The Cloud - National Jamboree 2013

The Cloud
They call it the cloud for a reason. It's in the clouds. It took our group 45 minutes to hike to The Cloud from Sub Camp C-4. The last 10 minutes or so felt like we were walking straight up a hill.

The Cloud is where the National Jamboree 2013 decided to place all of the technology activities. This place was interesting to say the least. The Cloud was the home to NASA, NASCAR, CSI, Robots and more.

While at the cloud scouts were able to view the sun using a telescope. The telescopes were powerful enough that a person was able to see solar flares. There were also TV screens where scouts were able to see satellite images of the solar flares.

While at the NASA booth we were informed we had a chance of actually seeing the Aurora Borealis at camp that night. Unfortunately it rained and was cloudy so it was very difficult to know if the Aurora Borealis actually appeared. I did not hear of anyone seeing the Aurora Borealis during camp. Also in the NASA booth all of the scouts were able to take and keep, as a souvenir, a thermal imaging photo of themselves.

In the NASCAR booth scouts were able to learn what goes into building a NASCAR. In addition they actually built a NASCAR piece by piece that will be raced. We were informed that it would be inspected by professionals before the race to insure we tightened all the nuts and bolts. I bet the driver will appreciate that inspection.

Lego had it's booth set up where the boys could battle Lego robots. They were even giving a first ever sneak peak of their upcoming soon to be released Lego robot. There was also a full sized Lego fireman.

In the CSI booth scouts were tasked with solving a made up murder. As you circled thru the booth, scouts would get clues as to who in the booth might have committed the murder. They showed the boys infrared technology, fingerprinting and even a made up murder scene among other fun and interesting CSI type activity's.

There were a number of team games as well as geocaching at The Cloud.

National Jamboree - Scott Summit Center

Scott Summit Center

The Scott Summit Center was one of many places to visit. Located in one of the more central areas, just a 30 minute hike from Sub Camp C-4,  the Scott Summit Center was one of the easier places to reach. The Scott Summit Center was open each day to 2013 National Jamboree participants as well as visitors.

One of the big attractions was two huge zip lines. Unfortunately, due to shortages in qualified staff, only one of the two zip lines in this area was open which lead to bigger lines. Even so, scouts and visitors alike lined up to ride the zip line.

Owl in the West Virginia Exhibit. Photo by Vinson Mouser

All throughout this area there were tents, tents, and more tents. Scouts could work on merit badges like the radio merit badge, where if you were lucky, you could have the opportunity to speak to an astronaut in space. 

One of the many trading posts was located in a huge tent in this area. The trading post was full of t-shirts, belt buckles, belts, patches, uniforms, backpacks, walking sticks, books, all kinds of collectibles and so much more. To enter the trading post you had to check in your backpack or leave it with a friend. Upon entering you were issued a red bucket to put your items in before checking out. Near the trading post was a FedEx Shipping Site so that you could ship your merchandise home.

Near the trading post was an AT&T cellphone charging station and an AT&T area where you could drive a texting and driving simulator car.

Peregrine Falcon at the West Virginia Exhibit. Photo by V. Mouser

Also in this area was a West Virginia exhibit. Inside this exhibit you could see a live owl and Peregrine Falcon. You could brand your hat with a West Virginia Summit brand, see video’s on West Virginia and in general learn about activities in and around West Virginia.

The future permanent home of the Trading Post for this area was still under construction. Many of the scouts used the shaded porch as an area to trade patches and eat lunch.

The Sustainability Tree House was also located in this area. I’ll have more on that in a later post.

National Jamboree - Home Sweet Home

There's no place like home, there's no place like home, there's no place like home. It didn't quite work that way but we made it back.

Lamont & his Limo - A great Coach Driver

We spent the night in the Econo Lodge in Fort Payne, Alabama. We ate a continental breakfast at 6:00 AM and boarded the bus home at 6:45 AM. All went well until the bus stopped working on the side of the interstate. Fortunately for us, we had Lamont as our bus driver and he quickly had the bus up and running. It gave us problems one more time but again Lamont got it up and running.

A scene at all of the homecomings

We stopped in Jackson, Mississippi for a quick lunch at McDonald's.

