevor, Timmy, Ryan, Tom, Tommy, & Eric formed the Troop 346 Behind the Barn Boys musical
review with guitars and vocals. They first played This Land Is My Land for everyone to sing, then they sang a song by Red
Hot Chili song that wasn't in the hymnal, and then during skits Timmy & Ryan serenaded Becky (the camp director) with a
Back Street Boys song (acting out a scout is brave). Becky said this morning that she wished Troop 346 was here for vespers
every week.
After vespers, the boys headed off to free time. Tuesday is, of course, Tie-dye Tuesday so a number of our guys headed off
to the handy crafts building to tie-dye various articles of clothing (it helps to hide the dirt). The tie-dyed items stay
in a plastic bag for three days, so we haven't seen the results yet, but last week some pretty neat shirts came out. After
vespers, the international scout gives a talk that the boys can use as one of the optional requirements for the Citizenship
in the World merit badge (or a Noor say the Citizen in the Nationionship World merit badge). As I've mentioned before, there
is an Egyptian Sea Scout by the name of Noor here that is helping to teach rowing and other aquatic subjects. He told us how
the Egyptian scouting program has Scouts (the boys) and Girl Guides and that the scouting program is broken into Sea Scouts,
Air Scouts, and Earth Scouts. They have much in common, but have different emphasis. It rained briefly again during free
time and the temperature dropped a degree or two.
It started to rain seriously about 12:30 AM and continued through most of the night. Near as I can tell most everyone
stayed pretty dry. The rain stopped about 7:00 this morning and right now the sun is out, the sky is partly cloudy, and the
temperature is probably in the 70's. Now that the rain is past, the temperatures are support to be cooler and the weather
is supposed to stay cool and dry. It should be much more enjoyable the rest of the week and good for packing on Friday &
Saturday. While the rain may have kept us inside last night, the raccoons we're out as usual. Some food was left out that
they "cleaned up" for us, a garbage can was tipped over so they could lick it clean, and there were paw prints all over the
clean dishes that were left to dry on the table. Needless to say, we did dishes this morning before breakfast.
Four boys were on the Huck Finn overnight last night, and evidently about 1:00 in the morning they hauled them
into the Flintlock storm shelter because of lightning. At least they got to enjoy most of the Huck Finn experience. We have
had several other boys head over to Flintlock for Sail Boarding, COPE, and Kayaking. The COPE guys had a lot of fun and we
have two more groups heading over this week for COPE. We also have a group heading over for the day Tree House program, and
two for the overnight Tree house program. Except for the overnight guys, we have been letting the Flintlock participants
ride their bikes to Flintlock, which has helped keep down on the adult driving this week. We only have one scout in Life
Guard this week, so we have been driving him up and back to Ten Chiefs every morning.
Since this is Wednesday, we will probably have Ravioli for Lunch and the adults will all head to admin for the Adult Leader
rib dinner. While we're gone, the scouts will have their destructional swim, scout/staff water polo, and eat dinner on the
beach (Beach Bash). The adults will be back by 7:00 and free time will commence. Tomorrow morning will be the Polar Bear
swim. We'll have to see if we can encourage more scouts to wake up early go (I'll have to see if I can wake up and go for
by seventh straight Polar Bear).
The leadership guys have been busy practicing a very elaborate skit for the closing ceremonies, involving the staff in a
star wars inspired light saber battle. It is quite the show and should be very entertaining (tickets are still available
for anyone that wants to drive up for the spectacle). Well, its 10:45 and I should probably get going. I may get around to
one more update this week, but we'll see. For now, that's all from Many Point....Jon Yearous
|
DAY 9
Monday, August 01 |
Sorry there haven't been any updates. We've just been too busy and that 20 minute drive up, 20 minutes to up load, and 20
minutes back just hasn't been a priority. I'm sitting up in the Voyager staff area right now because it's cool in the
shade, they have screens to keep out the flies, and there's power so I don't run down my batteries. When I'm done writing
this, I'll drive up to the admin building to upload it.
