Their Own Private Island....

I think the planning started in December.

Someone mentioned to the committee chair of our scout troop that there was "this island", and of course my ears perked up.  Because "the island" they were talking about was the same one I had mentioned 2 years ago, when they were in cub scouts.

So of course, this became my new project.

Phone calls were made.  Emails were sent. More phone calls, and more emails, and then eventually a personal visit. When it became apparent that I was not going away, the town finally gave in and produced a 3 page list of requirements that most people would have glanced at and said, "No, thanks.  I'm good."

Clearly they had no idea who they were dealing with.

I pitched it to the Troop.

I made tentative plans.

I applied for fire permits.

I produced maps and site plans.

I developed a BSA and Town approved "What if?" disaster plan.

I arranged an off site parking plan, recruited a BSA approved lifeguard, and solicited for kayaks.

I took 3 safety courses through the scouts, so I could be a back up leader.

I encouraged and aided a scout patrol leader to take over the finer details.

I purchased a portable toilet.

I explained why we needed a portable toilet, over and over and OVER again.

I hunted down people for money and permission slips.

I had to start a wait list for what was supposed to be our teeny tiny summer camp out.

We borrowed kayaks...

The town finally approved our island camp out 6 weeks ago. As it turns out, the town owns the island in the center of one of our larger ponds and they allow overnight camp outs only for the Boy Scouts.  Except they don't want the island spoiled or over used, so they don't advertise it or release any information about it. The only ones who are allowed permits are the ones that persist.

Clearly they had no idea who they were dealing with.

Last weekend, 14 scouts and 4 leaders set sail into the sunset for their island adventure carrying everything they would need for 3 days with them on their kayaks (and one inflatable raft), including tents, sleeping bags, food, fire wood....

.....and a portable toilet.

It took two hours to get every boy and leader launched.  And I mean that in the most literal sense.  We were utilizing a private dock and once the boys were loaded up my husband literally launched them off the edge.  Amazingly, not one person capsized and all the gear made it over nice and dry. I'd love to say that I planned the weather to be perfect, but that would be a lie.  It just worked out that way.  Beautiful, sunny days 85 degrees, with minimal humidity.

On Saturday I opted to head out on my own to see how the guys were holding up.  I loaded the spare kayak with some special survival gear for the men...

Perfectly loaded, I carefully stepped off the dock into the vessel, popped my butt in the seat, steadied myself and grabbed the paddle.

Then completely capsized in hip deep water.

So that my friends, is where the photos end.  I managed to save the coffee, the cup of ice, cream, and some extra yummy goodies I was bringing over for Youngest.  The sugar, camera, and phone, not so much.  When I arrived on the island I quickly un-assembled everything and dried it all out using one of Youngest's spare socks.  On my return trip I wrapped everything in plastic, twice.  The phone did survive, but I am now in the market for a new camera.

The boys had a fantastic time.  They spent the days kayaking, fishing, checking out wildlife, and exploring the island.  Each scout pitched their tent on a different site on the island.  Some high, some low, some with a nice water view.  Others skipped pitching tents all together and strung a hammock between trees. Two camp fires dotted the center of the isle, both burning just enough to rekindle for lunch and again for dinner and ghost stories.  At least one Sasquatch sighing was reported. Apparently, he loves s'mores.

It was the perfect weekend and a camp out they'll likely want to do every year. And now that all the leg work has been done it should be easier to pull off in the years to come.  We've actually purchased our own kayaks, and as long as no one speaks of the portable toilet. ever, I may invest in a waterproof camera for next year.