The trip was uneventful but a few things were noted. Mainly the scouts were rowdier on the way home than going.

Upon arrival in Monroe and then in Alexandria the scouts exited and it was all hugs and smiles. 

There will be one more specific updates on areas at National Jamboree 2013 as well as a few videos to come. 

Leaving the BSA 2013 National Jamboree

We got out of camp at 11:01 am. Since we were scheduled to leave at 11:00 am I think we did pretty good. Breaking down camp started yesterday. We washed and scrubbed all of the pots and pans and then packed them away. We then had our scouts begin packing there gear in their tents. The next morning the boys finished packing up their gear and breaking down their tents. We then had breakfast cereal bars and muffins. Afterwards, we broke down our dining tarps and picnic tables and waited for the bus. When the bus arrived we quickly loaded up the bus and headed out. 

During the first two hours just about everyone slept. We stopped at a truck stop that had a Popeye's and Taco Bell. We spent about an hour eating lunch and then we got back on the road. We stopped at Ryan's steak house for supper and then checked into the Econo Lodge. Most of our scouts have gone swimming in the pool while several just stayed in their rooms. 

 Oh yeah. We have a really good bus driver who all of us like. His name is Lamont. The boys call the bus Lamont's Limo. 

 On a personal note I am so sore from all the hiking. It is going yo be so nice to sleep in an air conditioned hotel room in a bed, but it will be even better to get home to family, my own home, and my own bed. I know everyone here misses someone.

Last day at the Summit

C420's stone at the fire ring

National Jamboree Departure

Just a quick update. We have loaded up and are moving on the bus. We are trying to get out of camp but they keep sending us in circles. At least we are moving.

National Jamboree - Days 10, 11 & 12

Sunday provided the opportunity for each of the scouts to attend religious services. The first service of the morning was for the LDS, the second service was for Protestants and the third service was a Catholic Mass. Services were optional and several of our boys chose to attend. During the Protestant service, the service I attended, it rained nearly the entire time. I was told that both the LDS & Catholic services were free of rain. Following the Protestant service the United Methodist had an open communion on Brown Sea Island. Tanek was selected by Rev. Joe Hoover to assist with communion. Following communion they gave away free Strength of Service Scouting Devotional books. A few of the scouts from our contingent attended communion. After religious services and lunch many activities opened around the Summit. Most of the boys chose to take the day off and remain in camp but a few chose to venture out. 

Fireworks as seen from C420's campsite - Photo by Tanek Mouser

At about 8:30 pm it was announced that everyone should stay in their campsites, because the fireworks that were supposed to be shot during the closing show were going to take place. At around 9 pm the show began and it was one of the best firework shows I have ever seen. It lasted approximately 20 minutes. There were a lot of oohs and aahs which were sincerely given from the scouts. 

Monday was Tanek's curriculum day and I traveled to The Barrels where all firearm activity occurs. The hike to The Barrels took us 2 hours and 15 minutes. Because it was Tanek's curriculum, he was able to bypass the long lines and get moved into shorter lines. He first shot 22 handguns, hitting the target with all 10 shots. He then went to 22 rifles where he again hit the target with all of his shots, although a few were wide they were on the paper. Following the 22's he went to the what was called the Heavy Metal Section. He had the opportunity to shot a 308 rifle with a scope. He shot 5 shots and hit the target with all 5 shots. We then proceeded to the 9 mm handguns. When we arrived at the 9 mm's he was told his curriculum time was up so he had to wait in the longer line. It took us about 25 min. before it was his turn. He didn't do as well here but he did hit 1 of 5 targets. All of the ranges are run by certified NRA instructors and range safety officers. The bad thing about being at The Barrels was when it was over we had to hike 2 hrs & 15 min back to our campsite. 

Along the way we were able to stop at the Dragon Boats. If you have never seen one, they are essentially very long canoes capable of seating about 20 people. There is an oarsman and a drummer who drums to keep the paddlers in rhythm. The front of the boat has a dragons head. We were able to complete our course in 51 seconds. The record was 38 seconds. We then returned to camp. Because we were at The Barrels for so long I am not sure what everyone else did. I can tell you this, it has been raining off and on for a few days now and things are getting really wet and muddy. 

