Well, the road trip was a success. It was a relatively small gun show. I may be spoiled because of the frequent large shows at the Dulles Expo Center though. But we did find the perfect ‘youth’ shotgun for the Crew. We even had Ashleigh with us to test the size and weight, so we know we’re good.

So hopefully the weather will be good this weekend for the Crew outing.

My high from Ordeal weekend has ended.

Well, while this is a rare occurrence for us, our troop had to cancel its May campout. Paul is in the hospital - he should be fine, but lets just say he’s not camping for a while. And since Phil’s Eagle project had to be rescheduled, the participation level for the campout dropped through the floor. Not to mention we were short on adults/drivers. That’s the most discouraging part - lack of participation from more parents. (Some are not to blame, it is after all a holiday weekend.)

I know thats typical fair for a scout troop, but it gets discouraging over time. I just hope things get better soon.

On the flip side though, Judi and I are going on a road trip to a gun show in Harrisonberg, VA.

Still recovering from Spring Ordeal this past weekend - I think I need another 2 days sleep. But what a weekend! It was the best Ordeal I’ve been involved with since I was inducted as an Ordeal member. Fantastic job by the youth, and the adults who support them. Everything was flawless. Well, not really, as anyone who has had to run a large event like this can attest to, but the few glitches were minor and easily overcome. Even the rain stopped Friday night to let us have the full Ordeal experience.

I am extremely proud of our chapter, its officers, and its members. People are going to get tired of hearing me say that I’m sure, but too bad They deserve to hear it, and be proud of themselves.

Next up is Goshen Bus Loading, cause I don’t think anyone from our Chapter is going to sectionals. I know I can’t. After that its new officer training, and then a fall chapter fellowship and then Fall Ordeal.

Yesterday was unusual and rare. A weekday (or weekend for that matter) that I had nothing to do (once I got home from work). No scouts. No crew. No OA. No school play/meeting/PTA, etc. No girl scouts. Absolutely no extra curricular events. I did not know what to do with myself.

So, I went to the Mall, ordered my new shooting glasses, and then took the family out to dinner.  Who knows when the next day off will be? Given the agenda for the next few weeks, certainly not for a while

Well, Spring Ordeal is just 4 days away as I write this. Yesterday we had our last pre-Ordeal staff meeting and ceremony practice (thanks Moms for letting us use part of your special day!). I think we’ve got everything planned out. If we missed anything, its just the small stuff that we can deal with when it happens. At least I hope we can This will be my first big Ordeal since being made Chapter Advisor. So far we’re looking to have around 60-70 candidates and staff, and those are just the registered we know of. I know we’ll get lots of walk-ins, so we could see close to 100 before the weekend is out. I’m getting excited!