Scouts

The boys both attended Scout Camps at the end of June.  Avery went to 3 days of Cub Scout Day Camp in Sedalia, which was awesome fun!  They even got to see a helicopter land on site and learn all about it.  There were activities in Scout Skills, Sports, Crafts, Games, Archery, etc.  He had a great time and learned a lot . . . and especially got VERY dirty! :)

Chase went to his first camp as a Boy Scout!  This was an overnight campout near Larkspur with Dad coming along.  They had a lot of work to do to complete their requirements for advancement, including cooking all of their own meals and taking a 5-mile hike.  After they finished the campout, they left with some buddies to go off-roading on the way home.  So, they came home pretty dirty, too!

Both of these events happened during the big wildfire that was going on in Colorado Springs.  They were far away enough that they were safe and no activities were cancelled (except, obviously, the Boy Scouts could not use fire for cooking).  But, the smoke was in the air and it was very hot and dry, so they had to be very careful.  Thankfully everyone came home safe and healthy!

Finally, Chase was asked to assist with a flag ceremony on Independence Day at a pancake breakfast that we attended with some families in our ward.  He did a first-rate job!  It was an excellent way to start a fun-filled holiday.

The pictures below were taken at the 11-year-old Campout and at the Flag Ceremony.  Unfortunately, since neither Dad or Mom was able to attend Cub Camp, we didn't get any pictures of Avery.  But, just imagine a cute, freckled young man covered head to toe with dirt, sweat, and a few well-earned bruises, and you will get the general idea! :)

Dad took this picture of Chase at the 11-year-old Scout Campout.  He was trying to teach Chase to "embrace the heat."  I don't think the lesson was very well-received.  Haha!

Independence Day Flag Ceremony and Pancake Breakfast