Tuesday we had an early start because they had us scheduled to hike to the Garden Ground Mountains at 7 am. We were met by a trek guide who led us on our hike. The hike was 7 miles to the Summit the highest point in camp. Along the way our trek guide would occasionally stop and inform us about the history of coal mining in the area, leave no trace and sustainability practices. This hike was strenuous. I personally thought I would never see the top. Several portions of the trail were very steep. All of the boys did really well but I fell behind. Even though I fell behind I arrived only a few minutes later than they did. 

When we arrived at the top everyone was allowed to go their separate ways. They had a model of the first scout camp ever held in America. They had a Pioneering Area where scouts could launch catapults, battering rams, trebuchets, climb towers, ride a carousel, and a swing. All of the activities in the Pioneering Village are made from rope and logs.

There was an American Indian Village put on by the Order of the Arrow. In the village there were teepee's and Native American games. The big draw was the Pow Wow where the scouts got to watch chicken dancers, traditional dancers, straight dances, grass dancers, fancy dancers, eagle dancers,  and a hoop dancer. During the Pow Wow there was an inter-tribal dance where all the scouts were encouraged to join in the dance. Several of boys took part in the dance. 

There was also a Buckskin Village where the scouts were able to take part in tomahawk throwing, knife throwing and black powder rifles. There was also a branding station where the boys could brand various items with the Summit Bechtel name and logo. 

Just passed the Buckskin Village there was a Scottish Highland Games Area. In this area scouts were able to dress in a Scottish kilt, play tug of war, and play various Scottish games. This is also the area that had a beautiful overlook of the camp. 

C420's rock at the fire ring - Photo by Johnny Keisewetter

We also placed our Louisiana Purchase Council C420 rock with all the others around the fire ring. We all met back up at 4 pm and hiked back a mile and a half down the mountain where we returned to the one of the areas in camp. We then had to hike 35 minutes back to camp. We had supper which was hot dogs and chili. We cleaned our dishes and packed up camp in preparation to leave the Summit tomorrow morning. Everything here is very wet and very muddy so there is a real big mess. I am looking forward to a hot shower, air conditioning and a hotel bed tomorrow night!

National Jamboree - Days 8 & 9

I have a lot of catching up to do. There is so much going on and this place is so big!

 One of the events we were scheduled to do is the Technology Area. We had to hike 45 minutes to reach the Technology Area and the last 10 to 15 minutes was up the side of a mountain. The Technology Area was a really neat area. They had a NASA display where we could see images of the sun and its solar flares from satellites orbiting the sun. Lego had display on robotics where you could play with Lego robots. A NASCAR area allowed the boys to build a BSA NASCAR that will be raced. There were telescopes binoculars, games and so much more. After a few hours at the Technology Area the boys started to drift down to other activities.

In the last few days three of our scouts were able to ride the Big Zip. The Big Zip last for just 45 seconds but is the 5th largest zip line in the U.S. and the boys traveled at up to 65  mph as they zipped down the mountain and across the lake.

Some of the scouts have been down to scuba. I was told the scuba pools are temporary this year and only 4 feet deep. Even so the scouts who have done it seem to be glad they took the time.

Yesterday was the big closing show. I know we aren't leaving yet, so I was also wondering why the closing show was so early. I don't have an answer for that question. The  closing show was supposed to start at 7 pm but was moved to 3 pm due to a forecast of threatening weather. 

We ended up being seated in one of the worst areas  in the stadium. We were placed right behind one of the big screens used to project the show for those further back. We could not see the stage due to the screen so we had to watch it on the big screen. I would have preferred to see the stage and a screen.Oh well! The music was loud since there were also speakers located by the screens.

We got to hear an excellent speech by Mike Rowe, the star, of Dirty Jobs. He said, too often we are taught to work smart, not hard. He referred to a story form his youth when a counselor told him that's what he should do. He suggested maybe it should be work smart and work hard. He also thinks that the Boys Scouts "get that". 


The band that performed at the big show was Three Doors Down. I think just about everyone in our group knew some of their songs. It was a really good rock band with some big hits. I was very pleased with their performance. 

