Camp Blog

Camp E-Star Blog 2022 - by Dr. Charles Edwards

Day 4

The cool, dry weather has been a tremendous blessing. The scouts have remained active with merit badge classes, patrol pioneering, sports, a busy waterfront and evening campfire activities. The Eagle Scouts instituted an early “Lights Out” last night to encourage a good night’s sleep for all.

After a few days, we are now into a good routine. Younger scouts know what is expected of them, and older scouts are getting used to their leadership roles. Reserved scouts are opening up. Acquaintances are becoming friendships.

We enjoyed a full afternoon of waterfront activities yesterday. Swimming, Life Saving, Canoeing, Kayaking, Sailboating and Waterskiing Merit Badge classes were all in full swing. During waterfront free time, many enjoyed sunning and wrestling on the rumble raft while others played on the water trampoline. Several dare devils (younger and older) enjoyed being pulled on a tube by jetski. Today, the water appears reasonably calm and thus another busy afternoon on the water today seems likely.

I shared with the boys an illustration this morning of rough stones being polished within a rock tumbler. As the rough stones rub and bump over time, byproducts are noise and heat. Our boys camping in close proximity over two weeks inevitably results in them bumping elbows and bumping egos. Relational noise and heat predictably arise as the polishing process advances. While superficially, the noise and heat appear problematic, they are anticipated and are reflective of a transforming process underway. The interactions between the boys, both positive and negative, are opportunities for analysis and growth. Like a rock tumbler, much energy needs to be invested for the process to work. The energy of mentorship, program building and patience requires investment over many years. The cumulative energy that adult and scout leaders invest into a single boy during their journey from age 11 to 17 through E* Camps, 40 Milers, service projects, etc. is tremendous. At times the process becomes wearisome. Is the noise or the energy required too much? Should the scout or the leaders quit and turn the tumbler off? Of course not! Each stone is invaluable and treasured. Like a polished stone, the benefits of the journey are material and lasting. Such is the enduring mission of Troop 35.

While some of the scouts seemed to hear and understand the message of the illustration, many probably did not. That’s ok. To follow the illustration a bit further, it isn’t really necessary for the stone to fully understand the work of the tumbler. It is important, however, that they trust the process and that the process of tumbling continues to it completion. Tumbling, of course, is necessary for us adults as well in our journey of refinement. We need each other to grow, including the unpleasant bumps to our elbows and bumps to our egos along the way. A curse of Covid is that the work of tumbling for many has slowed. Kudos and thanks to you in the Troop 35 family for your perennial outpouring of devotion to keeping the unique Troop 35 tumbler going.

Looking forward, Visitor’s Saturday (June 25) this coming up. Plan to arrive at 11am and depart before 5pm. The boys will look forward to seeing you. Many parents will take their boys into Rock Hall or Chestertown for lunch (no lunch at Camp on Saturday). A particular favorite spot is Waterman’s Restaurant in Rock Hall. You may plan to exchange your scout’s dirty clothes for a few clean shirts, a fresh towel and a few pairs of socks to carry them over for week 2. If you will not be coming, please let me or Dan Taylor know so we can plan to bring your son into town for lunch with us.

Day 7

The sun is back and we are drying out. After 4 days of lovely sun and clear skies, we had a very wet Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning. Nearby Chestertown reported almost 5 inches of rainfall in the 24 hours. We got drenched. During the deluge, merit badge classes kept going under the cover of our pavilion (Calvert Castle). For the waterfront badges, the classes kept active going over nontechnical requirements while sitting around a picnic table. We actually got a lot of advancement work accomplished. The continued activity, advancement progress and intentional cheerleading by senior scouts kept spirits positive.

Not only did the heavy rain provide us with a greater appreciation of a sunny day, it also provided us with lots of “learning opportunities”. After 4 days of mastering dry weather camping, the new variable of rain provided us lessons regarding camping on high ground, fully closing the windows, keeping clothes off the floor and how to dry out after. The senior scouts did a great job leading and encouraging the younger guys throughout.

