Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Unusual Scouting Trip

Hi, all!
On Friday - Saturday, I was the Troop Guide for a troop campout in the new troop. I planned what foods we brought, what gear we took, and what requirements we passed off. Dad and I arrived first at the camping site, and set up camp. We started our fire (only 2 matches - Wow!) and had a campfire program. Then we slept.
Then...came...Saturday...The Interesting Day... I made breakfast and we passed off some Scouting requirements. Then, we went to the lake for our service project. Here is where the real story begins...
Seven of us came around the lake, armed with garbage bags, gloves, and protective footwear. We headed out, picking up bottles, cans, and shredded newspapers. As I walked along the shore, I found several glass bottles. Knowing they were trash, I picked them up. I started heading back towards camp, and then...And Then...AND THEN...the bottles tore through the bag and gave me a bloody gash on my knee. I hobbled back to camp and sent my friend over to get Dad. We cleaned it up and waited for the others.
That gash is most troublesome. I didn't quite have to get stitches, but it was a close thing. I have butterfly bandaids on it and adhesive tape holding them on. I have to bend my knees as little as possible (only up to a "normal" angle) and I can't play around as much as before. Worse, it might last for up to a week before it's healed enough to keep from using the butterflies. Annoying indeed!
Anyway, back to what everyone else found as "garbage." We had quite a group of strange and mysterious things that people leave behind. I'll mention a few: 1) the elastic band from a pair of underwear - just the band! 2) a scary mask from halloween 3) human droppings in a butter container 4) a newspaper 5) a six-pack of beer - with three full bottles! Finally, the REAL surprise - 6) A GAS MASK, such as was used during WWI & II. What a collection!

Quote of the day:
"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."
- Theodore Roosevelt (1858 - 1919)

dAvId

2 comments:

Kim said...

Sounds like a fun camping trip, David. Glad your knee will be OK and also glad you're finding things to do to keep you busy! Good luck to a start of a new school year!

Kathi said...

Hey David - sounds like you are having adventures! (sorry about the knee...) Our cubs found a vodka bottle on our last trash pick up - things people throw out their window! Have fun at your new school! And let us know when you post!!