Stuff I Learned From Scout Camp

Spending four days in the mountains with eight 14/15-year-olds can be quite the learning experience.

~ It is possible to have rain, sleet, snow, hail and clear skies all before dinner.

~ Bags of charcoal briquettes do not like to get wet.

~ 14-year-old boys do not like to get wet.

~ Rain ponchos do not like camp stoves.

~ Waterproofing is worth its weight in gold.

~ Some 14-year-old boys do not pack rain ponchos, even when it's on the equipment list.

~ It is possible to get steam burns on your toes when drying your boots by the fire.

~ Canvas tents are much heavier when wet.

~ Tarps leak.

~ Sleeping right next to a rushing stream while your tent is rained on puts an unexplained strain on your bladder.

~ Port-a-potties are difficult to navigate while wearing a rain poncho.

~ Eight teenagers can fit in a four-man tent if it means they get to play "Go Fish".

~ Apparently "Go Fish" is played with small red, white and blue plastic disks.

~ Teenagers should not consume energy drinks on long drives.

~ iPod Withdrawl and Cell Phone Withdrawal are serious conditions.

~ Ankle injuries miraculously heal when in close proximity to female staff members.

~ All the fire restrictions in recent years have bred a generation of scouts who can't build a fire to save their lives.

~ If the mayonnaise comes out of the packet yellow, it's a good idea to throw away the bread and start over.

~ Teenagers have an aversion to drinking plain, old water.

~ Sweaty activities should be avoided before and after a flour war.

~ Mountain bikes should never be ridden in the mountains.

~ I'm getting old.