Location: Swartswood Lake, NJ; Emmetts Lake House
Weather: mid-60's to mid-40's; partially cloudy and cool
Food:
Saturday:
Breakfast: Pancakes, Bacon, Orange Juice and Coffee
Lunch: Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Brownies
Dinner: Pot Roast, Spaetzle, Corn on the Cob, Brownies, Popcorn
Sunday:
Breakfast: Taylor Ham, Egg & Cheese in a Pita
Well, this was our first trip of the 2011-12 season, and as usual, this is the trip to really figure out what equipment we need (or forgot), what needs to be replaced, what needs to be fixed, and what needs to be cleaned because it didn't get put away properly the last time we used it.
The first lesson I think we all learned is that mother nature has a sense of humor. Initially, the location was chosen so that if it was unseasonably warm (or seasonally warm depending on climate change) there would be the opportunity to take a dip in the lake, and have some fun in the water.
So of course what that means is its the perfect time for a double cold front to push through.
However, 101 being 101 we were for the most part prepared. A few of us wished that we had brought an extra jacket or fleece, or even a pair of light gloves, but the fire pit kept us warm, and the Scouts with us stayed in the boat house, while the adults slept under the stars.
Despite the cold, the boys managed to do a little canoeing, and explored a small island and found a few metal artifacts, as well as a little kayaking, and a trip in Mr. Emmetts' M-Scow sailboat. There was a light breeze heading out, and the paddling back the last 100 yards or so helped the Scouts burn off the morning's pancakes...
After that, we got into an impromptu fishing tournament, between the scoutmaster, one of the assistants, and both Scouts. We were competing for "Scoutmaster for the night" as well as bragging rights, and happily, the Scoutmaster stayed the Scoutmaster for the duration of the trip, followed closely by one of our newest Scouts. Our oldest Scout, however, managed to catch the largest Sunfish - the 13' sailboat variety. Parked on a dock. With no sail. He also managed to catch two docks, and cast so hard out that he shattered the bobber on the line. While our assistant Scoutmaster was attempting to fish, he didn't manage to catch one, however, he did dump enough breadcrumbs in the water to keep the fish near the "quay".
After the "fishing derby" the adults cooked dinner while the Scouts worked on the requirements for the Boy Scout rank, and afterward we sat around the fire talking and enjoying the crisp night air.
Finally, on a more somber note, we did have one fatality this weekend. Our 1st Assistant Scoutmaster discovered that while one can kayak and take pictures with a waterproof digital camera, the manufacturer does suggest using a float when on the water in case the camera goes overboard. The manufacturer was, in fact, correct on that fact. Sadly, he lost the camera overboard, and it now is resting comfortably in Davy Jones' locker. Despite deepwater salvage efforts, the camera could not be located and is considered lost. Happily, there were no important (or incriminating) images lost, though we have no images from the weekend.
All in all a good camping trip. Now to clean the gear, repack, and on to the next adventure...
Monday, September 19, 2011
Thursday, September 1, 2011
New year and a new blog...
I think maybe the most asked question I get from new parents is: "What do I need to buy my son for camping?" This has to be one of the simplest and most difficult questions to answer. There are literally hundreds of thousands of pieces of camping equipment out there, that cost anywhere from $1 to $1,000 dollars.
To keep the answer (and the cost) as simple as possible, we need to face a terrible fact: your 11-year-old is growing, and will continue to grow throughout his time with us. Just about the time he's able to pay for some of his own equipment, he will stop growing. That being said, the best thing to get your scout for the new year are really three simple things:
1. A really good sleeping bag. This is probably by far the most important thing you can get your scout. Troop 101 does the bulk of its camping during the fall, winter and spring - and we are usually at a higher elevation so when night falls, so does the temperature. He will be in a tent (which we provide) to keep him as dry as possible, but the sleeping bag is what keeps him warm, and gives him a good restful night's sleep for the next day's activities. Personally, I use this bag. Now the first question I get is, why I don't use a "mummy bag" - the answer is because I roll in my sleep like a fish on a dock, and I don't like waking up twisted up like a pretzel. Also you'll notice that its over 6.5' long - this allows me (at 6') to stretch all the way out, and still be completely covered in the bag.
This particular bag also allows me to stuff my extra clothes in with me. This adds another layer of warmth (as it reduces the amount of open air in the bag for my body to warm) and I'm not putting on cold clothes on in the morning!
If you are in the market for a bag, go to the store and try it on. Literally get in and see how it feels. The lower the cold rating, the warmer your scout will be - and he won't need to go to bed with his long johns on!
2. Footwear. During a normal camping trip, your scout is on his feet almost the whole weekend - and sometimes we go on hikes over rough terrain. A pair of appropriate and good footwear is essential to your scout's comfort. Unfortunately, this is one of those items that he will grow out of, but they can always be passed down to a younger sibling - if he's planning on getting into scouting.
