Camp Summary

Because there will be so many references to camp's layout and to different areas of camp, I thought I'd give a brief run down.

Areas of Camp

Handicrafts: Basketry, Wood Carving, Indian Lore, Art, Pottery (sometimes), Leatherwork
This is the area where all the artsy crafty things are done, therefore it is often ridiculed due to its lack of masculinity in a camp filled with testosterone drenched adolescents.

"Blanco Blast": Requirements for early stages of rank advancements in preparation for the Eagle rank.
Previously called FCE (First Class Emphasis or First Camper's Experience), this area is for the younger scouts and where I have worked the previous two summers. Also 'lovingly' called "fucking children everywhere."

Aquatics: Swimming, Rowing, Canoing, Lifesaving, BSA Lifeguard, Instructional Swim
Run by an old man who talks funny so that it sounds a little like a duck is pronouncing "Aquatics," this area is down in and around the river. "Blanco Blast" sends their kids over for swimming periods making it one massive clusterfuck and causing one staffer to tell Colin and myself that "there are too many kids," a point we were already aware of.

Skills: Pioneering, Orienteering, Wilderness Survival, Emergency Preparedness, Camping
Where scouting skills learned in FCE/"Blanco Blast" are strengthened and brought to the next level. Or just halfassed and you learn that rope and logs don't quite make as strong of a tower as one might think.

Climbing: Climbing
40 foot tower.

Nature: Shitload of merit badges from the necessary (Environmental Science) to the useless (the rest)
Lots of merit badges, not enough competent counselors, and Ron Carmen. Ron Carmen, lovingly deemed "Hot Pants" for his exceedingly tight and short Scout Shorts. But he will be discussed in depth at some other time.

Shooting Sports: Rifle, Shotgun, Archery
JR, which doesn't stand for junior, is in charge. Lots of shooting, occasionally some fire too rapid for the law, and instructors putting guns to their heads to pose for cameras.

SALT: Communications, Public Speaking
Mine. Kinda boring. But not. But seriously. We cook sometimes. We walk sometimes. We sit around sometimes. The rest is hardcore awesomeness. With the occasional float trip or hike.



Thus concludes the summary of instructional areas. I do believe Colin will correct me in some places (some where I'm wrong, and some where I'm not) and add to the list with other areas of camp.

Now don't be a moosehead, a-hole, or boo-yah-abstainer.