Summer Scouting

This was a great summer for scouting (of the Boy and Cub variety). I managed to spend about 3-4 days each at Jacob's and Matthew's summer camps and we finished off the season with an outstanding backpacking trip.

In early July I joined Jacob's new Boy Scout troop at Camp Pioneer near Mt Jeffereson. This was the first week in operation this year, meaning we had small numbers and a great counselor / scout ratio. The camp surounds a small alpine lake and is geared towards a more primitive, old-time scouting experience than most camps you see these days (like Camp Meriwether).

Jacob had a blast and got right into the spirit of camp. He made significant progress towards the 1st Class rank (he'll get that in September or October) and earned four merit badges. Despite their best efforts, the flock of mosquitos weren't enough to ruin the experience for the adults and kids.

Matthew attended Gilbert Ranch at Butte Creek not far from the Silverton area near the end of July. This was his first resident camping experience and it was a great fit for him. This is a camp with a cowboy theme that includes a lot of farm and equestrian focus. He particularly enjoyed getting up at 5:45am to go feed and groom the animals.

We capped off the summer with a short backpacking trip out to Bay Ocean spit near Tillamook, OR. I brought Matthew along with the Boy Scout troop and he was easily able to keep up with the big kids. This is a perfect introductory backpack trip - about 2-3 mile hike in with a decently well established camp site near the bay and a short walk away from the ocean and south jetty.