I still haven't uploaded any pictures (other than the departure hill picture) and I will probably wait at this point to
upload pictures until I get back. Look at last year's for now and pretend. Thursday night, if I remember right was pork
chops. Surprisingly it was the first non-pre-cooked meet that we've seen. Even more surprisingly (or not) it all got cooked
really well. The kids must have been listening well during Cooking Merit Badge and rank advancement, because several knew
enough to ask us how to tell when the meet was cooked. I'm doing the menus from memory here, so they may not be entirely
accurate.
Thursday night was the ultra-gigantic 346 troop campfire. The leadership guys spent all day building a huge pyre in the
open field next to Fort Bill (it's suppose to be the commissioner’s front yard, but they gave us permission for the fire).
The Many Point camp director came down to inspect the fire pile before the campfire and made them reduce the height by
about 1/3. It was still a huge pile, bigger than the opening or closing fires the staff puts on. More than half of the
patrols put on skits, including leadership. The Voyager staff came down to observe, and were encouraged to do a skit also.
It was great having them down there. By request, Mr. Broeberg retold the story of Karl Rand who, legend has it, lived in
the house that stood where the old fountains sits today, between Savanna Portage and Ft. Bill. Someone else re-told the
Yeti story from last year as well. I hear that one scout slept with his glasses on, holding a cot end (1x1x34" stick).
When asked why he had his glasses on he said that it was because his aim was better with his glasses. Maybe next year we
may have to give the first years the opportunity to leave before the ghost stories. After the stories, Mrs. Smith served
refreshments (I didn't stick around, so I don't know what it was, but I know everyone was appreciative).
I'm afraid I don't remember what we had to eat on Friday, maybe I'll fill it back in later. Friday was the usual activities
with merit badge classes finishing up and the final round of troop activities. Friday night was the closing campfire.
Evidently after the campfire on Friday, our kids and another troop decided to go to the beach and help re-arrange the
equipment instead of coming back to the campsite. As a result, we had a visitor on Sunday morning. The Many Point camp
director came to visit us to talk about some "unfortunate" activities attributed to troop 346, including the earlier canoe
prank and the beach prank. He correctly pointed out that these are not in keeping with the scout ethics, set a bad example
for the younger scouts, tend to escalate from year to year, and encourages copy cat activities by other troops. Troop 346
has been nicely asked to figure out how to curtail these activities and put that energy to some better, more constructive use.
So we now have a challenge.
Saturday morning is like half a week crammed into one morning. Everyone has to get up, pack load, and be ready to go by
about noon. Saturday morning breakfast is bagels, cream cheese and orange juice, served with napkins and plastic knives,
so there is minimal prep and no dishes to wash. We don't allow the scouts to eat until they are all packed up, so they are
motivated to MOVE. The third law of thermal dynamics says that any system left on its own will tend to assume the most
random (disorganized) state. I glad to say that troop 346 did not break any laws Saturday morning. If you kicked an ant
hill, I think you would see less frantic activity.
We had about 85-89 scouts here the first week (I think we found most of them) and we dropped to about 45 scouts the second
week. The large number the first week means that we need both Savanna Portage and Ft. Bill, but after the folks leave on
Saturday, there is enough room for everyone in Ft. Bill and we consolidate to Ft. Bill. This means that the tents and tarps
of the folks leaving are left standing for Savanna Portage people to move into and all the Savanna Portage equipment has to
come down. Since it wouldn't be fair to have the Savanna Portage guys who stay two weeks to tear down Savanna Portage at the
end of week one and Ft. Bill at the end of week two, we have the younger guys leaving Ft. Bill come down to Savanna Portage
and learn how to fold tents and cots THE Many Point way (they are all inspected for proper rolling before Many Point will
accept them back.) This means a LOT of activity with guys leaving getting their equipment to the bus, Savanna Portage guys
getting their equipment down to Ft. Bill, and Ft. Bill guys helping to tear down Savanna Portage all before the bus leaves.
In the haste to leave, we discovered that several of the patrol boxes that should have been moved from Savanna Portage to
Ft. Bill were left on Mr. Devitt's truck and made the trip home. When it all settled out, there were enough patrol boxes
everyone, but the biggest problem is that 2/3 of our coffee supply went home in the Jr. Leadership patrol box. We'll make
due, but if any drops from lack of caffeine there's likely to be a riot. We also had to keep two of the Many Point stoves
since several troop stoves were sent home, but that's not as important as the coffee.