I never recommend wearing sneakers or any open toed shoes on any of our trips, except for the canoe trip, and even then, I recommend changing out when you get back at the end of the day.
I always recommend boots, warm for the winter, good ankle support and waterproof. Even your basic insulated work boot is fine, just remember to watch the cold rating on the boot (or ask the salesperson). Not all boots can be worn in snow and keep the foot warm. Nothing hurts more than cold toes and trying to keep working to keep the fire going, or cooking dinner.
NEVER, EVER, wear new boots to a camping trip. Always break them in. My suggestion: have your scout wear them to school! They are constantly walking around (put a pedometer on them one day and see how far they've walked) and it will allow the boot to conform to the uniqueness of their foot. Wear them for about 2-3 weeks straight at school before a camping trip, and they should be ready.
3. Hat and gloves. Sounds pretty straightforward, right? A wool watch hat (like these) made of fleece sometimes isn't as warm as one made of wool, and insulated (like these). It all really depends on the scout - how heavy he is, how long his hair is, etc., etc. The key to the hat is that it keeps his body heat in, and can cover his ears - those are the two most important things. Other than that, its really personal preference. Some troops have official troop hats. We don't. In fact, the stranger the hat, the more you should wear it at troop functions! Most of our adults wear wide-brimmed cowboy hats - it keeps the sun out of our eyes, and the rain and snow from going down our shirts. Most scouts like baseball hats - but I've also seen civil war kepis, bandannas, and a bunch of different styles.
Gloves are another one of those items that sound easy, but isn't always the case. On a normal camping trip, your scout is constantly working with his hands. Sometimes with wood tools, tying ropes, or working around the fire. He'll need a glove that he can work comfortably in, yet still keep the fingers toasty (also, in the case of the fire, something that won't burn too easily). Personally, I use these - they keep the fingers warm, have leather in the palm for extra protection, and have a gauntlet to keep the snow from getting in.
--------
Obviously, I don't always take this same equipment. In the warmer months, I carry lighter gloves (mostly for night) and in the summer, I use either blankets or a lighter "indoor" sleeping bag. I have a variety of footwear for the right situation, and even different hats for different temps.
These are the basic elements that make up my camping gear. In purchasing these, there are a few hard and fast rules, and a lot of personal preference, but in the end, these items will make a scout happy on a weekend trip.
What about clothes, pack and everything else? For clothes, in the winter, he can always layer his clothes and jackets. Most of us use long johns, but even with enough layers, they are almost not needed. For carrying all this, he needs a pack, yes, but we have several available for loan if anyone would like to test one before spending the money, and frankly, as long as everything fits inside or onto, the pack can be whatever works for the scout. Frame packs are great, but some are larger than the 11 year-old scout carrying it!
All the other items you can think of - flashlight, pillow, etc., etc. are really all up to the scout. Will it make his life easier? Sure. Does he really need it? Well, that depends on the scout. Some can operate in the dark as easily in the day, others like to know that should they need it, its there. Also, the troop always travels with a propane lantern, so its not like there isn't something to read by.
No matter what, we will teach him what to pack, how to pack, and how to use what he packs for camping. The more he camps, the more he'll alter what he takes. Maybe he'll start with a small LED flashlight, and learn that he likes a headlamp better. Or that he never really uses that cook kit he got from grandma and grandpa, but the moisture wicking socks from Uncle Bob are a must for all winter camping.
The troop provides a lot of equipment that we share as a group, but also has a lot of equipment that was donated for use by scouts who aren't quite sure what type of pack they want, or if they want to spend the money on their own cook kit. So, ask before hitting the outfitter, and see what we have, or recommend.
On a final note, don't ever let your scout take something that you don't want damaged. If you loan him a custom Norman Rockwell BSA official pocketknife that should be on display - don't expect it back in the same condition it left in - if it comes back at all. If you want an idea of what his tent will look like, take a look at his bedroom. If he's lost stuff in there, he'll lose stuff out in the field.
Hope this helps some of you new parents, and maybe give a little insight to some of you returning ones!
To keep the answer (and the cost) as simple as possible, we need to face a terrible fact: your 11-year-old is growing, and will continue to grow throughout his time with us. Just about the time he's able to pay for some of his own equipment, he will stop growing. That being said, the best thing to get your scout for the new year are really three simple things:
1. A really good sleeping bag. This is probably by far the most important thing you can get your scout. Troop 101 does the bulk of its camping during the fall, winter and spring - and we are usually at a higher elevation so when night falls, so does the temperature. He will be in a tent (which we provide) to keep him as dry as possible, but the sleeping bag is what keeps him warm, and gives him a good restful night's sleep for the next day's activities. Personally, I use this bag. Now the first question I get is, why I don't use a "mummy bag" - the answer is because I roll in my sleep like a fish on a dock, and I don't like waking up twisted up like a pretzel. Also you'll notice that its over 6.5' long - this allows me (at 6') to stretch all the way out, and still be completely covered in the bag.
