History in my Lifetime 1.28.86 – Shuttle Challenger Disaster
Do you remember where you were when this happened? I was a sophomore in high school. I remember sitting in Mrs. Bensman’s biology class not paying much attention to what was going on. someone came to the door and said the shuttle blew up. We were all a bit shocked. Our teacher turned on our tv and there it was being replayed. There was a lingering hope that there were survivors, but that would not be the case.
At that point in time, those of us really into science and technology were taken aback by this. What did it mean for the future? Would we stop going to space because of this? There was talk that the US would never recover from such a disaster and be happy staying on the ground for the rest of eternity. Luckily that wasn’t so. NASA came back a few years later and began flying again.
Take a moment and remember the sacrifice these astronauts made for further exploration of the stars today. Still hard to believe it was 25 years ago today.
History in my Lifetime – 1.4.99 Jesse “The Body” Ventura sworn in as governor
Former WWF professional wrestler Jesse “The Body” Ventura was sworn is as governor on this day back in 1999. Ventura ran as a candidate for the Reform Party and was elected 38th governor of Minnesota. He served from January 4, 1999, to January 6, 2003, without seeking a second term.
History in my Lifetime – 1.3.77 Apple Computer is incorporated
It was on this day way back in 1977 that Apple Computer became Apple Computer, Inc. For those keeping track at home, that means they were formed into a legal corporation. This little upstart showed promise back then. Who could really predict what it would be today?
Happy New Year
Happy New Year everyone. This is the first post in a long, long, time. I’m glad to be back and ready to jump back into the website with a renewed interest. That’s what 2011 is about for me. Renewal. I used to hate starting over from scratch every year and rebuilding accomplishments and such throughout the year. This year, I can’t wait to get started. So what’s new for 2011 you ask?
I’m fat. Nothing new there, but I am working on losing the pounds and keeping them off for good.
CaptainsCast is coming back. Ben has a renewed interest as well and wants to do the show again. I also realize how important it is for me to communicate with my boys and keep them on track. This is the way to do that.
Time Machine Toychest is coming back. More classic toys from yesteryear. This week brings the Frisbee!
Overgrown Boyscout is starting up anew. Since I have been thrust into the world of Scouting, I feel it is important to help others not that familiar with it. Look for me to hopefully be joined by Eagle Scout Jeff Hertlein as my co-host.
The Weekly Word Podcast will continue. For those looking for a great spiritual message, come listen to Dr. J, John Daniels, give his weekly message.
Coming soon – more blogging, more 70′s & 80′s history, and a few new podcast projects.
Day two
I am in the Eagles Nest right now writing this post. Eagles Nest? It’s not a code name. It’s the leader resource center where adult training is held, our morning briefings, and just a place for the adults to hang out in air conditioned bliss. How many times did I mention this was for adults? That’s right. No scouts allowed. It’s like the faculty lounge for overgrown boy scouts.
Our day started with us being late for breakfast. We are the closest camp to the dining hall yet the last one to get there. Still don’t know why. Our troop volunteered for the song for this meal. Our first years, Tim Carter, and myself led the whole camp in a stunning rendition of Alive, Alert, Awake, Enthusiastic. It was fantastic.
The boys know where they are headed now, so the pressure is off. Everyone knows where they need to be. Summer camp looks a lot like a college campus. Except no girls.
A few of us went through Scoutmaster training part one today. We basically learned how to gently guide the boys to run the troop while we advise. We each introduced ourselves and why we were attending the training. The older boys did it for me. They said it would be cool to have Captain Kirk as one of the Assistant Scoutmasters. It makes you feel good to be a part of the troop aside from the first years you came in with.
We did a troop service project this afternoon and dismantled tents in a camp that will not be used for the next week of camp. Have you seen Aliens? That’s what it was like with all of the wood spiders in the tents. We had to battle one. You can see it and the aftermath of the battle below in the photos. THEY JUST WON’T DIE!!!!!
Everybody went off and did their own activities tonight. There was the Blob, Archery, Boating, Magic the Gathering tournament, fishing, rappelling. Our kids did it all. Mel, Ron, and myself hit the archery range. I haven’t shot in nearly 30 years. It was awesome.
The night finished up with an Order of the Arrow ceremony. Some of our scouts were inducted. It was a proud moment for all. Congrats to Tyler, Tarak, Jacob, Ron, and Brody.
Time to head back to camp. Faygo time.
End of day 1
Wow. What a day. Activities galore for all the boys and I don’t think there’s been a single complaint. We ran our first years through their paces today. They will be completing their totin’ chip and getting signed off on their orienteering. We only had 2 get lost. Seriously. They got lost.
In other news, I went fishing with one of our assistant scoutmasters. What a great time. I caught a few and it was very stress-relieving. His daughter caught a nice bass too. She wasnt afraid of the worms like some of our older boys were. Check out the pics below.
Sidenote – we had a fire drill today. They then served us refried beans at dinner. Coincidence?
That’s it for now. Time to get out the chips and Faygo for the boys. It’s a troop tradition.
P.S. The 2 boys that got lost finished the course. Only 2+ hours. Nevertheless, we’ll have a full headcount at lights out.
1st official day of camp
Day one is underway. Boys are off to their classes and seems like everyone is having fun. We had some of our troop volunteer to serve breakfast and lunch today. The inside track on that is we get to eat first if we serve. It’s great to learn all of the little things to make camp easier and a better experience. Especially for us adults. We love to eat, you know.
Our Troop at chapel
All of us hit Chapel tonight. Going gets us signed off for a part of the qualifications for the Quality Troop Award. That, of course, is not the only reason for going. Good fellowship as well.
Cuttin’ wood in the axe yard
Timmy prepping wood for the camp fire.
Moving in
We are at summer camp now. Just moving in actually. Starting camp isn’t just a matter of showing up and pitching your tent. ( the tent is already there for you). We arrive, review medical records with the staff, receive dining hall orientation, group photo, swim test, and shooting orientation. All this before we even move into the campsite.
As you can see from the photo, camp is clean and pristine. Just wait. Chaos will ensue.
