FAMILY CAMPOUT '99

Twenty scouts and family members enjoyed warm and clear weather on the last weekend of August at the troop's annual Family Campout, which was held again this year at Kings Dominion. The troop camped at the Kings Dominion campground adjoining the theme park. The scouts were in awe at amenities such as flush commodes and hot showers. Several scouts challenged Mr. Selstrom on the campground's miniature golf course, and some took advantage of the pool. The campground also offered a playground for younger brothers and sisters, horseshoes, a camp store, and a free shuttle to the park.

Taking advantage of our deeply discounted admission tickets, everyone spent most of Saturday at Kings Dominion. Lines for the attractions were much shorter than last year, perhaps due to the fact that it was a week closer to Labor Day. Several of the senior scouts were eager to brave the notorious Shock Wave. Another popular destination was Water Works, a new 16-acre water park inside Kings Dominion, with 17 water slides, a wave pool, inner-tube rides, and water cannons.

On Saturday evening the troop held its traditional troop potluck dinner with contributions from every family. (Lessons learned: don't set a hot Dutch oven down on top of a plastic picnic table!) The evening was capped off with one of the longer campfires that the troop has held in a while, featuring skits by the scouts, ghost stories, and lame jokes by the scoutmaster-in-charge.

We look forward to seeing everyone next year at Busch Gardens

-ASM Tim Kelly