Scout Camp

Kent and Brandt spent this week at scout camp.  Although Brandt isn't quite twelve yet, the ward had an extra spot, he turns twelve in two weeks, and Kent agreed to go for the week, so off they went.  They left Monday morning, and Blythe and I hardly heard anything from them.  Kent would call in the evenings, from an overlook spot where he could get reception, but otherwise, they were at Maple Dell and Blythe and I were home.  

Brandt and Kent gave me a wonderful report when they returned.  It had been a good time, most everyone had been nice and cooperative, they had eaten well, and Brandt earned three merit badges, including the difficult First Aid.  He shot guns, he bought a knife, and he slept in a tent with Kent.  He related how funny the scout leaders were, repeating repeatedly, "Ske-djuuuuu-lay" which was what they said at flag ceremony when talking about the day's schedule.  The First Aid merit badge class was very amusing.  The leaders talked a lot, but they said things like, "I've been shot!" or "Oh no! My leg's broken!"  Brandt also did archery, but didn't quite earn his merit badge because he didn't keep track of his points.  He did get his woodcarving badge, and practically all of his wilderness survival.  He'll need to sleep outside in a shelter of his own fashioning.  They did campfire programs, played night games, and Brandt drank a huckleberry soda.  They're really good, according to Brandt.  Kent made Brandt shower at least twice so he wasn't completely filthy and stinky, and they returned none the worse for wear.  Brandt feels a part of the deacons quorum, and we're delighted he's begun working towards his eagle scout rank.

Kent's report:  Thanks to Mike Drake, they ate on the deluxe catered meal plan.  BYU catering did most of the food, which they froze and brought up, needing only to warm it up and eat.  Some may be critical of this from a scouting perspective, but from a human perspective, it was simple and delicious, and who doesn't love that?  Thank you, Mike!  Some of the boys were intent on passing off merit badges and some weren't, but fights were few and not much blood was split, and even the boys behaved themselves.  

Gavin Drake, Greyson Bushman, Grandt Jensen, Jarom Oyler (ducking down), Owen Nebeker,

Connor Helquist, Britton Helquist, Mike Drake, Joey Whitney, Brigham Richards, 

Jace and Drex Robison (I don't know which is which), Teva Mataoa, Hilarion Baraketse,

Brandt and Kent

Standing in front of Brandt is Jacob Harkness.

Everyone else already mentioned.

Brandt told me the large log in the fire contained an ant colony.

Ants were running wildly about and getting burned.

Then he laughed maniacally and wandered off.