Corwin was returned to us today from his camping expedition. It was very hot and muggy for the first three days followed by a thunderstorm and tornado warnings last night. It didn’t seem all that bad here but the pack master called all the parents to assure them that the boys had survived the storm.
Both of the boys Corwin had started out with in his tent left early so by the second (Monday) night they’d taken down Corwin’s tent and put him in another tent with other boys. This meant that Corwin couldn’t forget to put up the rain shroud during the storm.
Corwin didn’t seem too damaged, just some scratches and heat rash. And of course, he admitted that soap hadn’t touched his body since I dropped him off.
Overall Corwin had a good time, although he’s unwilling to commit to going again some day. He spent all his money but rationed it out so that he spent the last of it this morning before they broke camp, which I think is impressive for a boy turned loose. Corwin even donated some of his cash to other boys who burned through their stakes early. Corwin’s biggest complaints were insects and rain. Given the heat, rain and local terrain I expect the bugs were out in overwhelming force in the evening. I sent some bug spray along but I’m not sure if Corwin used it.
Corwin also earned his “whittling chip” which means he’s entitled to carry a knife around camp. Now he’s pressing to get a knife. I’m torn between the joy of looking at and buying a knife vs. having an armed Corwin. It’s going to be a tough call.
We sent Corwin off to Adventure Camp with his scouting group for three days (he's due back Wednesday morning). We...