Pack 89's Adventures in the Snow

February 2004

As a week of back to back storms past (or so we thought) Pack 89 set out in two groups for Camp Emerson.  One group left early in the day to insure the best possible accommodations for the Pack, and the rest followed later that evening.

What we thought would be a weekend filled with blue sky and the occasion cloud, turned out to start with a thick snow storm, slick roads, and ever-dropping temperatures.  We're mountain folk though, so it was all taken in stride.  Our two Webelos that attended set up their tents with the help of their hearty and very brave fathers.  The rest of the group secured bunks in one of the many lodges.  It took most of the evening to get settled, and we did so just in time to make it to dinner, spend some time together, and then turn in for the night.  THAT was an interesting night.

Morning brought a day of high adventure.  Following a hearty breakfast of sausage, eggs, hot chocolate and more, we were warmed and ready for action.

The day started with opening Flag and a few free minutes to get ourselves organized.  We had leaders that were wonderfully organized, and many eager parents that helped make the trip even more fun!

We had a terrific time with all the fun events that the camp staff had planned for us, including games ("The Matrix", "Don't Break The Ice", and "Tug-O-War") and educational events like learning how to carry an injured person using only branches and a blanket.

And unlike summer camp, we had plenty of time to play on our own as well, which we occupied with sledding, snowman (snow bunny?) making, exploring, and frequent trips to the lodge for more hot chocolate and a warm room.

We had a terrific time together and learned a lot.  The second night a couple of our Wolves decided they wanted to sleep outside in tents like the Webelos.  It turned out to be much colder as the skies cleared, and we woke to ice caked on our sleeping bags.  I think one father recorded the temperature at 28 degrees inside the tent when they woke in the morning.  All the boys did GREAT though, and learned the value of quality equipment.

We wish more families could have joined us.  We had a great time together!

Camp Emerson (the oldest BSA camp west of the Mississippi) was absolutely beautiful in winter, and I can only imagine how incredible of a summer camp it must be... but that is something that will have to wait for future years.