With the return of sunny skies, the routine of camp returned with pioneering in the patrols, ultimate frisbee, an active marina, and special events. In recognition of their diligence in preparing for and leading Camp, senior scouts enjoyed a morning Rockfish charter. Much success was had, and we enjoyed grilled rockfish as an addition to our dinner menu. A member of the State Department of Natural Resources came on Thursday and demonstrated an assessment of fish health through fish inspection and dissection. A crew of scouts took a field trip to the local volunteer fire house as part of Fire Safety merit badge. An uncle of scout, Ethan Pyne, came to share principals of leadership learned from his career as a Marine as part of our evening Camp Fire program. With a spaghetti and meatballs dinner extra energy was burned off with a spirited food fight. A bath in the Bay got most of the marinara sauce off. Lots going on…

This afternoon, we will have our Mile Swim and Armada. All scouts are encouraged to try the Mile Swim in the Bay. The route parallels the beach and is waist deep. Confident swimmers go fast, never touch the bottom and earn a special patch. Less proficient can touch the bottom as often as they like and earn points for their patrol by participating. Afterwards the whole troop gets into the canoes, kayaks, motorboats and jet skis to travel en masse down the Bay a mile or so and then back. It is a lot of fun for all.

Cell phones – We have had a problem with several scouts violating the policy of no cell phones at Camp. Cell phones undermine several Camp priorities: obedience to authority, social interaction, appreciation for nature, adequate sleep, healthy parental separation, and screen detox. Camp leaders have confiscated phones from several scouts and have received voluntary ‘turn-in’ from others. During Visitors Saturday, please see ASM Pitts to receive your son’s phone if it has been confiscated. If your son still has a phone in his possession, please parent well by insisting that he relinquish it to you and that you take it back home. Scouts know that if a unique need ever arises, an ASM will communicate to parents on the scout’s behalf.

Visitor’s Saturday: We look forward to sharing stories of adventure, achievement and challenge with family tomorrow. Plan to arrive at 11am and depart before 5pm. The boys look forward to seeing you. Many parents will take their boys into Rock Hall or Chestertown for lunch (no lunch at Camp on Saturday). A particular favorite spot is Waterman’s Restaurant in Rock Hall. You may plan to exchange your scout’s dirty clothes for a few clean shirts, a fresh towel and a few pairs of socks to carry them over for week 2. If you will not be coming, please let me or Dan Taylor know so we can plan to bring your son into town for lunch with us.

Day 10

“A Scout is brave”. Each morning, a virtue of the Scout Law is highlighted during our Convoke time. One of the patrol leaders explains the meaning of the virtue and scouts are invited to share examples of how they have seen that virtue demonstrated at Camp. Reflecting on the virtue of brave, several scouts shared anecdotes about their decisions to step forward into public speaking roles, sporting challenges and difficult social situations, despite their preference to pull back. From the time of sharing, it was clear that bravery doesn’t mean ignoring one’s fears, but rather pushing forward with a worthwhile matter despite one’s fear or anxiety.

We are now into the heart of Week 2. While routines are established and easy badges earned, difficult advancements remain and challenging social interactions bubble up to the surface. Although much fun is being had by all, for some physical and emotional fatigue are building. This is the predictable time in the camp cycle in which scouts need to bravely lead well, complete tasks and finish strong. The boys are doing well.

We had a second wet weather front come through on Monday. All knew what to do to keep themselves and their property mostly dry. It is gratifying to see the boys learn from last week’s storm and lessons learned. Highlights since Visitor’s Saturday include warmer temperatures, great sailing, successful fishing, lots of advancement and two evenings of sailing excursions.

Chris Hervy and ASM Michael Meredith generously hosted a cadre of mid and senior level scouts and dads on a sunset sailing trips. They enjoyed the Bay on their respective beautiful sailboats on both Sunday and Monday evenings. Fun and fraternity were enjoyed by all.

