I’m not much for writing for writing’s sake. I think of it like talking to hear myself talk - not that I talk to myself :)  But in keeping with my previous post about getting back into a good habit I will ramble for a bit…

I’ve been prepping for the camp out (is it campout or camp out?) this weekend, and came to the realization that there is a LOT of gear needed to run an NRA pistol course. Of course there are the firearms and ammo, but also the instructor’s course guide, dummy rounds, student packs, eyes, ears, cleaning kit, air pistol for the first shots lesson, pellet catcher, pellet backstop, range flag, etc. etc. Then there is my camping gear - okay, so that’s only one backpack for me and a duffel for Phil. But still. I’ve spend most of the evenings this week getting everything prepped.

What else has been going on? I get to run the first NCAC BB Gun RSO course in a week. That in and of itself is not a big deal. The big deal is that I wrote the course. While I’ve been teaching BSA courses for a while, this is the first one I wrote. I started with a version from another council, modified it a fair amount based on the NRA Rifle Instructor materials and my own experiences running BB ranges for Cub Scouts. Its been reviewed by other instructors on the Shooting Sports Committee, with only small changes. We’ll see how well its received next week.

On the OA front, the new officers are gelling together pretty well. They have a pretty good handle on communicating with each other. Still working on getting a officer training weekend set up. Next up is Service weekend. After that its a day of Goshen bus loading and then a break pretty much till Fall Ordeal. Which reminds me I need to check on dates!

More later!

Seems I was not as diligent in writing as I’d hoped. For some reason, I’ve had the same problem writing in my camping journal lately. (Note to self: remember to add the ordeal campout info.) Not sure if its because I’ve been very busy on the campouts, or if its because it was easier to write while lying on my stomach in a tent. Its just a bit odd writing in a hammock. I’ve done it, just don’t like it. I’ll have to force myself more I guess - its a habit I don’t want to get out of…

So, what’s been up since March? Well, I quit my first campout ever. District Camporee. Was about to get into a big argument with some other adults when I realized we were in front of the whole camp (campfire was about to start). So, I left. Came back Sunday to pick up my son. Things are better now though. OA officer elections were held, and we just finished Spring Ordeal. I think we’re in good shape with the new guys.

Prepping for a Crew campout this weekend. If all goes well Judi and I should complete our TC’s this weekend. Oh, and, I’ve been suckered into joining the NCAC Shooting Sports Committee. Okay, like anyone really had to twist my arm on this one This looks to be a good group of adults, and I think we’ll be able to do a lot of good things for the shooting sports and BSA together.

More soon - so I hope