Before taking off for our campout, the Troops broke up in two groups and each team inspected one of the vehicles used for transportation this week.  The girls gauged fluid levels, check the tire pressure, and more.  Favorite part of the inspection had to be testing the horn on each vehicle.

It was dark by the time we arrived to camp.  We were impressed at how easy it was to check in.  Within minutes, a Scout was showing us were to set up our tents among 700 of our closest friends.  The Scouts worked quickly.  With so many camping in the city park, all our Scouts were encourage to double or triple up in tents.   This saved significant space.  

Sunrise the next morning over the river was spectacular.    It was perfect weather to spend all day outside having fun.

The girls challenged themselves to up their breakfast game after the notorious soggy bagel incident in South Bend.  The pancakes were a hit.  When asked, they said they made all different kinds of pancakes.  Upon further questioning they replied, "Yes! We made big ones, small ones, thick ones, thin ones......"  and laughter erupted once more.

It was exciting to see SO MANY Scouts at the opening flags ceremoy.  While we weren't sure what the population of Ottawa was before we arrived, it definitely seemed like we doubled it!

Best of all, the girls had our FIRST TROOP FLAG to use!

We were stoked to start the day off canoeing with our Assistant Scoutmaster, Mr. Kravetz.  If there is one thing that makes him smile bigger than anything else, its being on the water in that kayak.    The whole Troop got out there to enjoy the beautiful morning. 

Even Mrs. Emily, who has worked for 10 months to rehab her knees, got in a boat and enjoyed the river with her daughter.

Next up, we decided to try our hand a Frisbee Golf.  It was more challenging the many of us thought!  Isabel had practiced this sport and was able to give us some pointers.  Two girls even won prizes for their performance!

After lunch, it was time to head back down to river and for some fishing.  There were many helpful volunteers.  With the sun being high overhead by now, the bites were not coming as fast as some would have liked, but there was ample opportunity to practice castng.  A few Scouts did manage a catch during our turn.

We learned about the history of Scouting and saw a massive collection of Scouting memorabilia and artifacts.  The girls spent so much time exploring the museum and its wonderful air-conditioned exhibits that at one point, Mrs. Hartman decided to check in on us.  Maybe it was the blue ducky, but she decided it was time to catch our bus to the other side of town.  All good things must come to an end...  even air-conditioned museum visits.

We ended our activities rotation on another high note.  We found some older Scouts we knew from summer camp helping out on the range. 

First stop: Safety Briefing.   Not long after, we were out learning to throw hatches.  Everyone did great.  Several Scouts also did some shooting as well.

Being the last group, we had the honor of helping take down some of the supplies.  One Scout seemed to be all wrapped when trying to help.

After dinner, the Scouts reassembled to parade to the gravesite of the founder of Scouting in the United States, W. D. Boyce.   That's right! Scouting was founded here in Illinois more than 110 years ago by a man who took up residence in Ottawa, Illinois.  The first Scouts were paperboys and the movement caught on quickly.  Others also started Scouting movements.  In the end, they would create the Boy Scouts of America by merging together.

The walk was long after a day of fun, but none of the Scouts in our Troop complained.  Inside the cemetery we listened to a Scouter explain the significance of our time and place. 

As we departed, we softly sang Scouting vespers.

Somehow, after all that, we still had energy left to dance, sing, and play gaga ball late into the evening.  Just before bedtime, we were gifted with a spectacular fireworks display over the river.  It just doesn't get any better.  

Well done to all the volunteers.  Memories were made and skills were learned!