jstefan posted on August 15, 2009 08:58
Pathfinders are rapidly working out their plans for the Oshkosh world-wide camporee. The space allotment at Oshkosh is 20’ x 70’, and so we will lay out a space for Jill's trailer and set up the dining tarp, tents, and entrance sign. We actually have spaced this out on the ground and the kids have gotten some needed practice in setting up tents. Of course, there also is the added benefit of making sure the tents are in useable shape, as well as the tarp!
We have had a wonderful response to our “apple tree” in the church foyer for food and supplies on the trip and want to thank the church members for their contributions. Also, from the “fun-raiser,” M & M containers returned with money, we raised over $100. THANK-YOU!
Our set date to leave for the camporee, is the 9th of August, a Sunday. We will leave as early as possible (hopefully at least by 8am) and head to Ohio for the first night, staying in a hotel with a swimming pool and continental breakfast. We will then arrive on the 10th to the camporee site. When we arrive, we will spend our time setting up camp, and the next day is a trip to Noah's Ark Water Park, and the Camporee actually begins that same day, the 11th. The program ends on Saturday night the 15th, and we will head for home on Sunday the 16th, stay somewhere in probably Ohio, that night, and arrive Monday evening the 17th back home. … VERY tired.
As for the school year, we have been mostly planning behind the scenes - ordering pins, ensuring that all have complete uniforms, etc. As for the future, we have already been looking to the New Year, at which time we will first of all seek to interest more kids in joining us. There are quite a few I see every Sabbath, that we fit the bill just perfectly. Amongst the goals for the New Year is a venture with Mt. Aetna to take the kids rappelling, a campout to a youth group area on the Gunpowder River, that has an awesome place for flashlight tag, and a really nice hike to the Pretty Boy Dam. We also want to learn canoeing, and then take a trip on the Pokomoke River in the spring. If approved, white water rafting will come in the spring as well. Then of course there will be trips to the skating rink, just for fun, marshmallow roasts on Saturday nights, and that is above and beyond the planned conference events. We will move our meetings to Tuesday nights, and will meet generally every week during the school year, starting the first week of September. It will be the same night as Adventurers, and so will benefit those parents who have kids in both.
Mandi Wilson has agreed to come on board as our girls’ counselor, and we are still looking for a counselor for the boys. In future correspondence we will call on adults who are willing to lend their skills to teach an honor or assist in other ways. Particulars for meeting times and all other details will come in the future. I will close for now, and keep in touch with you for future news items.