Our family has always been a scouting family. When we were young, both my brother and I were involved in scouts. Girl Scout cookies, pinewood derbies, summer camps - you name it, we did it! When my boys were old enough to join Cub Scouts, we once again took the plunge. Now, summer camp these days is quite different than what I remember. Fast forward several years, and my boys have graduated from overnight camps to week long adventures. My oldest returned from camp last summer with stories upon stories of his 65 mile hiking/backpacking adventure. How I missed him those 13 days but not enough to be a chaperone. I would have had to be airlifted I'm sure, by day five! Our state summer scout camp, nestled in the northern Arizona pines, is quite beautiful and filled with opportunities for these boys to "experience nature," and our destination for this summer.
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| The Natural Stairs...... |
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| Camp Tents |
We started our trek to drop off our youngest on Saturday morning. We had to report to the "meeting spot" to divide up the Troop gear. After what seemed like forever unloading and loading gear, we set out on our journey. We stopped at the local convenience store for a few snacks and I grabbed an extra large jug of water - this will become VERY important later on. And off we went.
About 45 miles into the journey I start hearing this loud clicking noise when the truck is accelerating. I say "Does anyone hear that?" My husband says, "It appears that we are losing engine power." Oh fantastic! We are in the hills and now the truck is struggling to make it up the road. We finally find a spot to pull over - very conveniently in front of a AAA towing station. Immediately, everyone is talking at once. Nobody can hear anyone and tensions are quickly rising. A man appears at the gate and proceeds to tell us that although we are technically closer to one town, we must be towed back home because everything in the "small town" is closed for the weekend. Good grief! Oh, and I should mention at this point, it is over 100 degrees and there is not one speck of shade in sight. We are literally stranded on the side of the highway, baking in the sun! My oldest son pipes up, "well thank god we have water!" I start making calls, my husband starts making calls and the boys are bouncing around. My youngest is frustrated because he will now be late for camp check-in, IF we are able to make it there at all. We work out the details of the tow, but then Mr. Tow-man says "Well, I can only take two of you." Ha! Perfect! I'm desperately trying to find someone from our scout troop to come and rescue us, but - no luck.
Finally, about 90 minutes later, my friend arrives to pick us up and haul us into Scout camp. We stuffed her car full of all the gear we could and prayed we would make it before dark. Thank goodness she got a late start taking her boys to camp, or we might still be sitting there roadside. We arrived at camp exhausted and irritable. But we made it and my son is happy at camp throughout this week.
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| Camp Entrance |
While the beginning of my son's adventure at camp was not the greatest, my hope is that he has an amazing week, makes lots of friends, learns a thing or two and creates long-lasting memories!
Until next time, Think Happy Thoughts!
