Monday, July 20th, at about 5:00 am, David & David posed for a goodbye photo. They were off to Camp Loll, a Boy Scout camp in Idaho.
This camp is known for being a little rustic, however, since it borders Yellowstone Park, I hear the area is just gorgeous.
Armed with a ton of DEET to fend off the mosquitos, my guys were all smiles as they headed out the door. Having just crossed over into Troop 1, only a few months before, David was really glad that Devon had agreed to accompany him on his first overnight camp.
Here's a photo of the whole Troop heading out. You can tell it's pre-dawn because the church light was still on. The unit heading up to camp consisted of 4 adult leaders and about 17 boys.
After setting up camp, everyone got a chance to kick back and relax. David was happy to have a good book and comfy chair to lounge in.
The "boys" weren't the only wildlife at the camp site. They also had a welcome surprise when a little deer dropped in for a visit.
Boy Scout camps don't let boys sit around too much. Hiking seemed to be on the agenda, almost everyday. 
On this particular hike, the boys not only got to enjoy the great scenery, but also got to put into practice all the first aid skills they've been learning.
David continued learning about First Aid, and by the end of the camping session he had earned his First Aid Merit Badge. That is a merit badge that will definately come in handy!
Another hike the group did, had them hiking right into Yellowstone Park. It was a pretty long trek, at least 5 miles long. At the end, both David & Devon posed for a celebratory photo.
Here's David showing us how "he really felt" after the hike!
Of course, when you camp has a pristine lake right on-site... the best way to cool off is to jump right in!
At the beginning and end of each day, all scouts were required to gather together for the flag ceremony. This is usually the only time the boys could be seen in their full class A uniform. Troop 1 has a reputation for being the smartest dressed unit at camps, as the scout leaders insist the EVERY boy has a complete uniform. Many of the troops just show up with bits and pieces.
One of the highlights of the week long camp, was a overnight canoe trip. David was in the process of working on his Canoeing Merit Badge, so as a result he got the honor of being able to steer the canoe.
And of course, no overnighter is complete without a camp fire. If you look real close at David's pants (he's the one wearing too much camoflauge) you will see a little fairy like creature. We have no idea how that got there. Kind of cool!
BSA camp is not all fun and games. There is always a mandatory service project the boys must participate in. It is their chance to "give back". Here the boys are in the midst of a conservation project. Working together like this, not only helps the boys make the environment look better, but helps the boys develop good teamwork skills.
At the end of the day there was always some free time for the boys to pursue their passions. David made it a point to hit the rifle and/or archery range, every chance he could.
All the boys take great pride if they have the courage to do the "Polar Bear Plunge". Just like it sounds, this BSA camp ritual consists of plunging yourself into VERY COLD WATER.
Here David poses with his brave comrades (Corbin & Simon). They all did it and lived to tell the tale.
The whole troop poses for one final photo as the prepare to break camp and head back home. All in all, EVERY boy said that it was a terrific week. They can't wait unit next year!
While their flight doesn't leave until 1:55 p.m., when you live an hour and a half away from the airport (Salt Lake City), you have to leave early! Of course, there was still enough time for Joshua to get in a little time on the computer before we had to go. (Don't know who Joshua is going to miss more... us, Max, or his computer!)
All the scout families met up at Logan's First Presbyterian Church at 9:30 a.m. We of course were the last family to arrive! Too funny. Some wonderful soul had brought donuts and juice for the boys (honey glazed & apple juice - so there would be no last minute stains - good thinking).
Jim Johnston (Troop 1) did a last minute paperwork check to make sure the group was good to go. Everything was in order.
Tom Hogan (Troop 1 Scoutmaster) did a final check with the boys to make sure the boys weren't carrying any contraband items: pocket knives, scissors, c-4 (just kidding). I had to admit that I had just popped a sewing kit into Joshua's backpack, which contains scissors so small that they look like they belong to a mouse. Everyone agreed that Joshua would have to transfer them to his checked luggage at the airport. I hope he remembers!
The group then posed for a final photo, wearing their snazzy red berets. They all looked very nice. I think that they will represent the Boy Scouts very well during their travels.
Joshua and his buddy, Ryan Martin, posed for one last photo before getting in the car. Joshua and Ryan have become good friends outside of scouts. The boys have been paired together for the trip as official "buddies" and promised their respective moms that they will indeed look out for each other the whole time.
The group (six boys & three adults) are flying from Salt Lake City to London, via Minneapolis. Their flight leaves UT at 1:55 p.m. and gets into London-Heathrow at 12:15 on Friday. That's a lot of time to be in en-route. Good thing we packed Joshua with enough snacks to feed the entire plane! Of course, knowing how my son eats... they could be eaten before they get out of UT.