In the days ahead, the routine of Camp will be punctuated by several unique events. Tonight, the patrols will challenge Epsilon in the annual Eagle/All-Star softball game. The first-year scouts will spend tonight under the stars on the ball field as a part of Camping Skills night. Wednesday evening will bring a dinner of spaghetti and meatballs for the scouts (food fight?) and a relaxing crab feast for the dads. Thursday morning is the unforgettable scout patrol Olympics called the Icosolon (Greek for 20 events). All scouts participate in what is always an exciting competition with a nail-biting finish. Patrol pioneering projects are completed on Thursday – a source of pride for all who have worked diligently to design and create a substantial edifice of bamboo and twine in their patrol.

Thursday evening brings the epic Scouts vs. Dads softball game. While the scouts banter that they will get to practice first aid and CPR on their geriatric opponents, the dads are hoping to preserve a several decade winning streak. Friday morning is the deadline for merit badge completion and is the conclusion of the spirited Patrol Competition.

Over the course of Camp, the patrols have accumulated points towards the Patrol Competition through their performance in campsite inspections, merit badge completion, sports victories, and Icosolon finish. The winning patrol receives glory, honor and a lunch out at Watermans’ on Friday. Friday also brings the conclusion of several scout individual competitions including, Biggest Fish, Iron Hatchet Award (winner of the hatchet throwing bracket), ping pong, chess and horseshoes. Thursday evening, the scouts will participate in a solemn secret election for selection of fellow scouts for induction into scouting’s honor society, Order of the Arrow (OA).

Friday evening, the scouts will attend the dramatic OA Ceremony conducted by current OA members. Parents are welcome to come Friday evening and observe the OA ceremony. If you plan to come on Friday, please arrive between 7:00-8:00pm. You should dress prepared for a mile walk to the ceremony at ~9:00 (long pants, closed shoes, plenty of bug spray and a portable chair if you prefer such over a log). Parents arriving on Friday may set up a tent on the ball field, although many prefer a bed & breakfast in town.

On Saturday morning, we break camp early with busy hands getting to work at 6am. Please plan to arrive early to help with the dismantling of the dock, packing up the Nature Hut, securing the Castle and returning the overall property to unblemished peace. With all pulling together, clean-up is typically done by 10:30am with the last car out at 11:00am. If you are arriving on Saturday, please come prepared to help as early as possible (but no later than 9:00am).

It has been a pleasure enjoying God’s magnificent creation along the Chesapeake Bay with your husbands and sons.

Day 13

Finish Strong!

The boys have worked hard, learned much, deepened friendships and made lifetime memories. Highlights of the last few days have been the Icosolon, the Armada, the Scout/Dad softball game, completion of patrol pioneering and the Patrol Competition. Today, the boys are finishing up their week 2 merit badges and preparing for the end of Camp.

You will enjoy hearing about Camp from your son’s perspective. Please ask him about his experience, highs, lows, hopes for next year and opportunities for improvement. We have been collecting photographs from Camp. ASM Pitts will upload them onto Troop Track when he gets home (and settles in after two weeks in the woods). Definitely take time to review them with your son to hear his reflections.

This evening is our Court of Honor and Order of the Arrow ceremony. Parents are welcome to come and observe. Plan to arrive between 6 and 730 this evening if like. The Court of Honor starts at 8:00 and the walk to the OA ceremony location departs at ~8:50 for the scouts and ~9:20 for adults. If you plan to come to the OA ceremony, plan for a 1 mile walk on uneven surfaces, wear long pants and closed shoes, wear bug spray and bring a folding chair if you are disinclined to sit on a log.

Saturday morning starts early. Most dads will have their tents down by 7:00 and packed up so that we can help with general close down efforts. We need help with taking down the dock at 7:30 (wear a bathing suit and sandals). We also need lots of help putting away items (boats, nature hut, etc…) and cleaning the campsite spotless. We hope to exit Camp with everything perfect at 10:30. We really need an “all hands on deck” work crew. Please plan to arrive early to help. Scouts will be permitted to depart once their patrol is declared acceptable by ASM Pitts or Schmidt. Remember to scour the Lost and Found, and to pick up medications from Dr Milstone.

We have had an excellent Camp. We are eternally grateful to our generous host, Judy Eliason, and her extended family. The Camp could not have occurred without the help of so many devoted moms and dads. Thank you. I love that our hard work together in God’s magnificent creation produces such a uniquely positive growing experience for our boys.