Due to the fact that the show was moved up early, there were no fireworks because it was still daylight. We returned from the closing show and were in our campsite about 10 or 15 minutes when one of the biggest storm thus far at the Jamboree hit. We had heavy rain and gusting winds. We even saw a few tents get flipped over in the wind and the boys ran out to catch them. I guess those boys didn't stake their tents down right. None of our scouts equipment was damaged and no one complained of anything getting wet. 

That night we had stir fry chicken for supper and everyone turned in to bed at 10 pm.  We have been having a bit of a rough time being camped next to the restrooms, because others are coming to the restroom to shower after 10 at night. Due to our proximity to the restrooms we hear everything, and I mean everything!

National Jamboree Day 7

BMX track

Today started like all others, the cooks woke up at 5 AM and the rest of the troop woke up at 6 AM. We  had breakfast and packed our lunches for the day. Afterwards we headed out on the trail.

I was fortunate to accompany a few of the scouts today. We walked for a good mile to two miles before arriving at our destination, the BMX track. We attended a safety briefing, received safety gear and the scouts hit the beginners track.




Obstacle Course for blindness awareness

The tracks are set multilevel. You  have to complete one track effectively before advancing to the next. The boys I was with were working on this first small beginners track when we received a lightning alert. We are receiving these daily. There seems to be two different types, a twelve mile from the area and an eight mile from the area. This alert was an 8 mile so they shut down the BMX tracks.

We headed over to the Disability Awareness Area and entered into a discussion about disabilities. We then entered into the main area where we went to a blind person obstacle course. We were given a blind persons cane and had to navigate an obstacle course. It was very  difficult.

We then played a game of blind person baseball. It was interesting. The ball makes a sound so you can always hear where it was located. When a ball was hit the players attempted to get the ball before the batter reached the base. The base also had a distinct tone. The game was fun but I found I could not even tell if I was facing the right direction. 

While in this area we bowled from a wheel chair, played one armed golf, learned about the difficulties of ADD/ADHD and more.

Again there was a lot of patch trading and visiting with friends. We were also able to visit the CONSOL Energy Wing Tip Bridge, which is a suspension bridge across the gorge. The boys liked this bridge. You could go to a viewing area beneath the bridge and get out of the sun. Many scouts across the camp liked to eat lunch under the bridge. There is so much to do here it is unbelievable.  

I think we are all walking 5 to 10 miles per day. Each day it has been a little warmer. Nights are cool and require light cover after midnight. Everyone seems healthy and appear to be having a good time. I have heard no complaints.

National Jamboree Day 6

Whitewater rafting.......way cool. Today we had the opportunity to white water raft. About 21 members of our group took this opportunity.

We woke up at 5AM. The jamboree had messed up on breakfast so all we had to eat was dry cereal and a few bags of trail mix and cookies. The scouts took it in stride and devoured the cereal. We left our campsite at 5:15 AM. We had to hike for about 40 minutes to reach the check in site. At the check in site the staff reviewed our release forms. One of the scouts had forgotten to bring his epipen. They would not let him go without it. He hiked back to camp and returned with it. He was unable to go with our group but was able to join up with other scouts later in the day. 

Following medicals our group was ushered into a tent where we watched a short safety and instructional video. The video reviewed safety procedures and a lot of what if types of situations. One demonstration showed you how to put your helmet on correctly.

We then boarded a bus and headed to the River Gorge. It took about 30 minutes of winding mountain roads to reach our destination. Upon arrival we met our guides. The raft I rode was guided by Sam. A long blonde haired guy about 25 years of age.Sam gave us our life jackets and helmets to put on. Of course, I was the one guy in the group who put his helmet on backwards. Fortunately, one of the younger scouts noticed that the old guy (me) had his helmet on backwards. Everyone got a good laugh. Sam really knew his rafting and was a fun guide.

We entered the river, which we were informed was high due to recent rain. We quickly hit a class 2 rapid. As we continued down the river we encountered more  class 2 and class 3 rapids.

A few of the boys claimed to have been tossed out of the boat. No one on our boat experienced this so I guess I will leave the "big fish" stories to the boys when they get back home. 

Along the river we were able to do a lot of swimming. The guide also showed us a game to play with the boats which was a lot of fun. The basics of the game was for one of the scouts to stand on the front of the raft and maintain his balance while everyone paddled the boat causing the boat to spin in a circle. The longer a person was able to maintain their balance the faster the paddlers were able to spin the boat. Which eventually caused the person to lose their balance and fall into the water.

