Cub Scout Camp was so much fun for our Cubs, they didn’t want to go home.
Earlier this month, K-M Scout Ranch hosted two overnight camping opportunities for the younger Scouts in our program: Cub Scout Camp and Webelos/Arrow of Light Camp. We were lucky enough to spend four days and three nights during the Cub Scout Camp.
Even before we left for camp, our Scouts were learning. They learned about priorities and needs – what they needed to take to camp (swimsuit and sleeping bag) and what could be left at home (all the stuffed animals but two small ones). At camp, they learned self-reliance, like carrying their gear to and from tents and making sure they always had a buddy wherever they went.
As expected, the camp was incredible. We camped with other Cub Scout friends and met lots of new friends. The Scouts expanded their horizons by trying new activities, like climbing and bouldering. They experienced progress with skills like archery, BB gun shooting, and the nature trail. (Knowing the Leave No Trace principles came in handy!)
Our Cub Scouts experienced patriotism by participating in opening and closing flag ceremonies and a very honorable flag retirement ceremony.
They felt a sense of belonging when wearing their Scout uniforms and seeing all the other campers and staff wearing theirs too. They happily took turns carrying their Cub Scout and US flags.
Scouts thought they were just having fun. They were also building and maintaining healthy bodies and minds. On each of the two full days at camp, I recorded more than 20,000 steps. (And I was standing at times when the Scouts were participating in physical activities.)
The leaders had fun, too with lots of opportunities to join in the activities. Swimming, stand-up paddle boarding, and hiking the nature trail are a few I enjoyed. But the best part of camp was seeing the huge smiles on the Scouts’ faces after interacting with the amazing staff, climbing to the top of the climbing tower, playing Marco Polo with friends and staff at Taylor Lake, or getting a bullseye at the archery range.
The lodge is fantastic with dining facilities inside and out, a Scout store, and a large conference room for the leaders’ daily meetings. The meals were great and the kitchen staff did an excellent job supplying a wide variety of foods. There was something for everyone to enjoy.
A huge thank you to Camp Director John Brault and his hard-working, dedicated, kind, and funny staff for making our time at K-M so amazing. They did everything possible to make our experience the best it could be.
On our way home, I asked our Cubs what they liked best about camp. The AOL liked climbing, archery, and art. The Bear liked climbing, archery, and swimming. I truly loved it all because I was with the children I cherish. We all agree we want to go back next year. We hope you’ll join us.
Learn more about Cub Scout Camp, Webelos/AOLS Camp, and K-M Scout Ranch.
Yours in Scouting,
Mary Matelich
Den leader
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