A Camping We Will Go!

Today I'm taking my 11 year old son who is in Boy Scouts up to the mountains. Our troop is planning an overnight camping trip. I'm guessing there will be about 20 kids and probably about 5 - 6 parents. The camping trips are always a lot of fun. The boys in each patrol do most of the planning for food and setting up the tents and since it's just an overnight trip we don't have to pack a lot gear. Usually a camp stove to cook on, utensils to eat our food with like a plastic knife, fork and spoon, a couple of warm sleeping bags, our tent, and a change of clothes. Once we are at the camp site the scouts usually practice some skill or work towards earning some badge of merit. Our troop usually plans one camping trip per month. We travel to various locations throughout the state. Most camp sites are easily reachable within 2-3 hours. Here in Idaho you can find some very primative and pristine locations without traveling far at all.

Scouting can be a lot of fun if you are willing to participate in the activities with your child. I think that's why I enjoy it so much. It really gives me an opportunity to connect with my child in an activity that is away from the distractions of home and in an entirely different setting. The time spent with the other adults is always rewarding. In these settings the kids become dependent on one another which really encourages them to form and cement relationhips that can last a lifetime.