At the conclusion of our rafting experience we had to wait for about 45 minutes for the bus. Then we took a 30 minute winding mountain road to our camp and had to hike back about 45 minutes to the campsite.

After returning to the campsite many of the boys went to other areas to explore, trade patches and visit new friends.

National Jamboree Day 5 - Opening Show & Exploring

Our first day of full activities started around 5:30 AM as 4 of our scouts pulled a wagon to our sub-base camp headquarters where they were issued breakfast and lunch for the day.

Breakfast was cereal and milk, blueberry muffins and oranges. Lunch was a typical trail type meal which included trail mix, crackers, and cookies. It also included a really disgusting apple cinnamon unknown item. It looked like a gogurt but tasted like baby food. It might have been better if it was cold but not much here is cold.

After breakfast the scouts headed out to the opening show. We filled an ampitheater with close to 35,000 scouts. We heard from multiple dignitaries, including the Governor of West Virginia and a member of the Bechtel family for which the Summit is named after.

Patch Trading

The scouts seemed to be more into the bands. At the beginning of the opening show, as we were arriving at the stadium, we were entertained by a West Virginia National Guard rock band. One of the more favorite songs they performed was a cover of Teen Spirit by Nirvana.

At the close of the show we were entertained by a West Virginia Country and Western Band called Taylor Made. I don't think the scouts knew the songs but everyone seemed to enjoy the band.

Upon dismissal the scouts departed and visited across the summit. I think most of the boys used the opportunity  to explore. I heard several proclaim they walked the entire camp. I'm not so sure about this claim but if they did they really did some hoofing.

There was plenty to explore. I visited the Tree House, a 4 story structure with solar power, compost toilets, and a rain water system. I made 3 stories and departed due to my lack of comfort in high places. I later learned at the top you can leave a piece of tin with your name and unit number on it and all the tins will be left as a marker at camp. The entire treehouse is about sustainability, recycling, and using energy from renewable sources. I also visited several merit badge areas.

Unfortunately, a good portion of my day was spent trying to get my Kindle to work with AT&T. No one was able to help. The end result is I found a place provided by AT&T where I can blog, text, check email, and surf the web. Not as good as a working Kindle but it works.

National Jamboree Day 4 - Campsites & Setup

I found a place where I can blog. My Kindle Fire, which I had been blogging on will not connect to ATT.

All is well. We arrived at the jamboree and waited in a long line of buses. We were told there were 500 buses per hour arriving. We were issued lunch to carry with us to our site and then two guides escorted us to medical check in.

Cooking at the campsite

We had to wait on the bus for about 40 minutes for 4 of our guys to get checked due to problems with their medical forms. We were issued an all clear by medical.

We exited the bus and took a short hike down a gravel road. We set up our site, two boys to a tent, each boy has a cot. In the middle of our campsite we set up two dining canopies and all of our cooking gear. We have five picnic tables under our canopies for everyone to sit at.

Our site is located right next to the restrooms. Being so close is great for getting water, not so great for the traffic and light shining on some of the tents. My vote on the site is still out. Another positive to our site is we have the most shade. We start getting shade from trees around 5:30 PM.

Our lunch for the day was crackers and tuna, cookies, sunflower seeds, and a few other similar items. The meal was typical for the trail. Supper was chicken breast, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, cole slaw, juice, and rice crispy treats. I have not heard a complaint from any of the scouts about food.

After lunch several of the boys went walking around meeting new scouts and trading patches. Bed check was 9:30 pm, lights out was at 10 pm and I didn't hear much after that. I had to climb in my sleeping bag around midnight due to temperature dropping.

Jamboree Posting Difficulties

Vinson and Tanek have made it to the Summit! Unfortunately, Vinson is having trouble getting internet service on the Kindle. He is trying to find a solution and will start posting again once he has internet service.

C-420 was able to set up camp yesterday and they are enjoying all the Jamboree has to offer!

C-420's home for the next 12 days!

