APRIL 5, 2008
Event Chairman Kevin Newcomb
Flyers should be handed out at the November 2008 Committee Meeting to Leaders.
Camping Site "The Pines" will be reserved for those wishing to stay overnight 4/4 to 4/5.
All forms get sent directly to Council by each scout family with appropriate fees.
Those who desire the overnight should notify the event chairman.
The following is a story of a Fishing Derby of yesteryear. It was so well written that this webmaster did not have the heart to delete it, please enjoy:
Cubmaster UPDATE April 2, 2005
Rain, Rain and Mostly RAIN.
It really wasn't that bad.
It is a rain or shine avent.
There were 4 scouts with their adult partners that set up camp in the "Pines" on Friday Night April 1st. The stars were shining and it was a mild 42 degrees. The campfire was a welcome site. Not only for warmth and marshmallows but a gathering place for the eight of us to enjoy each others company.
Alex, Jimmy, Liam,and Zack were the eager scouts camping out this evening. Alex broke out his joke book in the middle of the night and we all had many laughs. I thought Alex did a TREEmendous job. "Answer zee question".
Lights out was around 10 PM as all were weary. After snuggling into the tent and getting situated you could hear the brook across the road rambling on in a calm and soothing manner. The day was done, we said our prayers and we were ready for whatever was in store for us tomorrow.
At approximately 2:15 AM I awoke to the sound of Patter on the top of the tent. Not pitter-patter, jut plain ol'patter which is a little heavier than pitter-patter. I was surprised at how hard the rain was hitting the tent as we were under the large pines. I figured it must be raining pretty hard out there. I did not fear the rain knowing were we well set-up for this very instance. I checked my tent partner Zack and then rolled over snug in my bag and continued to sleep. I awoke a few more times from the sound of the rain before we rose at 7AM.
Unless you've experienced it yourself, there's nothing like waking up first thing in the morning and getting a big grin from your son as he is enjoying every minute of his campout. Once dressed we stuffed our sleeping bags in their cases and set up our gear inside the tent for our departure which would take place later in the day.
But now it was time for breakfast. We headed to the mess hall, picked up our registration packet with our Fishing Derby Patches, event rules and prepaid breakfast tickets. We sat down to eat our pancake and sausage breakfast. Hot Chocolate and coffee was readily available along with a carton of OJ with each meal. Once again the camp staff did a great job with the meal.
Ut'oh, its almost 8 AM and the cannon will be sounding indicating scouts can begin to fish. We hurried back to our site in the Pines to gather our gear. Some last minute finetuning to our rods and "BANG". The cannon had sounded. It's time to fish. Due to the forecast and rain, there was ample space to set up on the lake and fish. We took a close spot near the dining hall so that we could take a quick break and grab some Joe, Hot Chocolate or just some warm dry space in between fishing. Did I mention it was still raining from 2:15 AM this morning. Yep, pretty hard and steady all night and morning.
But thats okay, it didn't bother us or dampen our spirits, we had our rain coats and boots with umbrellas and extra gear for the storm. We also had a full belly of food and had a fine evening last night including a great campfire under what was a sky full of stars most of the evening.
Additional pack scouts arrived being Nick, William and Tommy, ready to fish. And yes, the "Fish Stories" begin...."I had a nibble"..."I crossed a line"...."Can you help me cast"...."Did you see that one get away"...."My line is stuck in the tree"...."Hurry, we need a net...oOH....no....we lost him"...
But there were also catches made. Alex and Tommy bagged themselves each nice looking trout to commemorate their day. The rest of us had a fine outing with our parent or sons. And when we look back at the rain and foul weather, it wasn't as bad as they forcasted. But most of all, we gained something that will never be taken away...
A great memory of our outing forever.
Submitted by Cubmaster Dan 4/2/2005