How many girls do you know who can say they've spent more time at Boy Scout Camp than any boy they know?
Probably not many.
I am one of those girls. And so is my sister.
The Boy Scouts of America has played a major role in my life. My Mom met my Dad while she was working as a secretary and he was working as a District Scout Executive in the Scout office in Cedar City, Utah.
Because of the Boy Scouts and several job transfers I lived in Long Beach, California; Reno (Sparks), Nevada; Bakersfield, California; and Pocatello, Idaho, where I made many wonderful friends as well as many priceless memories.
One of my Dad's responsibilities was to be the Scout Camp Director each summer, and/or get camp ready to open and close. When I was younger my Mom and I would spend the entire summer at Scout Camp with my Dad. As I got older and life got busier we'd stay home and he'd come home most weekends.
My first Scout Camp was at Camp Tahquitch in Southern California:
I had a near-death experience at this camp when I was four and one of the Scouts pushed me into the deep end of the pool. I still remember slowly sinking to the bottom and my Dad coming to save me. That Scout got into a lot of trouble.
I also have a permanent reminder of Camp Tahquitz in the form of a scar on my right knee. I was riding my bike on one of the trails and crashed.
I also remember that I got to go to the Commisary whenever I wanted to get ice cream and candy (this was true at all my Scout Camps). :o)
My second Scout Camp was Camp Fleischmann in the Lake Tahoe area:
I don't remember a lot about this camp except that it was really pretty. I love the Lake Tahoe area. I did get to make the same crafts that the Scouts made and my favorites were moccasins and lanyards that were made with plastic string.
My third Scout Camp was Camp Kern in central California:
The only way to get to this camp was by boat. I also remember there were lots of hills to walk up and down. When we'd go to Camp Kern to open/close camp our good friends, the Anthony's, would go with us. We'd spend a few days and have the entire camp to ourselves! When we were old enough my Dad did make my sister and me pass the Scout swim test before we could swim in the lake (this was true at all my Scout Camps, too).
A couple of memories from Camp Kern:
-We went to Camp Kern for the first time a few weeks after we moved to Bakersfield. My Mom had just been called as the Relief Society President (leader of our church's women's organization) and didn't know anyone to call for her counselors and secretary. I remember my Mom sitting on a big rock overlooking the lake for hours, praying with a list of ward members in her hand. It was a powerful example of how the Lord knows who should serve in each calling in our church and that He does answer prayers. It all worked out wonderfully!
-One summer when we went to close camp my sister and I found some baby chipmunks who had been orphaned. My Dad let us keep them and take care of them. They would run to us and run up our pant legs! It was awesome!
My fourth Scout Camp was Camp Little Lemihi which is by Palisades Reservoir in Idaho:
Camp Little Lemhi had a big impact on my family because this is where my sister, who was the rifle range instructor one summer, met her future husband, who was working as a Camp Assistant. They've now been married for 17 years and have two kids.
I also have memories of getting my own boys ready to go to Scout Camp. Zach was a bit homesick his first year but adjusted very quickly. Parker had no homesick issues. Both boys loved going to Scout Camp.
I'm very thankful for the positive impact the Boy Scouts and Boy Scout Camps have had on my life. The Boy Scout organization and the places we lived while my Dad was an "Official Boy Scout" shaped my life. The Boy Scouts helped my boys learn many positive character traits which will help them throughout their lives.
And I'm sure I'll be able to say the same thing about my future grandsons.
*All images courtesy of Google Images/name of camp
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