National Jamboree - Day 3 Beckley West Virginia

We left Atlanta, Georgia this morning around 8:03 AM. Most of the day was spent riding the bus. We took a one hour lunch break at 12:30 PM. We had two choices for lunch, McDonald's and Burger King.

After lunch we hit the road again. Passed through South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and eventually arrived in West Virginia.

The area we are in is mountainous with evergreen trees and deciduous varieties. Some I have never seen. The temperature around 3 AM was 78 degrees. It should be much cooler tonight.

We arrived at the Comfort Inn around 5:30 PM. We did not get off the bus because we were scheduled to go to the auditorium for dinner. We picked up our tour guide and headed out.

The auditorium was a short drive away. Upon arrival we were greeted, photographed and seated.

Jambo Opening Ceremony

We were one of the early groups into the auditorium. We waited and a few of the boys traded patches. Several of the scouts visited with some scouts from Scotland. The Scottish Scouts are coed, so Scottish Scout Megan was very popular with our scouts.

The opening ceremony consisted of a flag presentation, the national anthem,  a few speeches, and grace.

The line for the food was long and we had to wait about 45 minutes in line. The food was excellent. We were served fried chicken, chopped ham, chopped beef, corn on the cob,  rolls, potato salad, green beans, and a desert. While we waited, dined,  and visited we were entertained by a Bluegrass band.

Afterwards more patch trading and visiting. There were also scouts from Connecticut and Russia.

We were one of the last groups to leave the auditorium. We headed back to the motel, had a quick meeting and went to bed.

We have to be at the jamboree site tomorrow at 8 AM.

National Jamboree - Day 2 - Six Flags, Atlanta Braves, & Steve Miller Band

One word to describe today.....wow!

We crammed so much into one day, it hardly seemed possible.

We started the day with a continental breakfast provided by the Sleep Inn. Basically, we had sausage, egg and cheese biscuits or cereal and milk. It certainly wasn't the biggest selection I have seen in a continental breakfast but it sufficed. The staff worked very hard to ensure the breakfast stayed fresh and well stocked for our large group as well as the other guests.

Six Flags

After breakfast the contingent walked a short distance to Six Flags. We were let in early but only allowed to stay in the front section of the park. Several of our scouts took the opportunity to take pictures with Daffy Duck and Taz.

Once we got into the rest of the park we split into groups and off to the rides. I personally stayed away from the roller coasters but many of the scouts chose to ride them. I got soaked on Thunder River and a little wet on the Log Jamboree. Bumper cars were my idea of a thrill ride. A few of the boys agreed but most chose more thrilling rides.

Atlanta Braves Game

We left the park at 3:30 PM and headed over to Turner Field for the Atlanta Braves versus the Cincinnati Reds game. We made it just in time for the national anthem. The game was great and most of the scouts seemed to enjoy it. Well, two of the scouts slept through half of the game, but by the end they seemed to be up and into it. The Braves won the game 5 to 2.

While at the game we learned the Steve Miller Band would be performing for free following the game. We stayed and watched the first 5 songs. A few of us adults really enjoyed the show but the scouts looked like they were wondering who the old guys were that were singing.

Steve Miller Band

We left early from the concert so we could catch the bus before the crowds. Unfortunately our bus could not reach us where we were located.  In the meantime the concert let out and we got caught up in the crowds. We walked with the crowds and worked our way to the bus. Saw a good street musician on the way.


A quick ride on the bus and we made it back to the hotel.


Now..........sleep. Tomorrow National Jamboree Day 3.

National Jamboree - Day 1

Group picture

Today began our first day of our National Jamboree trip. We left this morning from Alexandria at 5:30 AM with half of our contingent C-420. We met the second half of our contingency in Monroe at about 8:15 AM.

We loaded up and headed down the road. Mostly the scouts talked quietly and several went back to sleep.

Traveling through Mississippi - Photo By: T. Mouser

We stopped for lunch in Meridian, MS. We had several choices to choose from, including McDonalds,  Arbys, KFC, and Burger King. Each scout was issued $7.00 for his meal. All of the boys seemed content after eating.

Following lunch we got under way. We turned on the bus television and watched an episode of the 80's classic "The A-Team." Several of the scouts watched the show but more than a few went back to sleep.

Later, as we approached Atlanta, GA we got caught up in two traffic jams due to road construction. The traffic jams added an extra hour onto our trip.

