We are officially finished with the first of two weekends of Wood Badge. This is the scouting course that I've been preparing to staff since the end of last year. C2 is central region, 266 is our council number, 11 for the year, and 1 for the first course of the year.
After picking Eric up at the airport on Wednesday night (his plane didn't come in until 12:30 a.m....)we were up until about 2 a.m. getting a brief description of the trip. Woke up around 7 ish and decided that since I was packed I might as well get going. Stopped at McDonald's to check email one last time then headed to Gerber. Believe it or not, NO geocaching along the way.
Arrived around 11, helped set things up around camp, especially for the Blue & Gold which was circus themed. We had dinner together (pizza) as a staff then did some practicing of campfire skits and other things for the next morning, then got to bed. Bed did not equal sleep for many of us, though, including myself. I think I might have slept for an hour or so. Just could not shut off the thinker, too much to do the next day.
Friday morning bright and early we were awake. Eggs Benedict for breakfast (they feed us well...)then down to the pavilion to greet the arriving participants. As health officer, I had two questions for each one: "Have there been any changes to your health form since you turned it in?" and "Are you feeling well today?" Some still needed to turn in their forms as well. Then off to drop their stuff and then a hike to cub side to start the day. I was pleasantly surprised by being handed a set of car keys and asked to drive several participants over to cub side that had some mobility issues. Ah, the perks of being the health officer! It was my DE's car, too.
Started the day with a couple of presentations, then the troop guides had their first presentation. Meanwhile the rest of us were getting the finishing touches put on the Blue & Gold banquet. My role was that of a clown. I have my own clown outfit but it's been many years since I wore it. As I was putting on my makeup, I thought to myself, "I sure have a lot more wrinkles than the last time I did this!"
The B&G was a big success, with everything from a gorilla to a dancing bear to a unicycle rider. They had peanuts and popcorn as well. Afternoon brought crossover and their first Gilwell Field where they learned what their critter would be. More presentations then time for dinner.
Dinner was a voyageur theme, presented at Fort Clatsop. A real replica of the real thing from the Oregon Trail. We had reenactors in the fort, and cooking via dutch ovens outside. Elk and Buffalo - it was good! Campfire afterwards. I had three roles: A skit starring fleas (costumed with a large magnifying glass) a ghost chicken (you'd have to see it...) and Maw, in pioneer garb.
As the patrols came back and started playing a get to know you game, I had my first real health officer challenge. Got to treat a case of heat illness. The victim felt very nauseous (eventually threw up) and hadn't been drinking enough. So pushed fluids and cooled her down with ice and cold cloths. Eventually had her take a cool shower. She felt better then and was ok the next day.
Staff meeting ended the day and we all slept much better Friday night!
Saturday brought Gilwell Field first thing, more presentations in the morning and a rocket building competition in the afternoon. Saturday evening brought the Wood Badge game show and the Win All You Can show. Both games with a purpose. Then we had a medieval cracker barrel to honor Rich, one of the quartermasters, who was entering the 50 plus club the next day.
Sunday brought Gilwell Field, chapel (I gave the benediction) and then my presentation. I had a good case of nerves but everyone said I did a great job. That's what friends are for...I can now tell you all about stages of team development and how to use the Leading EDGE and the Teaching EDGE. Then a trip to the Venture base and some outdoor experiences. I think I've blogged about a Leave No Trace presentation that is very popular during our COAST trainings. Well, the same guy was here with the added bonus of doing his presentation (in abbreviated form) in a kilt. You had to see it to believe it. The kilt was MacLaren tartan (Wood Badge appropriate.)
Back to the main area to watch the movie October Sky (again, had purposes) and have some more presentations. Then one last trip to Gilwell Field and the participants were on their way home, new friendships gained and knowledge learned. Can't wait for the next weekend! (Sept 9-11)
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