Like Mosquitoes to the Zapper, plus an update.

 

I originally was going to write "Like Moths to the Flame", but since it is about camp, it seemed that mosquitoes were more appropriate. It is a loving comparison to staff members hearing the call for training for the season.  

But first, and update...

The Wood Badge course scheduled for next month has been postponed until after Scouts BSA camp. The dates are August 23-25 and the second weekend September 21-22. More information can be found by clicking the link below

https://scoutingevent.com/Download/311130444/OR/2024_Wood_Badge_Flyer_2024_Fall.pdf 

The course was postponed due to an insufficient number of participants enrolled prior to the deadline (Set by National). This gives you, dear reader, additional opportunity to sign up. I cannot stress how valuable Wood Badge training is, not just for Scouting, but for every facet of your life and interaction with other people. 

Do you know any leaders that could benefit from the training? (answer...if they have not had Wood Badge training, the answer is yes). Click on the link! Haven't had Wood Badge? See above, and click the link.

And now, on to the main event.


 

As the seasons turn, and we are entering spring, and leaping forward (a whole other issue, to be sure), the Scouts BSA camping season, along with Cubs family camping and Webelos Weekend, are coming upon us. We had an Area Director's meeting back in January for camp, and this past weekend (March 16), many members of the 2024 Camp Geiger Staff met for the first time, and training for these individuals has begun. Let's get the links out of the way.

Scouts BSA camping

http://ponyexpressbsa.org/camping-and-activities/scout-camping

Cubs Family Camping

https://scoutingevent.com/311-cubadventurecamp24 

Webelos Weekend

https://scoutingevent.com/311-webelosweekend24

Okay, I feel a lot better. Yes, you can still sign up for any and all of the above! I cannot promise availability for various Scouts BSA sessions, but there are open spots. 

Scout camp is an excellent kickoff to a summer of activities for Scouts BSA troops. It is an excellent opportunity to earn Merit Badges, learn skills for the entry level ranks, provide opportunity for youth to demonstrate, and learn leadership skills. More than any of that, the opportunity to have fun! For parents interacting with their children in the outdoor setting provides memories that will last a lifetime.

Besides Merit Badge courses, programs such as COPE and  the Shooting ranges provide great experiences. And of course it goes without saying that the Honor Camping Society, the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, helps to promote leadership, friendship, and retention of youth into adulthood. Scouts BSA needs youth to be leaders, from wherever they may lead. Mic-O-Say helps to teach critical skills. Which brings me back to the staff.

Fifteen is the normal minimum age for staff members, with much of the staff being in the "over 18 but younger than 30" crowd. I know many camp staffs have those members  that have been there forever, or so it seems, and Camp Geiger has much of that same experience, there is no doubt (this author being one of the few Area Directors that fit that category, one of two, actually). Troops that regularly attend Camp Geiger also have a large number of young adult leaders in that over 18 category, which confirms the success of the program.

Two of my staff members were able to attend Saturday, and besides the introduction to staff living and expectations, my group did a short tour through the store. Walking into the store was liking coming home. 

I know that Camp is months away, just a tick over two, to be exact! It can't come soon enough if you ask me! Just being there, walking through the store, singing songs in the Dining Hall, reconnecting with members of the staff that are good friends... Can't wait! 

Can you?

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