We had quite a showing at this event. Most of the 90+ participants showed up to launch pumpkins with catapults. We saw pumpkins going quite a distance, (some reaching what appeared to be 50+ feet) before exploding in an array of seeds, shells and innards. I guess that is why that vegetable is called “squash.”
Now.. We did have a parent complaint which must be mentioned due to technical merit and historical snootiness. The comment was that the Scouts were not actually building “Catapults”, that instead they built “Trebuchets”. Hmmm. Think swinging arm instead of compression. Or in Brownson terms: It’s “Swoosh” instead of “Thwang”.
Anyway, the Scouts all successfully made tents out of tarps and kept themselves predominantly dry (or if they got wet, they kept it to themselves). They worked well as teams to haul the bamboo to and from launching area. They did a good job chopping up so much old bamboo to make a large enough bonfire to require sunscreen. And they maintained their respect of the campsite to the end, by cleaning it up.
The unexpected highlights of the trip were definitely the Grub Masters. Even the finickiest of kids were drawn in by the wonderful smells of Curry Chicken, Soups, buttered corn, burgers, and chicken skewers for dinner. And the hot dumplings, bacon, eggs and sausage, pancakes and fresh coffee cake made for an amazing breakfast. We can definitely put IHOP out of business. (Who is with me?)
I want to thank the parents for getting cars out during the day, and for braving the rain. The weather worked out perfectly, by only raining at night and stopping by breakfast.
I know there were a lot of competing activities. A special call out to the Scouts who had to leave for swanky dance events, but returned in the morning out of a sense of commitment to the Troop.
Go 1916!
Enjoy the visuals over here.