Activities in the Mountains

Tuesday we took our Activity Days girls up to the Boy Scout day camp up Hobble Creek Canyon. Camp Jeremiah Johnson is a popular spot for the Boy Scouts to go to so why not have some girls up there once in awhile too? We had a great time (even though it was hot, sticky and very dusty) spending the day shooting BB guns, shooting rocks across a stream with a slingshot, and generally doing things that are normally associated with being a Boy Scout. The girls were so cute! It was funny because the 11 year old girls started the day out trying their hardest to look jaded and disinterested but once they forgot themselves, they had a blast. Here's Emma and her friend Baylee trying to look like they're above it all.

They had all the activities you would expect from a scout camp-regatta races, shooting a bow and arrow, hitting things with slingshots, and shooting cans with bb guns. They also had an activity where they made tote bags with bandannas, which they loved. If you ask me, making purses out of bandannas doesn't sound like an activity that I could see 8 to 10 year old boys enjoying so we asked the scout leaders about it. We found out that yes, it was an activity that was tailored specifically to girls. Can you just imagine it?

"Son, did you have fun at day camp today?"

"It was totally awesome mom! Look, we got to make these bags! I chose peach and brown for my colors. I'm going to put my chapstick in it!" Uh, I don't think so.



They loved making the bags, but not many of them could finish before the next activity. So, while the girls were trying to shoot arrows at targets, the trusty leaders were busy tying many, many square knots. If any of you out there is familiar with the Boy Scout culture, can you explain something to me? What is it with the skits? There were SO many of them! I know they are meant to entertain, but to tell you the truth, I think it baffled the girls. Look, I have pictures to prove it! I especially love the last picture where the four girls are just staring with their mouths hanging open. I was definitely more entertained by the girls' expressions than with boys jumping around and yelling.



I think it's a shame that once we become adults we become less enthusiastic about things. Is it because we've become jaded or are we afraid to draw too much attention to ourselves? After watching the cute girls all afternoon, I believe if you forget yourself, the world is a brighter and more exciting place. I think I will try harder to act more enthusiastic, that is if no one is looking at me.