Food for Thought

Many people think that young boys have NO idea about cooking; much less how to plan a meal, put a recipe together, and then to actually cook! Well that could not be farther from the truth for the Scouts of Troop 175 in Niles ( I’m certain their Moms, girlfriends and future wives will be glad to know this!)

You see, at this past weeks ‘Troop Feast’ they showed everyone what they’ve learned over the last few years about cooking – and they did an awesome job as well!

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Yes that is actually a shot of 2 – count em 2 – of the elusive High School Scouts! Yes they are still very active in the troop as they should be. However, I wonder what brought them out in such numbers this wonderful evening??   hhhhhmmmmmmmmmmm……maybe a bunch of other, younger scouts making FOOD??!!!

The amazing thing is that they choose to cook some really difficult items. It wasn’t just boiling water and cooking eggs, but their culinary skills ran the gamut from eggs and bacon to a pumpkin pie! I was waiting for Beef Wellington and a Souffle, but their choices were just as good!

That looks like a like some seriously specialized cooking going on there (ok, that is Ramen noodles one of them is making, but the other ones is baking a CAKE!!!).

They certainly enjoyed eating it all:

I also think this was one of our larger turnouts of late and they had lots of fun:

They even cleaned up the room spotless!!!

 I must say that their parents seem to have taught them well!!! (Nah, it must be the Scouting program!!)

I have asked them to make a meal for their families and report back. I’m sure they will not disappoint!!

YIS

Mr. C

Rain Rain GO AWAY!!!!

What a glorious day right? Looks like we’re walking to some exotic beach in the Caribbean doesn’t it?

Aren’t you jealous? (you will be when you read this during a Chicago winter!).

I’ll bet you are also asking yourself why you didn’t decide to come with us on this campout, right?

Ok I can probably answer that.

But that’s not how this day started! Our trip to the Indiana dunes was an exercise in futility from conception.

Initially the thought of going to the Indiana Dunes came from my own experience going there with Mr. Weiss and Troop 275 back in 1976 or 77. We made our merry way there alright, but back then you usually did not have to make reservations to camp in most places. Se we were quite surprised that the rangers wanted to know what name our reservation was made under? HUH, reservation? Ten to twelve scouts waiting in a hot car ready to hang out at the beach and now ………well you get the picture. Luckily right at the same time an Angel of a man (a local farmer) overheard our dilemma and offered us the use of his farm field to camp in – which was only a couple miles away.

With that in mind we decided to plan a bit more in advance than 1976. However, the IDunes are a VERY popular place and they have very few campsites. It also turns out that there is a “State Park” with in the Federal one which also has campsites – many more. However, 2 months in advance and this was ALSO booked. Whew, wish I had that farmers name and number!

After a bit of searching and calls, it turns out that there are several reasonably priced private campsites not too far from the Dunes, and one of them had a Pool, fishing pond and lots of RV’s!

As you probably know, the boys are happy if they can have nothing more than a tent, a campfire and some s’mores. So this was more than enough!

Interesting fire ring right?

So, knowing how bad weather can be a real joy killer for some of the boys, and knowing that a storm was coming, we prayed for it to pass over quickly – after we were asleep. However, the forecast called for rain not only that night but the next day as well. I don’t think we have had too many campouts where it rained all day and we had nowhere to go indoors. This wasn’t looking too good.

We were able to get breakfast together before the storms:

 Pancakes and bacon…yum!

But my dear readers, a storm was on the horizon. Our plan was to hike for a while and then hit the beach and it appeared that the storm had other ideas for us.

So while we had plenty of clear skies while cooking, Mother nature had other plans for our day time activities – and she let us know right as we were about to leave for a hike. Rain wouldn’t normally be  a problem for us on a hike, but since it looked as if the storm would pass, we thought we might be able to kill some time in the State park animal center. This was a great idea – thanks GM – and the boys loved it. There were all kinds of animals and reptiles that we were able to view

 

 

and even touch!

 

There was much to learn and see.