The bus took off from Many Point about noon on Saturday and since there haven't been any frantic calls to Many Point, I
assume the bus made it home OK. As soon as the bus left and folks got settled in a little, many people took off for all
sorts of activities. From noon Saturday to noon Sunday, the camp is practically deserted. One or two unlucky staff are left
behind to hold down the fort and the rest go off for some WELL deserved personal time. Some of our scouts that had family
over in Family Camp went over there for the weekend. Some folks took off to do laundry and take showers at family camp
(they have MUCH better facilities over there). Some folks took off for Park Rapids or Detroit Lakes to do laundry, and I
hear one group even took in a movie).
Tradition has it that we all meet up about 5:00 and all go to dinner at Ice Crackin' Lodge. It was a chance for everyone
to eat a meal that they didn't have to cook and didn't have to do dishes for, and a chance for everyone to drink pop, eat
sweets and have a bonding experience for everyone that survived the first week and were in for the long haul (a second week).
Ice Crackin' lodge use to be this REALLY neat log cabin restaurant bar that had been built back in the 40's. It had been
built in may stages and had several levels and nooks and crannies all over the place. Evidently they decided that the old
building was too old, and the lake shore it occupied to valuable, because the took it out and built a new place across the
road. To take the old one down they decided to do a controlled burn. I understand that it got away from them and the old
wooded place burned to the ground in 10 minutes. Probably a good thing we were never in it when it caught fire. So now
there's the new place.
First the good news: It's new, the food is still great, and the staff very friendly. However....the new place is half the
size of the old place, it's a glorified pole barn, it does not have a view of the lake (only the road and the trailer's
behind the restaurant). They have decorated the inside of the pole barn with knotty pine, but it has all the outdoor charm
of the MinneSOTA store at the Mall of America. Maybe in 40 years it will reacquire that rustic feel. Also, now that it's
half the size of the old place, they told us that we could either come as a group before 3:00 (so much for our traditional
dinner) or come in small groups after 3:00. Eventually the decision was finally made to go in small groups, so it was kind
of everyone for themselves. I think everyone eventually made it over there that wanted to go, but it really took the group
bonding aspect of it out of the equation. Another tradition bites the dust.
We had a whole bunch of scout master conferences and boards of review before the group left on Saturday and we've been
having even more since then. We're going to have a VERY big Court of Honor come September with all the rank advancements
merit badges. With about 90 kids last week and 45 this week, and everyone averaging two merit badges each, that will be
something like 250 or more merit badges completed. It's been a great summer for Many Point. We had a bunch of adults leave
with the scouts on Saturday, a few more after Ice Crackin', and another whole crew has arrived. Mr. Jacobson has assumed
the mantle of scoutmaster for the week, taking over from Mr. Devitt. Mr. Broeberg has taken over the Flintlock duties from
Mr. Storlien. Mr. Elliot came up mid-week to straighten out my advancement work and has foolishly left it to me to take
over the rest of this week. Mr. Buss, Mrs. Furlich, Mr. McGovern, and Mr. Hinck have joined us at least for part of the
week. Adam and Mr. Buettner joined us for a quick overnight and headed back this morning. The cast of characters will
continue to change all week, if I've forgotten anyone, I'm sorry, I'm doing this from memory. We sure do appreciate (and
miss) the great adults that were up here with us last week).
The food truck doesn't come on the weekend, so they drop off our Saturday Lunch, Sunday Breakfast, and Sunday lunch at the
Voyager staff area on Saturday morning, and we go collect it when we're ready. Saturday lunch was sub sandwiches for those
still in camp on Saturday afternoon. Saturday dinner was Ice Crackin'. Sunday morning we let everyone sleep in a late as
they wanted. Saturday night they stayed up very late singing songs around the First Year fire pit. Scouts of all ages
participated, and everyone stayed in late. Some people had breakfast starting at about 8:30, but it stretched out most of
the morning. The adults were all up pretty early and enjoyed a nice apple crisp (and of course COFFEE) to start breakfast
before we got the food from Many Point. Using Many Point food and left overs, we had bacon and French toast with warm syrup.
