First year that I can remember that we had zero rain.
I used my Hennessy Hammock with the zipper mod and JRB Nest under-quilt. I had a Speer (Mountain Crossings) Frog Sac lightweight sleeping bag, but most nights just covered up with a surplus poncho liner.
Five nights in a hammock is pure heaven compared to tent. The camp provides canvas tents and cots. Most of the Scouts just dragged the cots out and slept under the stars.
I did bring two extra hammocks to demonstrate. A Claytor NoNet and a Speer Hammock. Both are simple comfortable hammocks and several Scouts and adults snoozed in them during the day and a couple boys spent nights in them.
I should have the troop converted to hanging by next year.
During the day, the Scouts worked on merit badge activities, swam, canoed, shooting sports, archery etc. The camp provided most meals, we elected to have a couple of troop nights and cooked dutch oven meals at our campsite.
One of the features at this camp is a frontiersman program that focuses on primitive skills including flint/steel and bow drill fire making, lashing project, wild edibles, tomahawk throwing etc. Scouts that complete several challenges are permitted to attend a "Rendezvous".
The "vous" are held away from camp in primitive setting. The applicants camp in self made shelters (a tarp for first timers a debris hut or lean to for more experienced)
First time attendees become 'Pioneers', Second Level is 'Trapper'. A few Trappers that have demonstrated exceptional skills etc are nominated to a 'Mountain Man' honor.
Really a fun program, many alumni and especially Mountain Men come back and spend a night on the vous. Many dress appropriatley in The breechclout, buckskins, powder backs etc. Good outlet for Scouts that may have completed many of the merit badges offered.
I got my pioneer claw last year, stayed in camp with my troop and allowed others to go this year. Hope to get Trapper next year Grrrrr.
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