Camp Life

July 19, 2013

The Sub Camp has been real busy the last couple of days.  On Wednesday, our 2,000 Scouts boarded buses and headed out into Southern WV to perform community service for various non-profit and community organizations- as part of Scouting's Messengers of Peace program. A fundamental precept of Scouting is to teach good citizenship and "a Scout is to help other people at all times."  The Messengers of Peace program helps to reinforce this value. The stories that the leaders and Scouts have been sharing have been incredible and my native Appalachia has been the benefit of the good hard work of thousands of Scouts.  I am so pleased and happy.

Today, our group went on a hike to Garden Ground Mountain- which is a signature event at the Summit.  It is a 5 mile hike each way to the Summit of the Mountain.  All along the way there are highland and buckskin traditional games and activities to participate in.  A large campfire ring is being constructed at the top.  Each Scout Troop that makes the hike has been asked to bring a rock with their Troop number engraved on it, to form the base of a new and permanent campfire ring.  A great tradition for the first Jamboree held at Scouting's fifth high adventure base.

I had the opportunity to visit with a couple of North Florida Council Board members as well as walk around Summit Center over the last couple of days.  In addition, the activity at the HQ has picked up with requests for service, questions, etc.

It has been over 25 years since I served as a Camp Director.  Lot's of challenges in dealing with Scouts, their leaders, parents and the logistics to maximize their experience.  I have been getting up at 5:30 am each morning to attend Mass at 6 am.  Breakfast at 6:30 am- then it is full speed ahead.  I usually don't get to bed until midnight or shortly thereafter.  The work is made fun because of the people that I work with.  They are a great bunch of dedicated Scout volunteers who have not only donated their time, but paid the full Jamboree fee to be here to support the Scout's experience.  I admire and appreciate them greatly.

Hope you enjoy the photos!  Jamboree Jack!

P.S.-  Wait til I write about the "ambient" showers.....oh goody!

BMX race tracks all over the place!

Here is my tent.  I share with 2 other folks.  I am
on the bottom bunk- right side of the tent.

North Florida Council Contingent invites me to sign
their rock, to be placed at the base of the new campfire
ring at the top of Garden Ground Mountain.

The art of Patch trading is large and in charge.

Enjoyed a visit with a couple of North Florida Council
Executive Board Members.
From left to right- Dr. Michael Freeman- who is working as a
medical officer at Base Camp E at the Summit;
Terry Crawford- who flew up from Ocala, Fl
for a visit &
Jamboree Jack Sears &
Scout Executive CEO- North Florida Council

It is the official Boy Scout Jamboree Band!

 T

The Barrels- is the Shooting Sports Complex
at the Summit.  Shotguns, Rifles and Pistols.
It is awesome- here is one of the 25 five stands that I counted.

Ok- I have been here for 10 days.  Time to
do laundry.  We use an official make-shift Sub Camp A3
washing machine which is
a mop bucket.  Clothes are rung out to dry
and hung on tent lines to air dry!