Sunday lunch was a little late due to the late breakfast, but we had grilled chicken patties on left over bread, and left
over sub fixings. I don't think anyone made the mashed potatoes. The weather last week was great, highs in the 70's, lows
in the 50's. On Saturday, the temps rose significantly and no one is cool now. The temperatures have been in the mid 90's
and are suppose to stay that way until late Wednesday. As the weather changes on Wednesday, we're likely to get thunder
storms, but then it will be cool and clear for closing up camp and heading home at the end of the week. But meanwhile, we're
all hot and sweaty. We're trying to keep everyone hydrated, but you try telling them that they need to carry their water
bottles AND use them.
It got to be lunch time here, so I had to clear out of the staff area and go down to Ft. Bill for lunch. I dropped four
scouts off at Flintlock for COPE training (1-9) and three others rode their bikes to Flintlock for kayaking (1-4).
Everyone else is at Volleyball or Rifle until 2, at which time they will switch places. Since we're down to 45 scouts, we
split into two troops for troop activities this week (instead of three last weeks). I'm sitting outside the main admin
building right now, where I get the internet connection (see last year's pictures of me typing with my feet up). As soon
as I finish typing this I will transmit and head back to camp. With as hot as it is, I will probably head down to swimming
during destructional swim.
Meals are the same this week as last week, except we got nectarines this morning with only a few plums (otherwise cereal,
pop tarts, and milk). Lunch was tuna fish sandwiches. I assume dinner tonight will be Salisbury steak again. Second week is
pretty much the same menu and schedule as first week. The boys staying two weeks just take different classes, but it's the
same schedule and same menu. Since it's largely the same, I will probably not update as often.
Last night was welcoming camp fire and the only thing different is that we actually got to sit on benches! Our guys like
to come in last (and make a big entrance) so we usually end up sitting in the dirt at the back of the camp fire amphitheater.
For the first time I can remember, we actually got benches. Same skits, same songs, but nice just the same. Lots of raccoons
and skunks around the site, but the boys are starting to be more careful with garbage. A whole family of raccoons woke up the
adults last night about 2:30 vainly banging around looking for food. They could smell it, but they couldn't get into
anything. The other night it was the owls hooting back and forth to each other at 12:30 and 4:30. We've tried asking the
wild life to hold it down, but I guess that only works with some wild life (the boys).
Well that's more than enough for now. I will try to get one or two updates in this week and get the pictures up when I get
back next week. That's all for now from Many Point....Jon Yearous
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DAY 5
Thursday, July 28 |
Thursday morning came early this morning. Thursday morning means the polar bear swim. The staff puts on quite a show, to
entertain those of us who show up for the early morning swim. It's just not the same without Goody (he joined the marines,
I guess he thought it was easier than scouts), but the new staff does well too. You'd think that with 90 boys and a dozen
or more adults, we could get more than 10 people to turn out, but I guess everyone likes to sleep in.
Breakfast was pancakes, then we had a very late troop assembly, and most people missed the camp assembly. I'm not sure what
the excuses were today, but I think the get up and go, got up and went. After assembly, everyone was off to their various
classes. Last night was the "teacher's conference" where all the advancement chairs turn in the blue cards to the merit
badge teachers and get a brief assessment about how everyone is doing. Our guys seem to be progressing well and we're
expecting a passel of advancements at the end of the week.
Lunch was tomato soup and toasted cheese sandwiches, and plums for desert (they must have gotten a great deal on plums,
because we've had them twice now, but haven't seen an apple or an orange yet). After lunch, everyone one was off to troop
activities. Two groups have greased watermelon at the beach and the third group will have that tomorrow. The groups will
be rotating through the various activities I've already mentioned.
More kids are off to Flintlock this afternoon for some evening and overnight activities. Tonight will also be the big troop
fire, complete with skits. Last year the fire was quite the blaze, we'll have to see what they come up with this year.
