Earth, air, fire and water

We touched on all the elements at camp last Friday as the boys went through their day.

Campcraft focused on fire building skills. The older boys learned quickly with one becoming transfixed by the process. He now builds a fire whenever he has the chance. The younger fellows want results right away and put on the larger pieces of wood far too early to get good results.

Everyone – counselors and campers – were challenged to fill a one-gallon resealable plastic bag with tinder (tinder is the very small sticks, dry leaves and pine needles used in the very beginning of the fire building process). This was easily done by most, but challenged the younger boys without singling them out.

We have a mandatory swim every day before milkshakes and lunch. Everyone was happy to get into the water, as the day was hot and humid.

The hike in Little Meadow began after the rest period. We drove several miles to where a stony creek bed passes under the road. I parked the Suburban to the side and the enthusiastic pair of avid fossil hunters sprinted ahead while the oldest members of the company brought up the rear with a slow saunter. In between there were campers who had little interest in fossils but had a great time throwing rocks down the short embankment toward what passes for a creek.

The creek follows along a large deposit of loose stones and rocks that were left by the last glacier as it receded from its farthest edge some 370,000 years ago. Its farthest edge came to this area and created unique deposits. This area is also where two distinct geologic formations come together, making for some very interesting and accessible terrain.

We finished the day on tarps and in sleeping bags in the middle of the athletic field watching the Perseid Meteor Showers. No one used the star charts that we got from last night’s visit to a nearby observatory, but I pointed out several constellations, taught them how to find north using the Big Dipper and we found several satellites slowly crossing the starry sky. Everyone saw multiple shooting stars with the Milky Way as a background before heading off one by one and in pairs to their beds.

The Dead End Boys and one fellow from Flat End spent the night in the athletic field with the Director. They found the smooth surface quite comfortable and were only slightly annoyed by the dew in the morning.

What happened to the blog?

It has been days since I posted because I find it hard to find the time. I am either getting ready for the next event at camp, taking care of the business at camp, or participating in the activities. I apologize and will work harder to contribute at least once a day.
Thanks for your patience.