Epilogue

We had a great time during the third week of Camp Durant, 2011. After a hot and humid start, the weather gods smiled on us with relatively cool temperatures. Our eight-strong boy contingent were well-behaved and demonstrated Scout spirit.



Will Etheridge was part of the Cooking merit badge class's cooking group (Shakin' Bacon) that received an award during the closing campfire.

The boys really enjoyed Camp Durant. The staff was very friendly and demonstrated a terrific attitude throughout the entire week. The food was great!



Here's a link to all the pictures listed in this blog, plus others that were not posted:
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=2AcNmLdk3YtHcg

Inventions

At one of the morning weekly briefings, a staff member demonstrated to the scoutmasters how to construct a simple yellow jacket trap. You cut off the top of a plastic soda pop bottle and then shove the severed top into the bottle with the spout pointing downward. Next, you pour some sugary liquid into the bottle.



The yellow jackets fly into the bottle, attracted to the liquid. However, once inside, they are unable to fly back out and eventually drown.

Here is another invention. Jones' air dirt volcano. It is powered with a bicycle air pump.

Friday Evening in the Kitchen

On Friday, the Troop 451 Scouts joined other volunteers to serve dinner.







I love that hair net, Mattiece!

Bugout Friday

Today, Jones and I paid a visit to our next door neighbors, Troop 231 from Cary. One of their adults, Issac, is an entomologist at NC State. Issac has been collecting insects all week at Durant.

He is mounting them with the intention of donating his exhibit to the Ecology area at Camp Durant.




As he does each year at camp, Scoutmaster Chip earned his Mile Swim award. Chip completed the mile course Thursday afternoon doing the breaststroke. Way to go, Chip!

As most other troops do, at the Thursday evening roll call our Scouts performed a mini-skit involving cans of soda.






Right before the roll call dismissal, we got an added treat. Waterfront director, Jeff Pitts had his brass band play "Pomp and Circumstance" in honor of the boys completing their merit badge classes. (Friday morning merit badge make-up work can be done, and the rest of the day is filled with activities such as the belly flop contest and the tomahawk race.)



At Thursday dinner, two members of the staff joined our table. One of them was female. Needless to say, Chip and I had the opposite end of the table to ourselves!







Finally, there are webcams inside and outside the Grand Lodge dining hall. Below you can see me waving to you as I write this blog.

Check out the webcam at 6:15 pm tonight for the flag lowering, and at 6:30 for supper:
http://www.campdurant.com/Webcam.html

It's Thursday

Yesterday afternoon Brendan arrived to cook us dinner. The menu: rebar chicken, garlic green beans, and corn on the cob. Tawynna arrived early and helped with the preparation. Later the Myatts and the Oujuas came.




Brendan's cuisine was terrific!
With rain looming, the parents left and the Scouts stayed in camp to enjoy more Risk, chess, and cards.



Thursday is the last day of merit badge classes. Tomorrow, the Scouts will have the morning to complete any remaining merit badge requirements. The afternoon will be filled with activities such as a scavenger hunt, belly flop contest, and so on.

If you haven't been to Camp Durant, the place is pretty nice. The jewel in the crown is the Grand Lodge where meals are served.

The food is provided by an outside vendor (Aramark) and is pretty good with generous portions.


Underneath the dining hall is the trading post, the grill, and an activity room used for events such as the daily Scoutmaster briefing.




Right outside of the dining hall, is a balcony with rocking chairs that often catches a breeze and offers a view of the camp's aquatic area.



If you look real close, you might be able to see Chip and the other swimmers doing their daily 4pm training for the Mile Swim. That'll take place tomorrow afternoon.

In the Groove

Monday evening after dinner, we were hit by a thunderstorm. We were all comfortable and dry under our camp picnic shelter. With the lanterns blazing, the Scouts got back to their Risk game, while Mattiece, Chip, and I played three-person solitaire. (Look out for Mattiece. He's quite a good player!)

The rain definitely cooled things off. On Tuesday morning the boys are in the groove and know the Camp Durant routine: flag-raising ceremony and breakfast at 7:45; tidy up the camp for inspection and off to the first merit badge classes from 9-12; lunch at 12:15; free-time; classes from 2-4; flag-lowering assembly and dinner at 6pm; after-dinner activities and then bed.

Before and after each meal, a pair of Scouts serve as waiters. They set our table before meals, and clean up after meals.

Here is a photo of our campsite, Loblolly.

We sleep in the traditional BSA canvas, wall tents resting on wooden platforms with cots. Two cots per tent.

Each campsite has its own showerhouse. Three individual bathrooms on one side, and three individual showers on the other side.

Each bathroom and shower is designed for one occupant and has its own door. (Pretty fancy!) On the opposite ends are wash sinks and urinals.

What are the leaders up to? Well, Chip is often in his hammock reading.

Greg had a nice nap this afternoon. His excuse: resting up for the big staff-Scoutmaster softball game this evening!

You can see these photos and more here:
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=2AcNmLdk3YtHUA

We arrive!

We arrived at Camp Durant around 2pm in the sweltering heat of the Sandhills.  Our Troop Guide is none other than former T451 Eagle Scout, Davis Tapp! 

Davis is taking good care of us as we learn the Durant routine.

Sunday closed with a very spirited campfire by the lake.

Monday started out with a nice breeze which refuses to go away.  The boys are familiarizing themselves with our campsite (Loblolly) and with the larger camp.

During our lunch break, several Scouts started a game of Risk.  Hopefully, we'll be able to finish it before we leave on Saturday.

During assemblies before meals, the camp director does the roll call. Yesterday, when our name was called, instead of roaring like the other Troops, we silently waved.  At breakfast this morning when our Troop was called, we yelled in unison, "Quatro, cinqo, uno!"