Camp LeFeber 2008
Summer camp at Camp LeFeber was a new and strange experience for our Scouts this year. Our 5 Scouts (T565) joined with the other LDS Troop (585) of 11 Scouts and shared Baird #1 site for the week. There were no waiting lines for anything at any time all week. Why? Because there were only 2 other troops there (4 total) for the July 4^th week! So we could then create our own fireworks it seems.

Arriving on Saturday night at 8:30 p.m. it was like a ghost town at LeFeber, yet there was a peaceful anticipation. Located in the isolated woods of the Nicolet National Forest in Northeastern Wisconsin it was just “us and them.” The “them” being strange night creatures you seldom see but definitely hear! We were camping in their “living room,” so move over---and don’t come too close! Yes, there actually are wild wolf packs, bears, coyotes, lynx, and various other night creatures living with us here. How close we know not, but let’s just say that if you don’t have to get out of your tent at 1:30 a.m. to use the facilities it is much less scary! There are various mid-night noises, too, in your campsite or near your tent that can stir your imagination. Then add a periodic unidentifiable screech or yelp and light sleepers are permanently awake.

When morning came we kept our Sabbath day reverent with an improvised religious service we all took part in, followed by rest, and a lot of contemplative time (but mostly rest). The camp staff prepared the night meal of lasagna, followed by a fire bowl program of light entertainment. We all then witnessed the proper way to retire a number of worn US flags. This was done by a former veteran military man and our rifle range supervisor. He also explained the greatest sacrifice others have given to allow us the many freedoms we are privileged to have today. Even nature itself gave reverence here as the only sounds heard were the wind gently stirring thru the clapping leaves of a Quaking Aspen, along with the song of a solitary red-eyed vireo singing in the treetops. This was a touching finish to a solemn moment as we all then silently filed out and headed back to our campsites. 

Every morning began similarly. A robin would start singing at 4:30 a.m. This woke up the rest of the sleeping chorus until 15-20 other birds sang along. But then… about 5:00 a.m., a pileated woodpecker (crow-sized) started hammering on the bat box on the tree next to us. This is similar to having an air hammer go off on the roof of your car while you are asleep inside. “Good morning, Scouts!”  The early morning serenity in the woods hailing a new summer day is what you dream about on frigid January days. For a while you can truly enjoy the sound of silence. The only other sounds to follow are “trees…swaying in the summer breeze…showing off their silvery leaves, as we walk by” (Chad and Jeremy). 

With our duty roster written and posted for the week by our patrol leader, the patrol method began. At 6:15 a.m., two Scouts dutifully arose and, using the buddy system, hiked to the commissary, picked up our breakfast, returned and prepared it. Cooking practice was fun and 2^nd nature to most present but a camp-prepared step-by-step booklet was provided to aid the less skilled. All of our meals were tasty and magnificently done, and never a Scout went hungry.   Clean-up was less fun but improved once the procedure was observed. With a blessing on the food and a prayer for a fun and safe day it was off to the merit badge classes. With small classes and lots of time Jonathan earned 6 merit badges this week!

At the close of the first day laughing Scouts talked endlessly in their tent.   Meriwether over-heard their conversation subjects of demons, ghouls, cannibals, etc. And the phrase “inter-dimensional paradox” came out, also. They were either too loud or they scared another adult Scouter who told them to tone it down and sleep. No sooner were they quiet when we heard a pair of loons wail and yodel maniacally on Lake Hardwood. Hence, the word “lunatic” from loon, no doubt. What timing!

Meriwether felt to take a shower in spite of the 10:45 p.m. hour. A quarter mile hike thru the woods went okay, but the return trip at 11:15 p.m., was a real test when the flashlight dimmed out. Blacker darkness never exceeded this. You couldn’t see the hand in front of your face let alone the road.  Not even the Baird Building which was less than 20’ away.  Only divine guidance helped him stumble over an above-ground water pipe that he knew led to the campsite. But wait! Did you hear that? Was that an animal breathing heavily behind him on the path in the woods? Hurry along! Remember, there are no such things as werewolves and monsters of the night…unless you’re alone in the woods walking back to camp. Upon a safe arrival he set a new LeFeber record for fastest entry into a tent! But he was never afraid. No… never!

A new day. Picture perfect weather made camp appear like it was right out of Boys’ Life. We had a troop activity of using blow-guns, which was great fun. Then off to the rifle range for .22 practice. Little did we know we had two sharp-shooters. Parker scored 50 out of 50 points! (that’s 5 bull’s eyes in a row) while CJ was awesome at 49 out of 50. Another highlight was having Dan Bailey, a camp staffer, and dual member of our troop, join us for dinner. But he is more famous for squeezing his middle linebacker body into the Onyx Cave opening at Eagle Cave last January. And that took courage!

Meriwether had to leave as Keith Ward came for the day. Keith had to leave and Br. Dr. (Sean Wilson) stayed the week. Sean became our Silver Chicken doing a back flip into the lake at the closing ceremonies. He also was the mastermind of our troop’s human caterpillar skit as they marched over a prostrate Dan Bailey. Dan was most surprised to “receive” what the cater-pillar had to “relieve” as it passed over him. Hearty laughs by the spectators would conclude what summer camp is all about: fun and memories to replay on a future cold January day.

Goodbye, LeFeber
Meriwether