Yesterday morning the leadership boys played their annual prank on staff. They got up at 3:30 am and strung a canoe up
between two trees over the entrance we use to the lodge area. In the canoe was the bear target from the archery range,
wearing a Troop 346 class B T-Shirt. On the side of the canoe was the Blue and yellow troop 346 sign. There wasn't much
doubt about who played that prank. There will be pictures later. I apologize for not getting pictures up yet, but they a
bit tricky to do with this connection and I just haven't had time. I will try this weekend to get some posted.
I had better head back to camp to do some baking, that's all for now from Many Point......Jon Yearous
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DAY 4
Wednesday, July 27 |
It's Wednesday afternoon, and I'm writing this sitting at Savanna Portage (our campsite) so we'll have to see how long my
batteries hold out. We've had about two days of just beautiful weather, with lows in the 50's and highs in the mid 60's
to low 70's and light clouds. It's about 4:00 pm and for the past hour, the temperature has dropped, the cloud has been
alternating between sunny and cloudy, and there has been a lot of thunder in the south. Fortunately, the storm appears to
be missing us (knock on wood), but there is a 40% chance of rain tonight.
Lunch yesterday was chili, corn chips, and fruit. Everyone got to do their afternoon troop activities. For the afternoon
trip activities we break into three troops of about 30 kids each (red, blue, and green troop) so that we don't over whelm
the activities and everyone gets a turn. The activities include rifle range, archery, group swim, water polo, climbing
wall, scout craft, and a couple of free times for good measure. By the end of the week, everyone rotates through all the
same activities.
Yesterday, there were only two troop activity hours, so they move destructional swim to 3:00, so we could have the Ironman
race at 4:00. Troop 346 was well represented, with some scouts doing all three segments and some only doing one. The first
segment is canoeing out to a buoy and back. The wind was a bit strong, but everyone made it out and back fine. The next
segment is swimming around the dock, and the last segment is running down the main camp road almost to Flintlock and
back (about 2 miles). Those that didn't participate cheered for those that did. It's always a lot of fun, and those that
participate receive an Ironman segment for their uniforms (the secret is to teach your SCOUTS how to sew them on).
We had spaghetti, with sauce, meatballs, and granny bread. The Many Point cook has been here for years and is known a
granny. She makes terrific bread and rolls. Vespers (non-denominational inspirational gathering) was from 7-7:30. After
that the scouts had free time until 9:00. Every year Voyager has at least one international scout on staff. This year they
have an Egyptian Sea Scout on staff. After Vespers, the international scout always offer to give a talk to scouts that
helps fulfill one of their Citizenship in the World requirements. Other free time activities include the same things we do
for troop activities (climbing, archery, etc.) as well some self directed merit badges, and some craft opportunities.
One night they have an opportunity to do tie dyeing.
Bed time came at 10 with lights out at 10:30 and things seem to go well in Savanna Portage. We had the usual night time
visitors and one patrol box was "broken into by a raccoon." It seems that despite rules to the contrary, a certain patrol
was keeping a stash of peanut butter, bread, and raisins in their patrol box. All food is suppose to be stored in the troop
trailer or the bear box at night. Now the scouts understand why. The raccoons and skunks have been unusually active this
year. We always hear them moving around and making noises at night (and find evidence of their visits the next morning) but
I've never seen one out during the day. When the kids are gone to activities during the day, we adults have had several
sightings of raccoons and skunks making the tour of the campgrounds during the day (pictures later). Rob met up with one
skunk taking a short cut through our son's tent. On his way to visit the latrine last night Rob almost tripped over a skunk
that was visiting our sump (a place where waste food liquids are dumped). They were both quite surprised, but fortunately for
Rob, not too surprised.
Breakfast this morning was scrambled eggs, hash browns, and orange juice. Things went much smoother today, with everyone
getting to everything mostly on time. One of the boats carrying the boys to Life Guarding swamped in rough water the other
day, so they are now going and going by bus. It was day three of merit badge classes and first class adventure for everyone.
Lunch was Ravioli and corn chips. Several of us dads have been experimenting with Dutch Oven cooking to "supplement" our
menu. Yesterday afternoon, I made two batches on my Many Point Oatmeal Leftover bars (they disappeared before the boys
came back from class. Today Dan made two pans of corn bread that the Savanna Portage leadership had with Ravioli. This
afternoon Bill made two batches of Brownies, one batch went on a hike with the first year scouts (more later) and one batch
is sitting here in the adult screen "porch" while a game of cribbage is going on (its 10:15 pm).
