Summer Camp Notes From Mr. Gay

 2009 Camp Raven Knob

First Update:

Moms and Dads,

I thought I would send you a little update throughout the week from CRK.
We are winding down from our first full day at camp.  But before I get to that, we set a new record for check in.  Check in officially begins at 1:00 pm.  Thanks to express check in and Mr. D we were checked in, unloaded and on our way to temperature check and swim test by 1:01 pm.  The scouts had a nice long afternoon to get settled into camp.  We enjoyed an opening night campfire and were introduced to the camp staff.  Everyone was back at camp by 10:00 pm and in bed by 10:30.

Following a hearty breakfast of eggs and grits it was off to merit badge sessions.  Our scouts were all over the camp learning new skills or having others reinforced.  They all seemed to have their schedules down by lunch.  The afternoon was filled with more fun and frivolity.  This evening we had some scouts visiting the trading post, completing assignments for merit badges, playing cards and chess and attempting to make a hammock.  Some scouts built a fire and made smores.  Yes the trading post is making out.
Well the scouts are in their tents now and we are heading towards lights out.  We have a few who went to bed early after a long day.  We have some who are going to try to sleep in the hammocks they bought at the trading post. Boy are they making out at the trading post!

That's about all from here today.  I will let you know how tomorrow goes.  We are expecting great weather and lots of fun.

Chuck Gay
SM 216

Second Update:

Hello Parents,

Another day has ended here at CRK.  The scouts had another fun filled day of merit badges and camp activities.  Most of the boys are getting used to the camp food.  Sausage gravy was a new experience for some of our scouts.  Today we had lunch and dinner in our camp site.   Papa Johns pizza has been the highlight and savior of the week for some.

Wednesday night is the parent night camp fire.  This is a special event at Raven Knob.  The camp staff put on a very special and patriotic night.  I think all of the boys understood the significance and felt proud to be an American.  The scouts were also treated to the Order of the Arrow calling out ceremony.  Every scout is enthralled with the pageantry and mystery of the OA. The camp fire ended with a fitting tribute to our veterans.  Thank you to all of you who have served.

We have had some bumps and bruises over the last 24 hours and we have had some tired boys.  But tomorrow is a new day here at CRK and we are looking forward to great weather and fun filled days.
Every day is a new adventure at camp and an opportunity for the boys to continue to grow into young men.

Chuck Gay
SM T-216

Third Update:

Moms and Dads,

Our time at Camp Raven Knob is coming to an end.  Merit badges are winding down.  The boys are feeling a sense of accomplishment from all of their hard work.  You should feel proud of them.  For those scouts who received partials in certain badges, we will make every effort to get them signed off by the next Court of Honor.  Please encourage them to complete the requirements they did not finish at camp.

Tonight the camp will hold it final camp fire at the OA arena.  Boys will be recognized for their leadership throughout the week.  The camp staff will say goodbye and we will wait for next year. 
We will be leaving tomorrow.  For those parents who are driving to camp, please arrive at the campsite between 8:00 and 8:30 am.  We will be eating a cold breakfast at our site and will have the boys packed and ready to go.  No one will be allowed to leave until we are checked out by the camp staff.  For those meeting us at Apex Crossing we will meet you around 12:30 pm.  As usual we will call you when we are about a half hour from Apex.

On behalf of all of the adult leaders who attended summer camp, thank you for allowing us to spend time with your sons and helping them become young men.
See you tomorrow morning.  Be sure to ask your boys about their week.

Chuck Gay
SM T-216