All About the Pier {Camp Parsons}

Camp Parsons' pier leap at low tide falls under the maxim "don't try this at home, kids!"  In fact, it probably falls under the "don't try this at Scout Camp, kids!"  For although our troop had special permission to take the leap during free time one afternoon {coinciding with a lower than normal tide}, the activity was quickly brought to a halt after the camp director arrived on the scene and had a quiet discussion with the aquatics director.

Peter and Joseph jump in tandem

Scrubbing the pier as part of the troops' volunteer service to the camp, they endeared themselves to the aquatics director who told them it had been at least seven years since the pier had been scrubbed.  The guys asked for permission to come back during their free troop-time and take the pier leap.  Permission granted, they arrived in full force and those willing to take the leap lined up at the very end of the legendary pier. Tim opted out of the activity and offered to photograph the event from a rowboat, allowing for these great shots looking from water level up to the launch site.

Peter, Zachary and Joseph warm up after a leap or two.

Pier leaps are a big attraction at Camp Parsons, and careful attention to the tides and water levels below the pier ensure that the activity is safe.  All who participate in any aquatics activities at any Scout camp have to pass a thorough swim test and follow strict buddy rules and check-in, check-out procedures. 

The pier alone would provide a great reason to visit Camp Parsons.  It is a one of a kind experience and one worth repeating, which helps to explain why our Scouts vote time and again to go back to Camp Parsons on the salty waters of Puget Sound.

Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit '07 {Day 2: Barkerville, BC to Bowron Lakes Provincial Park, BC}

The Barkerville scene along main street

Tim, Joseph and Peter enjoy sweets on the bakery porch at Barkerville, BC.

The historic town of Barkerville, BC, provided our crew with a close-up look at the way life was lived in British Columbia's gold rush years of the 1800's.  Walking down main street, visiting the living history exhibits and shows, we travelled back in time for the afternoon before driving to our real destination: Bowron Lakes Provincial Park. 

Our choppy introduction to Bowron Lake

Our first look at Bowron Lake gave the impression of stormy sea.  Nearly covered with whitecaps, Bowron Lake looked formidable.  Peter raced to be the first to touch the lake, then challenged the older Scouts, "C'mon guys, I'll race you to the water."  Participation on this Boy Scout high adventure trip, led by a dad who had taken this very trip as a youth with his father, was limited to Scouts 13 years and older, First Class Rank required; but each of our 3 boys attended as an exception to the rule:

• Zachary, only 12 years old, but allowed to participate having already earned First Class Rank and showing competence at canoeing, swimming, cooking and camping.
• Peter (7) and Joseph (9) who rode along as passengers in the two adults canoes, were allowed to participate since both Tim and I were volunteer adult leaders for the crew.

Under protective cover, Zachary begins the Harry Potter adventure at our first campsite along the shores of  Bowron Lake, BC.

As we began setting up camp along the shores of Bowron Lake, a sudden surge of tiny swarming insects overtook us.  The insane infestation gave us cause to stop work and make home-make insect protection hats using a sheet of mosquito netting cut into veil-sized pieces to cover our heads.   Dinner at the Barker Lodge could have easily been outdone by a good Dutch oven cook-out, but our efforts to stay mostly packed up before our canoe camping adventure gave us reason to enjoy a dinner out, even if it wasn't very tasty.

Harry Potter tagged along on this adventure, the final book having been released only hours before our departure.  Isaac's copy, devoured by him on the drive up, soon had a wait list of excited readers.