Cuboree 2012

We went on our first camping trip as a family this weekend. It was for Glenn's Cub Scouts- the Marion County Cuboree! We ate dinner when Bob came home from work on Friday and then took off for the camp. It was in the middle of the Ocala National Forest (a little over a half hour from home). We were in the middle of a field (not the best place to tent camp, especially when it's hot out). We have two tents, so we put the openings close together so the boys could have their own tent, but still be right next to us. They were so excited that they had a hard time falling asleep. I think it wasn't until after 10 when they finally fell asleep. It didn't help that there were screaming kids running around everywhere. 

In this first picture, Glenn and Alexander were finally allowed to get out of the tent (after waking up at 4:30)!!! 

Happy, Silly Brothers

Getting ready for the morning's activities

After the flag raising ceremony, the packs were broken up into groups to rotate to different activities where the boys could earn "belt loops," metal things that go on their belt. Our first rotation was to sports. They learned the rules for badminton and kick ball. Then they had a chance to play each. However, Glenn really did not want to play either. But Alexander was ready for anything. Here he is during the practice for badminton:

Alexander learning how to hit a birdie

He had a lot of really cute poses. The other kids and parents enjoyed watching him, too. 

They had tether ball for the kids to play, as well. Glenn and another boy in his pack did this for pretty much the whole hour. Alexander played a little, too.

Alexander played kick ball, too. He kicked the ball, but didn't understand where to run to, so he ended up getting out. But he didn't care. Then he made friends with a boy in another pack and hung out with him when their team was on the field.

Next, our group rotated to geocaching. However, the geo-compasses didn't work because we were in the middle of no where and couldn't get a signal. So, they played capture the flag, tug-o-war, knot tying. I didn't see this because I took Alexander for a walk since I thought geocaching would be over his head. But I guess Glenn enjoyed those, except for knot tying.

I tried to get a serious face on Alexander or a smile, but he insisted sticking his tongue out.

 

Glenn then learned how to make a map and use a compass. He really understood direction and did a good job with his map. Then we had a break for lunch. I fell asleep in our hot tent after lunch; I was exhausted after only getting five hours of sleep. 

Then we thought we were going to get to go for a canoe ride, but it turned out they were only meant for the forth and fifth graders. So, the boys got to swim instead. Alexander jumped in with his friend from kick ball. His friend was impressed with Alexander's swimming ability. Glenn started building a dribble castle. Then a bunch of other kids joined him so that the beach was lined with dribble castles. 

We went for our last activity, archery. I was a bit nervous about this, especially with Alexander. They had been looking forward to it all day. Alexander said he wanted to do the "Brave" thing. The movie, "Brave" that came out this summer, has a girl who loves to do archery. Glenn used a long bow since he is left handed.  He did pretty well! Alexander used a compound bow and he didn't have the strength to pull the arrow back. So, they had people to help him. He loved it!

There were no fire rings, so Bob borrowed a shovel and made his own. We roasted hot dogs for supper.

 

 

Of course we had s'mores for dessert!

After our little fire, we went to the Cuboree fire where packs put on skits and sang silly songs. The boys enjoyed that. Then we went to bed! It didn't take the boys long to fall asleep; me either! We could tell it was going to be a cold night. Alexander's sleeping bag is not very warm. So, when he woke up shivering, asking for help to get back into his sleeping bag, we decided to let him in with us. He kept us warm, too! The boys woke up around 5:30. When it was about 7, we finally decided to brave the cold and pack up. When we got into the car, it said it was 44 degrees. That means it was even colder earlier. It's crazy that it can go from 80's during the day and drop 40 degrees at night.

When we got home, Alexander decided to make a camp fire out of his Tomas the Train tracks. Then he took a pencil and put a wooden bead on it for a marshmallow. Later he found something to be a hot dog. Like his glasses? He wants to be like the rest of the family wearing glasses. I got them at the Dollar Tree a while back. 

 

 

It was a lot of fun. But I've had a neck ache all day and we've all been pretty exhausted. Hopefully sleeping tonight will get us back on schedule and be refreshed to start the new week.