At one o'clock we had a whole troop water polo game. The teams were senior leadership against everyone else. Even though
they fought a valiant battle, leadership lost 3:1. The guys broke into their "mini-troops" for two more hours of troop
activities and an hour of in camp free time from 4-5.
This afternoon, we had a wave of adults come to camp. Jim Elliot, Jim Linde, Randy Miller, and Jon Buggy all arrived to
bolster the adult count in Savanna Portage. This is in addition to Dave, Rob, George, Bill, and me that are already here.
We have quite a tent city established here. There are also three parents and two young adults at Fort Bill.
At 5:00, most of the first year scouts headed out with Bill, George, Rob (and a bunch of other troop scouts and Many
Point councilors) for a five mile hike. They hiked out to the Many Point Family camp, had a sack dinner and hiked back.
There will be some sound sleeping in the new scout area tonight. The rest of the scouts (with Dave and Jim) headed to the
beach for their normal aquatics classes and a "beach bash". Meanwhile, the rest of us adults boarded a bus for a ride up
to the Buckskin dinning hall for a "free" rib dinner. The food is always excellent, but as they say, there's no such thing
as a free lunch. Just like lunch at the salvation army, first we have to hear the "sermon." In this case however, it's
actually and introduction of the camp staff and a talk by the camp director about the recent projects they've completed
and the projects they have coming up. It's a very nice chance for adults to get out of the camp for a little bit.
They got us back to the beach by 7:00, just in time to release the scouts back into our care for free time. The scouts had
the usual free time from 7-9. Even though the very mean looking thunderstorm passed to the south, about 8:30 a gentle rain
started that is only slowing down now. At least it quieted down the scouts and gave them an excuse to go to bed on time.
I'm going to wrap this up now and go to bed myself. Hopefully I will get to the welcome center tomorrow morning to
post this on the website. However, at 6:15 tomorrow morning I planning on getting up to participate in the Polar Bear
swim. So far, the water has been nice, but with all the rain we've been having, we'll see what it's like. I will try to
add an entry about that before I post tomorrow. Bye for now from Many Point....Jon Yearous.
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DAY 3
Tuesday, July, 26 |
Well, I said it looked like rain and boy was I right. Just as I finished my writing and tried to upload it to the website,
it started to rain (11 am). Unfortunately, the internet connection here is by satellite, and doesn't work well in rain
storms, so Monday's entry was uploaded this morning. It rained from about 11 am to 3 pm yesterday. The Flintlock Kayaking
and Canoeing for three scouts got cancelled, as did most of the afternoon troop activities. We have 14 boys that go
to Life Guard class every morning at the Ten Chiefs campground. They get picked up by pontoon boat from the Voyager beach
at 8:20 and returned by pontoon boat at noon. However, because of lightning, they had to call up a bus to bring them back.
Lunch was tuna fish sandwiches. Most of the boys ended up sitting around the camp ground from 1-4 because the troop
activities, like climbing wall and beach activities had to be cancelled. They were bored and restless. Fortunately, the rain
stopped before destructional swim, so they were all able to get out and do their swimming, rowing, or cooking merit badges.
The water was still warm, even after the rain. Dinner last night was Salisbury steak, mash potatoes, canned corn, and milk.
After dinner the scouts were able to get money from the "bank", go to the trading post or go to many of the free time
activities. In the evening, they have time to do swimming, shooting, archery, and other activities. About 9:15 we had our
flag lowering ceremony and announcements.
After a long day, it wasn't too hard to get them to bed by 10:30 and I don't know about anyone else, but I went right to
sleep and slept all night. The temperature cooled down quite a bit after the rain yesterday. It probably got down to 50
last night, but the skies are clear right now, the sun is out and things are suppose to warm to 70 today.
Breakfast was "freedom" (French) toast, sausage, and orange juice. I think after the cereal yesterday, many of the guys at
Savanna Portage under estimated how long it takes to make breakfast and clean up. About half of the guys were late getting
to the flag ceremony, but everyone got off to classes OK this morning.