However the storm was only getting worse.  At one point the boys thought they might be able to go out to see the pond however the storm was so bad that they only got a few hundred feet before their bravado was soaked. This was really kind of depressing as no one really wanted to go hike in the rain and if it didn’t stop  there would be a lot of bored scouts sitting around.

So we decided to try to eat lunch under an outdoor shelter. We killed some time there, and right as we finished it looked like It would clear up.

It sure did. And with our swimsuits on, we witnessed an amazing transformation of the day. As we hiked through the lush forest we came upon an idyllic spot that made you think you were in Paradise.

I can’t remember a camp out that ever looked so inviting!

The water was a bit cool but remember this is Lake Michigan and this was still August. This is about as warm as it gets all year. And that certainly did not stop the boys from jumping right it.

 

 

And then, almost on cue, they decided – after they were bored with swimming, that they would try their hands at “rolling down the sand dune”.  Go figure!

Yes this is the hill they wanted to roll down. How do you tell a 12-year-old they can’t do something stupid like that? (ok I know the answer). And in all actuality, the hill was HUGE – it looks tiny in the above picture.

Wanna roll down this?

 

The boys did. OVER AND OVER AND OVER………

It’s a strange desire I must admit, but the thrill apparently doesn’t go away…. When the  bone banging and headaches got too intense from this, they decided to enjoy the therapeutic delights of “sand burying”…

 

Another odd activity choice.

I will say it would certainly make my job a lot easier if this is what they wanted to do all the time. Not so sure about the sanitation or hygiene, but it would reduce stress all over!

Before we knew it, it was time for dinner and all the fun at the beach had to come to an end.

They did manage to get back to the campsite and enjoy the pool for a little while – not something we normally do either, but enjoyable nonetheless.

So we then had our usual campfire and cobbler where by Mr. G was once again accused of being the cobbler thief during our game of “Mafia/Killer”. That game never seems to get old. The cobbler was delicious this time as well – cherry.

Next day, since we were so close to Niles, the boys could sleep in late, make breakfast and still be home early. The weather was good as well and so no need to hurry. After a quick police line we were on our way.

Don’t you wish they could be that neat and tidy at home??? (We’re trying Mom and Dad!)

For the most part, even with the bad weather, we had a great time and all of them wanted to come back the next year!

Cheers Cheers for Ol Napowan! *we are the best scouts from all around*

Welcome to Napowan!

Troop 175 Scouts in attendance: Jimmy C, Danny C, Mark N, Tony G, Frank S, Matt S, Matthew Z, Mark T, Eric B, Milton M. Michael B,

We left ON TIME from the SJB parking lot with Mr. Dave B pulling the Troop’s trailer ( thanks again Mr. B).  AND we only made one stop for gasoline & snacks & you know what?Since we did leave on time we actually arrived around noon and had to wait till 1pm to see for the staff.

Once there we met “Locks”; our Troop’s Ambassador. We then had our medical checks and went to orientation.

Then came the “WAIT”

Our turn for swim test/tags. This usually takes FOREVER, but in the end the boys all were tested and got their swimmers tests done.

It turns out this 4th week of camp had almost three times the usual number of people: about 500 scout or about 650 people: scouts, leaders and staff. Lets just say it was FULL.

After orientation, we finished setting up our campsite once again “Sioux A” where we have stayed for at least the last 10 years.

It’s a lovely site and right next to the parade grounds.

We then attended the Flag retirement for the day:

 [never say “Announcements” or else … ask your scout to sing the Announcements song]

All Troops attended the evening Fire bowl with the Napowan staff and it was great fun.

We were all tired enough to sleep well, but what would Napowan be without a major drama? In years past it has been, a tornado, hail, lightening, various injuries, bad behaviors, fights etc, so why should 2011 be any different? Like clockwork, this time coming right on the first night, Napowan did not disappoint. A strong rain storm, complete with thunder & lightening came to visit like a long-lost Aunt or Uncle at 3:30AM! Woken from his sound slumber, a groggy Mr. Connolly had to walk from tent to tent, checking in with all scouts and leaders to make sure all was well and pass out words of encouragement - sorry no Teddy bears, this is Scouting ya know!