We finally arrived at The Golden Corral where everyone ate till they were full. Then we went for dessert. The food was good and the boys seemed to be glad to be out of the bus.

Afterwards, we boarded the bus for a quick trip to the Sleep Inn. Upon arrival we could see Six Flags from the parking lot. We quickly unloaded the bus and got everyone checked into the motel.

Sleep Inn  - Photo by: T. Mouser

We had a brief meeting tonight, bed checks in a little while, and then lights out.

Breakfast in the morning will be between 6:30 AM and 9:00 AM. After breakfast we head to Six Flags. At 4:00 PM we head to the Atlanta Braves baseball game.

It has been a good first day!

National Scout Jamboree - Garden Ground Mountain Fire Ring

This years National  Scout Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Scout Reserve is fast approaching. Our contingent, C-420, is ready to go. We have all received our duffel bags, patches and everyone should be just about packed and ready to head out.

I know I have been running like crazy these last few days trying to get the last minute items I need for the jamboree.

I am glad to say I can mark one more item off of the list. Each Boy Scout Contingent was asked to bring a stone to create the Garden Ground Mountain fire ring. The contingents were encouraged to put their council name and contingent number on the stone.

I am happy to say I received ours today, courtesy of Melancon Funeral Home in Bunkie. Danny and Margie Melancon, owners of Melancon Funeral Home donated the stone and their time to create this stone for us to bring to the 1st ever Summit Bechtel National Jamboree. It will be a lasting reminder that we were there and years from now when the boys from C-420 have grown and their sons and grandsons attend a National Jamboree they can gaze upon this stone and know that they are truly following in their fathers steps.

Danny is an Eagle Scout, past scoutmaster, and has attended both world and national jamborees. Thanks again to the Melancon's.


C420 Garden Ground Mountain Fire Ring Stone. Photo by Lucrecia Mouser

USS Orleck Destroyer- Lake Charles, LA

On deck of the USS Orleck.

In my previous post on Sam Houston Jones State Park I mentioned a side trip to the USS Orleck. I wanted to do a separate post on the USS Orleck because it is such an unusual attraction.

The USS Orleck, a Destroyer, is currently docked in Lake Charles, LA but is looking to move to a more permanent site in nearby Westlake, LA. Needless to say this visit was not what I expected.

When we arrived at the USS Orleck the first thing I was surprised to see was the parking situation. The parking lot is gravel and is in need of some grading but if you take it slow you will be O.K. As we prepared to board the ship I was once again surprised. This is not the polished tourist ship I had become used to when visiting similar attractions. This was definitely a work in progress.

On the bridge of the USS Orleck. Photo by Vinson Mouser

I will not go into the history of the ship so as not to spoil it but I will give you this teaser. Not only was this destroyer a US Navy ship, it was also commissioned in the Turkish Navy. You will be escorted by a knowledgeable tour guide who will give you all the details.

As I mentioned earlier the ship is a work in progress. It is not polished, it is somewhat grimy, but completely fascinating. You really get a hands on feel of the ongoing work. 

If you like touring navy ships then this ship is well worth the visit. I do not recommend small children. Personally, I would suggest no one under 7 years of age. Older might be better. We had our 2 year old with us and I was nervous with him. There was a lot of climbing and several high areas.

Climbing through one of the hatches. Photo by Vinson Mouser

You will get to see most of the ship which includes the first type of unmanned drone, the bridge, radio room, radar room, and the typical dining and sleeping quarters. I was surprised to learn some of the areas still have live wires as we were warned in one place not to touch anything.

There is a very interesting museum/memorabilia area. I could have spent a good hour reading newspapers clippings, looking at pictures, and more but with a two year old it was difficult.

I would recommend this boat if you are looking for a slightly unusual experience.

You need to be prepared to walk and climb ladders. There are some high areas you will access. I had some vertigo in these areas but most of the ship I was able to get by. If you don't like heights you may want to bypass some of the ship.


For more information visit: USS Orleck

Millennium Park - Lake Charles, LA

The main structure of the park. Photo by Vinson Mouser

In my last post I blogged about Sam Houston Jones State Park. In that blog post I mentioned the Millennium Park in Lake Charles, LA. Only one word describes this park ......Awesome!