This particular bag also allows me to stuff my extra clothes in with me. This adds another layer of warmth (as it reduces the amount of open air in the bag for my body to warm) and I'm not putting on cold clothes on in the morning!
If you are in the market for a bag, go to the store and try it on. Literally get in and see how it feels. The lower the cold rating, the warmer your scout will be - and he won't need to go to bed with his long johns on!
2. Footwear. During a normal camping trip, your scout is on his feet almost the whole weekend - and sometimes we go on hikes over rough terrain. A pair of appropriate and good footwear is essential to your scout's comfort. Unfortunately, this is one of those items that he will grow out of, but they can always be passed down to a younger sibling - if he's planning on getting into scouting.
I never recommend wearing sneakers or any open toed shoes on any of our trips, except for the canoe trip, and even then, I recommend changing out when you get back at the end of the day.
I always recommend boots, warm for the winter, good ankle support and waterproof. Even your basic insulated work boot is fine, just remember to watch the cold rating on the boot (or ask the salesperson). Not all boots can be worn in snow and keep the foot warm. Nothing hurts more than cold toes and trying to keep working to keep the fire going, or cooking dinner.
NEVER, EVER, wear new boots to a camping trip. Always break them in. My suggestion: have your scout wear them to school! They are constantly walking around (put a pedometer on them one day and see how far they've walked) and it will allow the boot to conform to the uniqueness of their foot. Wear them for about 2-3 weeks straight at school before a camping trip, and they should be ready.
3. Hat and gloves. Sounds pretty straightforward, right? A wool watch hat (like these) made of fleece sometimes isn't as warm as one made of wool, and insulated (like these). It all really depends on the scout - how heavy he is, how long his hair is, etc., etc. The key to the hat is that it keeps his body heat in, and can cover his ears - those are the two most important things. Other than that, its really personal preference. Some troops have official troop hats. We don't. In fact, the stranger the hat, the more you should wear it at troop functions! Most of our adults wear wide-brimmed cowboy hats - it keeps the sun out of our eyes, and the rain and snow from going down our shirts. Most scouts like baseball hats - but I've also seen civil war kepis, bandannas, and a bunch of different styles.
Gloves are another one of those items that sound easy, but isn't always the case. On a normal camping trip, your scout is constantly working with his hands. Sometimes with wood tools, tying ropes, or working around the fire. He'll need a glove that he can work comfortably in, yet still keep the fingers toasty (also, in the case of the fire, something that won't burn too easily). Personally, I use these - they keep the fingers warm, have leather in the palm for extra protection, and have a gauntlet to keep the snow from getting in.
--------
Obviously, I don't always take this same equipment. In the warmer months, I carry lighter gloves (mostly for night) and in the summer, I use either blankets or a lighter "indoor" sleeping bag. I have a variety of footwear for the right situation, and even different hats for different temps.
These are the basic elements that make up my camping gear. In purchasing these, there are a few hard and fast rules, and a lot of personal preference, but in the end, these items will make a scout happy on a weekend trip.
What about clothes, pack and everything else? For clothes, in the winter, he can always layer his clothes and jackets. Most of us use long johns, but even with enough layers, they are almost not needed. For carrying all this, he needs a pack, yes, but we have several available for loan if anyone would like to test one before spending the money, and frankly, as long as everything fits inside or onto, the pack can be whatever works for the scout. Frame packs are great, but some are larger than the 11 year-old scout carrying it!
All the other items you can think of - flashlight, pillow, etc., etc. are really all up to the scout. Will it make his life easier? Sure. Does he really need it? Well, that depends on the scout. Some can operate in the dark as easily in the day, others like to know that should they need it, its there. Also, the troop always travels with a propane lantern, so its not like there isn't something to read by.
No matter what, we will teach him what to pack, how to pack, and how to use what he packs for camping. The more he camps, the more he'll alter what he takes. Maybe he'll start with a small LED flashlight, and learn that he likes a headlamp better. Or that he never really uses that cook kit he got from grandma and grandpa, but the moisture wicking socks from Uncle Bob are a must for all winter camping.
The troop provides a lot of equipment that we share as a group, but also has a lot of equipment that was donated for use by scouts who aren't quite sure what type of pack they want, or if they want to spend the money on their own cook kit. So, ask before hitting the outfitter, and see what we have, or recommend.
On a final note, don't ever let your scout take something that you don't want damaged. If you loan him a custom Norman Rockwell BSA official pocketknife that should be on display - don't expect it back in the same condition it left in - if it comes back at all. If you want an idea of what his tent will look like, take a look at his bedroom. If he's lost stuff in there, he'll lose stuff out in the field.
Hope this helps some of you new parents, and maybe give a little insight to some of you returning ones!
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