a new day, a new city

Everyone woke up this morning happy that nothing like a fire alarm disturbed their sleep. A delicious breakfast energized everyone for the day ahead. With our bags packed and loaded under the bus, everyone headed toward the aircraft carrier, “The Intrepid. It was fun looking down on the deck from the tower,” mentions Bobby Okereke. Just as we left the carrier, a heavy rain fell on the Scouts of 812. Unfortunately, the rain continued as we drove towards Times Square, and we were forced to just stay inside the bus as we drove through the busy city. The decision turned out to have a good result because we arrived in Philadelphia early and started touring immediately. We started touring our new city at the US Mint where we watched pennies being minted. “The pennies were so shiny; it makes me think about all those dirty pennies in the world and what they went through,” states Hayden Hall. Next, we visited Benjamin Franklin’s grave and threw coins to show our respect. “I have never seen such an interesting ceremony,” says Trevor Osaki. After waiting in a long line, 812 was admitted into an Independence Hall tour then went to take photos at the Liberty Bell. We took a few pictures with THE BRAIN, our troop travelling mascot, and headed on foot towards dinner at Dave and Busters. The food was delicious and the games were fun, but it ended quickly and we drove off to our new hotel. Upon arrival, we got dressed in our swim trunks and jumped into the pool to cool off after the long, hot day.

This morning was unforgettable. A fire alarm wailed in everyones’ rooms and echoed through the halls. “I wanted to go to sleep,” Paul Swarts comments, “and the whole scene was a ridiculous waste of time.” From midnight until 1AM, Scouts stood outside the hotel, some with no shoes, some with no shirts, some even without pants! Because the sprinklers in some of our rooms drenched everything, the Scouts of 812 slept on the floor of the lobby. Then, two hours after falling asleep in the lobby, Troop 812 was awakened to move back into the rooms.

The day itself was much more fun that the morning. After waking up for the second time, everyone was ready to eat a full breakfast. “Breakfast was beautiful,” states Noah Zedek. “I liked the bacon but should’ve gotten regular, not decaf coffee,” comments Matthew Bicakci. After a big breakfast, the buses were filled once again and 812 headed off to catch their ferry to the Statue of Liberty. “It was my first time, and I was shocked at the size! It’s a lot bigger in person,” says Kenny Coulter after a brief tour of the island, it was back on the ferry and on to Ellis Island. “It was cool to think that my grandpa walked through these doors when he first came to America,” remarks Michael Swartz. We finished the day with hot dogs at the Yankee game. At the game, we made many friends and our SPL, Rudy, was able to convince our friend to drink water instead of her beer. Everyone exited the stadium with smiles on their faces and headed back to the hotel, just to find ur hotel keys didn’t work. To sum up the day, “it was amazing,” says Kevin Pilcher.

a full first day...

Motivation check!...

Motivation check!?.... meh…

It was an early morning for the members of 812, organizing 40 boys at 4AM. After receiving their new neckerchiefs, woggles, and name pins, the boys threw their bags under the bus, did a quick count off, and piled into the bus, waving goodbye to the parents.

The bus arrived at LAX on time and boarding passes were distributed to the boys. Security check! Check!! And the boys of 812 met up with 813 as they waited to board the plane. Half way through the boarding, 812 SPL realized he lost his ticket. In his frantic search through his bags, he was unable to find it. He retraced his steps and luckily found his pass at the security check.

All the Scouts were finally in their seats and the plane took off. The flight was smooth and after the four hour flight, everyone was ready to jump into the tour.

Today we visited Trinity Chapel, drove through the Lincoln tunnel, viewed Ground Zero, and topped off the day by going to the observation deck on the Empire State Building. From the 86^th floor, we could see the Statue of Liberty and Central Park.

semi packing day!! (remember... all photos from all events are on the picasaweb site)

If you’re on time, you’re late… ☺

At 8:00 this morning, the shed was already unloaded and Scouts were transferring tables, boxes, and bags to their designated trucks. Everyone worked together to make the process go faster. With record speed, the trucks were loaded, everyone piled into cars, and drove away to meet the semi. Our load time was scheduled for 11:00, but because some troops weren’t as prepared as 812, we were waiting a while and even helped out with other troops’ gear. Waiting around was fun as all the Scouts found something to do, whether it be playing games, talking with each other, or messing around with an old car. J . Finally, it was our turn to pack 40 duffel bags, fences, patrol/ troop boxes, the lifeguard stand, and miscellaneous gear into an eight foot square in the semi. Thanks to all the Scouts and Families who helped pack the semi!!

4 days ‘til JAMBO!!!

(pics above...)

Patrol t-shirts - check.

3 garbage bags - check.

baby powder...(?)... - check.

These were the sounds of "bag check" on Tuesday evening as Troop 812 Scouts dropped off their large and medium duffel bags. Discussions about the heat, departure at 3:30 am and plans to continue preparing for the National Jamboree and tour dominated the conversations.

See you bright and early on Saturday as we load the 18 wheeler...!

SHAKEDOWN BREAKDOWN!!

The one word to describe the setup is: teamwork. The Troops rolled in a various times, some early in the afternoon, some late in the evening. The one thing all of them had in common was that every single Scout worked hard to help get their campsites ready to show off. We wanted to finish before the sun set, but after that, we were motivated "so we didn't have to worry about it during our events," Hayden Hall commented.

All the OC Troops had different approaches on camp layout. Some experienced Scouts set up the shade shelters in an hour, but some "set ours up for the first time. It took almost four hours," said Nick Nazari of T-824. With the camp just steps away from completion, the Troops went to sleep for the night.

Saturday morning the Troops woke up for reveille. After a quick breakfast, Scouts went back to work for the final details on the campsite. As Trevor Osaki mentions, "Because all the Scouts in our Troop worked together toward a common goal, we were able to set up our site in an efficient manner."

Then came the fun part of the weekend; the Events. With no schedule of what to do when, all the patrols went to town, having fun while working their way through all the activities. "I have a bump from when the helmet hit me, but it was crazy fun!," says Scout Zach Caudill after walking away from Pillow Jousting. At the set time, patrols lined up for shotgun shooting, which was the most fun activity for the majority of the camp. "I hit eight of the ten shots," commented Taylor Baudoin after one of his best rounds.

Reflecting back on the weekend, "I am proud of how fast we set up camp, and despite a few setbacks with our equipment, we did a pretty awesome job. There are times in this Troop where leadership is not necessary because the patrols have become teams and with their teamwork they are fully functional, completing tasks on time and having fun," says Matthew Bicakci, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader.

Troop 812 had a great weekend and we are not the only ones who think so. The Troop won awards for the participation in the Cleanest Camp, an award for WINNING the Best Campsite, and the Best Patrol Yell. Finally, the award that should have been handed out but wasn't is the "best hamburger award." Mr. Mac would have won this hands down with his Scotty Mac Burger...it puts the McDonald's Big Mac to shame! "The Best Set of Wheels Award" definitely goes to Evan!