The park is located on the Lake Charles Civic Center Property and is completely surrounded by an aesthetic fence. There is only one entrance in and out.

The middle of the splash pad. Photo by Vinson Mouser

We had been to this park a few years back but were unaware that an arsonist had burned it down. I know that is hard to believe but it is true. The main structure in the park was so big it was actually a target of an arsonist.

The good news is that they rebuilt the park better than before and added a splash pad  full of water stations.

As you enter the park the eyes will feast on several activities for small children as well as your average 12 year old. There are swings, monkey bars, seesaws, slides, bridges, a pirate ship with its on slides, a structure with a two story slide and so much more.

Enjoying the water. Photo by Vinson Mouser

As you move further into the Millennium Park you begin to see the splash pad. There are approximately 14 water stations to cool you off and both children and parents will enjoy. As a parent you may not want to get wet so there are park benches with mesh canopies to help you get out of the sun while you enjoy your children's laughter and fun.

There is a nearby clean restroom right on the site. A security officer was in the park the entire time we were present and it is my understanding  he is there as long as the park is open.

Just across the street there are several vendors parked who are selling snacks.

Pirate Ship in the Millennium Park. Photo by Vinson Mouser

Our kids had a blast at this park. I highly recommend a stop by the Millennium Park if you are in the area or if your up for a trip. There is no cost to play at this great park i
n the heart of Lake Charles, LA.


For more information on Millennium Park visit: City of Lake Charles

Sam Houston Jones State Park

I recently traveled to Sam Houston Jones State Park near Moss Bluff, LA with the family. Our intention was to tent camp which we had not done in awhile.

A deer close up to the car. Photo by Lucrecia Mouser

Upon arrival we checked in at the front gate and then went down to the tent area to select a site. Needless to say we were disappointed. 

The tent sites are all lumped together in a small area with a circle gravel road around most of them. The main road is very close to the tent sites. There was no privacy for any of the tent sites or a safe place for the kids to play in the tent area.

We left the tent area and went back to the gate and were happy to discover they had a cabin available. We rented the cabin and went to settle in for two days. The cabin was very small with two bedrooms, a bathroom, a small dining living area, a screen porch, and a cooking area which doubled as a hallway. Outside of the cabin there is a picnic table and grill.

Outside our cabin. He wanted some food. Photo by Vinson Mouser

The master bedroom had a double bed. The second bedroom had two bunk beds. The living area had a small double couch, TV with cable, and a table for four. The screen porch had a table for four. The kitchen had all of the cooking utensils we needed and a refrigerator.

The cabin is definitely a place to stay and should not be the main reason for going to Sam Houston Jones State Park. It is a good place to get out of the weather, to sleep, cool off, and is adequate for cooking. The small size of the cabin relegates it to not much else.

The park itself has a lot to offer. There are numerous hiking trails, some of which pass through an interesting swamp area; there is a playground for the kids, bike riding for everyone, a Frisbee golf course, and plenty of wildlife viewing. There are many good RV sites.

  

While we were in the park we saw raccoons, ducks, geese, and deer. A little caution is needed with the wildlife because they have become very accustomed to humans. A sign at the main gate warns not to feed the animals but it was a common sight to see people feeding the deer and raccoons. 

We stopped to watch the deer near the road and take a few pictures. One of the deer walked up to the car and touched his nose to Lucrecia’s camera. Talk about a close encounter.

  

Another good thing about Sam Houston Jones State Park is its proximity to Lake Charles. We took a trip to Lake Charles and found plenty for a family to do. We especially enjoyed the Millennium Playground and Splash Pad near the Civic Center. We also went to the USS Orleck.

Because we were so close to Lake Charles we were able to have some friends and their family visit us at the park. We utilized the outside grill and picnic tables and grilled some burgers and hot dogs. Afterwards we went to the playground until the mosquitos drove us away.

Sam Houston Jones playground. Photo by Vinson Mouser

We returned to our cabin and the kids played inside while we set out on the porch reminiscing about old times and catching up on recent happenings. 

Even though we did not get to tent camp we still had a great time at the park. The staff was very friendly and helpful at every turn. We would return to this state park but not to tent camp.