Funnest Camp....EVER!!

At the entrance of the camp

After playing an early baseball game (game #4 and another loss), Collin and I headed to Camp Bovay Ranch which is a boy scout camp for the weekend.  Most of the other boys in his Den went Friday night but we could not go because of the baseball game.

When we arrived, the boys were all gone working on an activity.  We found out we had about 15 minutes to park and then head to lunch.  That left no time to pitch the tent and unload the truck. There was time to unload Collin's bike which he was on unless he was eating or working on a scout activity.

We road our bikes to lunch and caught up with the other boys.  Before lunch, we had to stand near the flag and pray.  Each time, a scout Den got to lead the prayer.  These boys were the first in line which was an incentive our boys figured out REAL quick.

Here is were they feed 862 people that were camping this weekend.  Lunch was hamburgers.  Collin ate his and his friend's because he was that hungry.  Dinner was fried chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes and chocolate cake.  Collin ate everything but the mash potatoes (he is still not a fan).  Breakfast the next morning was cereal, muffin and fruit.  Collin knew I brought my own food because he knew I could not eat what they were serving.  He wanted me to get in line so he could eat my meal too.  He was HUNGRY!

Flag pole meeting place before each meal

Red barn where the food was served

Collin, Conner, Trace and Broady having breakfast

Best bud at breakfast

Collin getting back on his bike after a meal.  Love the flag and the scenery here.

During lunch, I found out the rest of the activities.  The boys were booked until 5:30pm.  I had no idea when I was going to get the tent set up and us ready for the night.  I now know coming Friday night is best.  Hey, for a tax CPA to even be away from the office on the weekend of April 9th and 10th is huge....so just being here for less than 24 hours was a big deal.

The activities for the rest of the day were Archery, Paddle Boats, BB Guns, and a hike.  These were back-to-back and only allowed enough time to get from one activity to another.  Good thing we had bikes because this did allow us to get to the other activity quicker and explore just a few minutes before the next activity started.

ARCHERY

Collin had not shot a bow and arrow before.  Luckily, they did have a left-handed bow for him.  He thought it was funny to do the opposite of what the instructor was showing the boys because the instructor was right-handed.  They boys got 6 arrows to shoot.  Collin hit the target every time and even got one in the middle.

Ready....aim....

Bulls eye!

PADDLE BOATS

The paddle boats were not what I expected.  After getting a life vest, we all boarded the wooden flat raft.  The boys had to pull a large rope that was connected to the island on the other side.  This is was moved the boat.  On the island, they searched for "gold" which was gold painted rocks.  Collin did find a few pieces that the other groups had not found yet.  On the way back, someone was fishing off the boat and caught a huge fish.  Everyone on board rushed over to see it but forgot we were on a "boat" which started bringing in water because all of the weight quickly shifted to the back.  The boys thought this was great but a few were worried we were going to sink.  We didn't.

Here is the view from the island

Another view from the island

Headed to the island.  Collin is sitting and wearing the blue life jacket.

Still headed to the island

BB GUNS

Collin has shot a BB gun before but was was still excited to shot...especially next to his buddy Conner who he hung out with the entire time.  He shot mainly clustered around the middle with a few to the top left.  These were his first few shoots before he adjusted.  I was impressed with his shooting.

I did start to rain and I was glad we were under cover.  It was still sprinkling when it was time to go but it was not too bad at that point.

Collin on the left

Collin taking aim again

NATURE HIKE

The boys were really listening and had lots of questions during the nature hike.  The guide was mainly talking about plants and flowers.  I thought for sure the boys would loose interest soon but they didn't.  Collin wanted to see the picture of each of the plants/flowers the guide pointed out in the book he was carrying.

Different, but peaceful scenery

Learning about an pink evening primrose

Stopping to ask lots of questions

Finally, I was able to get the camp set up while the boys road around.  I had about 30 minutes before it was time for dinner, s'mores, skits around the camp fire and, then, hopefully...bed!  It was already a long day but Collin was having a blast.

Our tent is on the right.  Collin wanted to be next to Trace and the scout den leader.

The monkeys before dinner

This reminds me of is Aunt Lisa

After dinner, the boys helped start a fire for the s'mores.  They were more interested in burning the sticks or the marshmallows than eating s'mores.  I was happy to help eat some though.  Yummy!

I love that he did not even take time to take his helmet off.  He wanted to be ready to ride when he was finished.

Still burning sticks

Eating his first s'more....and could not finish it

Asking how long to cut the marshmallow

When it got dark, we all gathered around the fire for some singing and each Den to do a skit.  This was all to get their badge.  The fire was really nice because it was getting chilly.

The next day, the boys ran to breakfast and were the first to be there so they could be part of the color guard and announcements.  Remember, this is because they wanted to be first in line for breakfast.

Boys getting instruction before the color guard

Taking turns reading the prayrer

Waiting for the flag

We had to leave early because we had to get back for Collin's soccer game at 11am.  As we were leaving, Collin asked me if I had fun.  "This was the funnest camp ever.  When can we come again?  Did you have fun mom?"  I did have a great time.....and need to take a nap....and shower before we do it again.  Love that he had so much fun and make great memories.