Day 7 - Friday:
35° @ 6:40 am, cold & windy
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The road up to Arapaho keeps getting longer and steeper, but at least it's not Comanche!"

Too bad we missed the 6 am polar bear swim at the lake ... not.  We were surprised to learn later that another troop's Scoutmaster used the polar bear swim as punishment for Scouts who had misbehaved during the week.

The morning was cold and everyone was bundled up.  The Wilderness Adventure guys showed up, no worse for the wear or the cold ... just looking a bit tired.

We left for camp and two adults dragged trail, as usual, to make sure everyone was out of camp.  Every morning, one or more adults checked each and every tent to make sure everyone was up and out.

Meager breakfast of waffle (that's right, one waffle) and sausage.  Before leaving the dining hall, our Wayward Scout (the little lost sheep) turned up for breakfast.  Today's chapter in his continuing saga was that he'd slept right through breakfast.  He'd been curled up in the bottom of his sleeping bag when the tents were checked.  Once an adult asked 'Where's ****?", the hunt began.

Today is finish up and make up day for the Scouts.  Two adults go to the "Climb On Safely" class and then track down and tend to our Wayward Scout's swimming merit badge problems.

Mr. Grimes goes to rock climbing, doesn't break his neck and reports he found it not as bad as he thought.  By this time the sun's coming out and it's getting warmer ... time to change into shorts, but not for long.

Mr. Mingus leaves on his drive to Colorado Springs to pick up Mrs. Rogers at the airport and return with her to camp. 

Lunch was a pork rib (we think) sandwich, chips and cookie.

Back at camp, our troop's 'road crew' is working on removing and replacing the bridge into camp.  Bryan L. and Mr. Whitacre worked for hours pulling out the old planks, redesigning and rebuilding the structure so I will last a good 20 years.  Mr. Rhoades helped finish up the final nailing.  Mr. Luff carved "Troop 168 OKC 2000" into the last plank laid down so everyone crossing the bridge will know who's excellent work put it there.

Early afternoon, everyone started straightening up camp and getting ready to leave tomorrow.  Some troops have already left.  It is starting to get cooler again and just about everyone starts getting back into warmer clothes.

A little before 3 pm, Mr. Pearson and Mr. Grimes headed off to the rifle range for the Scoutmaster shoot.  Too bad it was just a fun event and Camp Alexander didn't have prizes for the winners.

Back to camp to get ready for dinner.  It's getting windier and colder.

Tonight is Parent's Night.  At 5:15 we all meet at the flag poles and hold closing ceremonies before dinner.  The whole camp meets at the same time so there are a LOT of folks gathered (the camp ate in two shifts at all other meals this week).  As usual, we were next to last to eat.  The meal was served outside the back door and the line moved fairly quickly.   There was baked chicken, lasagna, corn on the cob, salad and rolls.  Being last, we could eat a little slower than others.  Most of our group headed back to camp after dinner.

Meeting back at the flag poles around 8:15, we headed for the Kiva.  We were pretty crowded due to all the people, but because it was so cold, it felt pretty nice.  Ian (the camp director) came out to start the program with his "oggie, oggie, oggie" and the appropriate "oy, oy, oy" response.  It was followed by an Indian dance by the OA team and skits.  The emcee for the evening was our own Senior Patrol Leader Bryan (BA) L., who also served as Senior Patrol Leader for the entire camp during the week.

Several troops did skits as well as the staff.  One impressive staff presentation was the flag followed by "The Star Spangled Banner."  The staff also presented the Camper of the Week in each troop.  They got up in front of the crow to receive their award.  Ours went to Chris F. ... well done and richly deserved.

Most everyone headed back to camp.  Three adults took Scouts to the medical center for their meds.

Getting things packed up and cleaned up a little in camp.  Scoutmaster Whitacre told everyone we would be getting up at 5:30 and having a Continental breakfast so we could get on the road early.  Also we were told at the flag ceremony the temperature could get in the low 30's and maybe upper 20's with a small chance of snow.  Mr. Whitacre reminded everyone to bundle up well for the night and stay warm (imagine ... having a chance to get the Polar Bear Badge at summer camp!  But, with our record of campouts this year that would fit right in).

Off to bed about 10:45 pm.  Thinking warm thoughts and hoping for the best.

NEXT: DAY 8