So some of the bolder scouts decided that they could not sleep either than and left the safety and comfort of their tents to sit under the canopy and hope that the storm would pass….we only wish we were so lucky!! While there are no pictures of this, the stories will likely last a lifetime. Oh and yes we did indeed survive till the next day

So then Monday was not only a groggy, but also a soggy morning. Troop 175 stood together in the Parade Field for Flags and messages. We went and sat together at an assigned table at the dining pavilion.

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Our troop’s “hopper” served breakfast: pancakes & sausages. Cereal and milk were always a breakfast option &/or extra.

Wake up Frank!

The scouts reviewed their schedules, and then got into ”buddy mode” so that they could travel to their activities for merit badges.

In case no one has mentioned this in years past, while the food at Napowan isnt always the best, it’s not usually the preparation that causes problems. Usually it’s the selection. As in , “eeeeewwww, I’m not eating that”.  To me, this is where your son has no choice but to try out some different foods and usually they find that they like them. If not, there is always PBJ’s or salad – cause you know how much teen age boys love salad!! (Hey, they do end up eating it)

After the fun on Sunday night most of the scouts sat around the campfire the next night, talking about TV shows and movies, including many things that you probably hear about all the time and still can’t figure out why these things intrigue them, but I digress….Or they spend most of the time either teasing each other, or chasing away our unwelcome guest  – the raccoons!!

Napowan also has events at night, things like the Hillbilly Hoedown, and Haunted Flintlock, Hula Night at Aquatics. It’s all good fun. I didn’t know they had snuck in a tatoo night!

The ealy part of the week finally had some dry weather and the scouts of troop 175 were able to get over to Flintlock and work on some merit badges.

 Interesting merit badges of the week:

Leather work

Rocketry: (no one got blown up)

Pioneering:

First Aid:

(Tough love; we had to teach him a lesson!!! Just kidding)

Many scouts went to the lake, and had some fun working on the ”burying” merit badge

The boys did some kayaking, canoeing or small boat sailing.

As usual our resident “Fire Expert” ( translation – pyro) Matt S along with soon to be Eagle  Scout Tony G made a huge campfire at the campsite. No pictures (please send them if you have them)

Mr. Dave B helped others set up hot dogs in a pot on camp stove w propane. It was a cool evening. Most of had long pants & sweatshirts to wear. Some camp staff stopped by a while.

We had a staff member come out and give us a talk on Disability Awareness. This was very useful and the Scouts learned much. Later that evening all the leaders were treated to separate dinner in the dining hall: steak, salad, corn on the cob & ice cream, while the camp staff “hopped” for the scouts’ pizza dinner at the dining pavilion. Most of our scouts returned to our campsite for the evening; however a few went to Ninja night or pirate night.

We did a round of Thorns and Roses-Buds. Most scouts talked about their individual merit accomplishments and all appeared to have had a good week.

Several leaders met at Leaders’ Lounge before Flags. Troop photo by Napowan sign after breakfast.

At 8pm on Friday the troop hiked over to “Firebowl” for farewell week celebration with skits or songs from each Troop. Fiddle, a camp staff leader, shared his personal story of scouting and trip to Alaska. He had received a USA flag there and wanted to “retire it in the fire ceremony that night.

The camp staff did their traditional farewell in the darkness, singing traditional song and existing while still singing refrain.

Scouts woke up gradually, wore class B shirts, except for Frank S who wore his uniform. Frank S was the morning chaplain at Flags. Many scouts received certificates and recognition for contests and completing C.O.P.E., including several from our troop: Tony G, Mark N, Jimmy C,

Locks, our Troop’s ambassador, stopped by; visited us at our campsite & helped us pack.

The scouts did the police line for Leave No Trace.

 

We happily left the kybos & mosquitos behind; or did we?

Another Great year at Camp Napowan.  See you  next year !!