Camp Floyd Campout

Mark and Dad had different attitudes about camp!

Mark and Dad signed up to go to Camp Floyd's overnight boot camp this weekend. Mark would be working on scouting stuff, and Dad would be learning more about his favorite field trip site since he takes his class to Camp Floyd every Spring.

As soon as we got there, we were recruited into the military. We were given itchy wool jackets and caps to wear. We were drilled on how to march and turn and salute, too. Mark really liked all of these activities, but Dad wasn't so sure. They also taught us a lot about the history of Camp Floyd and had us set up tepee like tents. We hooked a ring over a single pole, pushed the canvas tents up and staked the bottom down. Then we settled our gear and headed over to the old schoolhouse. We watched an hour or so of some old Civil War movies, including Gettysburg, which Mark really liked. He did learn a lot what it was like to be a Civil War soldier. Then we went to bed.

Mark had to sign in with a quill pen.

Mark loves school, usually!

Mark and his friend Troy playing pioneer games. 

Mark trying to help Troy with the Jacob's Ladder. 

The boys were in one tent and the kids were crammed into two more. Mark slept great, but Dad had a snorer in his tent. He finally fell asleep, but our friend Grant shook him awake because he thought Dad was the snorer. After that, they both crawled out of the tent and found a place under a tree.

The next morning we had an interesting breakfast. There was beef jerky, an apple fritter, grapes, and hot chocolate. It wasn't very filling, especially if you're Mark and don't eat beef jerky. After that, we cleaned up the tents and did a few activities so Mark could earn more scout stuff. Then we went over to the old cemetery and fired the black powder muskets. It was Mark's first time shooting a gun, and he had a lot of fun. Finally we cleaned up the tents and headed for home. It was a fun trip, but we were pretty glad to take those itchy clothes off!

Mark wasn't a huge fan of breakfast. 

But he is a good helper!

Mark was really excited to shoot the musket!

We made our own cartridges with rolled paper, black powder, and a wad.

Then we loaded the muskets.

Luckily Mark was wearing earplugs even though the muskets weren't that loud.

Dad got to shoot the musket as well. 

Dad is a great shot!