massawepie

My first time at Massawepie during Scout camp. Eating in the dining hall was a bit different from what the boys have told me - not family style but rather cafeteria style. And although not as many songs at the end of a meal there were a few each night. 

I had time to go on hikes around the camp and see the bog and various outpost locations. I saw Blaise sailing, kayaking (just a couple of the merit badges he worked on). Ambrose did 'mountain fox' and I went on two outings. We kayaked one down and did 'advanced' cooking which included bean and rice enchiladas over white gas heat and fried oreos (YUM!). One of the best experiences was going on an overnight to Eagle Island that we canoed out to and stayed overnight on the island. A true 'carry-in' and 'carry-out' experience. Waking up at 5am was early but definitely worth the amazing sunset!

Can't wait to go back to camp again next summer!

 

september camp out - mendon ponds park

It was a brisk 35 degrees overnight sleeping in our tent as a family (due to covid restrictions). The boys had fun playing football in the wide open field where two other groups were also camping (scout camping area). 

A search in the woods for firewood and kindling resulted in Ambrose 'finding a pond' that was covered in leaves. Next thing you know a change of clothes was in order because he was soaked and muddy up to his waist.

Tacos in a bag by one patrol, tacos in pie irons for another while the adults made teriyaki chicken for dinner. Campfire program complete with long stories by Ambrose with short ending (geez, just get to the point).

 

troop 31 august campout

Finally our Troop went on a camp out (it had been awhile because of Covid). We went to Camp Cutler and stayed in Mountain Man. The boys cooked, played charades, either Rugby or kayaking at the Lake and enjoyed sleeping outside in their hammocks. It was a different camp out since everyone had to wear masks and food was handed out with gloves on. Still it was great to be with friends in nature!

 

memorial day

Newtown Battlefield State Park in Elmira, NY was where we camped overnight for 2 nights over Memorial Day weekend.  The campground lent it self to 'make up your own games' at the playground, beautiful hikes, sitting around the campfire and just relaxing.  In the state park we saw replica Iroquis cabins.

We ventured to a Nature Center, downtown Corning and took in Glass Fest and the Rockwell Museum which is full of western art.  A great time with friends and family!

camping themed birthday party

It started with a picture of a cake.  Two logs on ashes with flames shooting up; a cake straight out of a magazine.  Add in a tent, fire and great friends . . . you get the 'best party ever'.  That is what the boys said about Ambrose's 11th camping themed party.

They arrived, donned their 'Camping In Tents' shirts, set up camp, ate camp inspired food, played flashlight tag, made smores and hunkered down for the night outside in a 5 man tent.  Lots of giggling, flashlights illuminating their shadows and interesting conversations before they finally went to sleep.  In the morning, belgian waffles, tear down camp, playing in the backyard until they were tired and ready to go home.  What a success!

camping memorial day weekend

Strange weather did not interfere with a fantastic camping experience.  Gator rides thru the 62 acres that a friends' mom owns.  Treasures found whether it was the old pickup truck rusting in the woods, a newt to watch, tiny shells at the beach and so much more! 

We went to Conesus Lake for kayaking and swimming and even saw a pig on the beach!  The history at the National Warplane Museum was incredible; followed with dinner at Hemlock Lake.  It was unpredictable weather . .. one minute looked fine, the next running to put everything away, the next bringing it all back out to do it again.  Hilarious.

If the boys were not eating they were kicking around a soccer ball or playing monkey in the middle. We even 'cheated' and went inside during a rain storm and watched 'Night at the Museum'.  Lots of smiles and tons of memories . . . blessed to have wonderful friends to enjoy this camping experience.