After lunch today, we have several guys going to various Flintlock High Adventure sessions, including the new tree houses.
It will be interesting to find out what that is like. We have 11 guys going to the Huck Fin rafts tonight, and two going
for a tree house overnight. Destructional swim will be an hour early today, so the Ironman race can take place at 4:00.
Anyone that wants to participate can paddle, swim, and/or run all or part of the course. Those that participate get a
patch segment and those that don't cheer. After dinner tonight is vespers at 7:00 followed by a talk by an international
scout from Egypt for those interested in the Citizenship in the World merit badge. After that is free time and bed.
Well, it's almost 11:00, so I need to wrap it up and head back to Voyager. I'm sure the great weather today will really
make this a fun day for the boys. Bye for now from Many Point.....Jon Yearous
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DAY 2
Monday, July, 25 |
This will be a periodic BLOG describing some of the 2005 activities of Troop 346 at Many Point Scout Reservation.
We left the church a little late yesterday, but considering the morning rain, we did alright. After a rest stop along the
way and a lunch stop in Park Rapids, we arrived at Many Point and got right to work. After some unpacking and moving of
gear the boys were all off to swim qualifications. Most passed the "swimmers" test and those that didn't will get several
chances during the week to pass it. That is particularly important this year because you have to be a swimmer to go out
on the new water tramp that they have in the beach area this year.
After swim quals, it was back to the campsite to set up tents, tarps, and other camp necessities. It was slower going this
year than most for some reason, so dinner was a little late. One other thing slowing us up this year is that the food
service people have decided that the road back to Ft. Bill and Savanna Portage is too rough for the food truck, so this
year they are dropping our milk crates of food at the lodge and we have to carry it down to the camp site. No one's happy
about that!
For those that are new to this I should explain, that with 89 boys from our troop (and about 10 or so adults) we are too
big for one Many Point Campground. We camp at Fort William and Savanna Portage the first week. The older leadership boys,
the first year scouts and the second year scouts camp at Ft. Bill (with four adults), and the rest of the scouts camp at
Savanna Portage with the rest for the adults.
The weather was great up here when we arrived, low 80's and a bit humid. The water is very warm this year and very
pleasant to swim in. The boys had beef stew for dinner. The BIG welcoming campfire was the big production it always has
been and Troop 346 continued to show its (loud) troop spirit. It was hard for everyone to go back to the campsite and
settle down, but eventually around midnight everything quieted down. About 1:30 we had a gentle rain that lasted about
an hour, perfect for quiet white noise and testing the waterproofness of everything.
Everyone was up bright and early at 6:45. Breakfast was pop-tarts, Capt. Crunch, milk, and bananas. We had troop flag
ceremony and announcements at 8:15. Turns out that someone did not close the door of the trailer correctly last night
and the raccoons discovered that they could squeeze in. Needless to say the scouts have now been instructed on how to
close the trailer door at night. The Savanna Portage leadership forgot to dump their garbage last night and were also
visited by out ring tailed friends.
At 8:30 we headed up to the camp flag ceremony and announcements. Then the first year scouts were off to Environmental
Science merit badge class, and First Class Adventure until lunch. They will have troop activities after lunch (more on
those later) and the first years will have first class aquatics during "destructional" swim. The second year scouts are
off to Camping Merit Badge class and First Aid Merit Badge class until lunch, then troop activities, and Swimming Merit
Badge during destructional swim. The Third years are mostly doing Rowing and Lifesaving Merit Badges before lunch, troop
activities, and then Rowing again for destructional swim. The older boys all fill in with a variety of classes, but we
do have 14 boys that are doing Life Guard instruction all morning long.
This afternoon, some of the older boys (going into 8th grade and older) will be starting some Flintlock High Adventure
activities (more later).
Well, I have to wrap things up for now, and get back to lunch. It's a 15-20 minute 4.5 mile drive on a twisty gravel road
to get to the spot where I can update the web page, so it will be sporadic. Keep checking back for updates. Sorry I don't
have any pictures yet, but we'll try to post some later. It's humid and cool right now, very cloudy and I suspect we will
get some more rain later today. Hope you're having fun, I know we are. Bye for now from Many Point. Jon Yearous
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