MIC Day 3 - Tuesday

MIC – Day 3


Another day in the world of MIC. First really full day as there were three program periods today. Started out with a nice breakfast as usual, then down to Geo HQ. We pulled everything back out, and welcomed our first group at 9:30. Scouts from Eaton Rapids, Charlotte, Somerset Ohio, Curacao, and Korea. After my introduction talk, we divided the group into four patrols and headed out. Tom stayed behind during the first program, and I got my first taste of taking a group around. We worked the course backwards, which turned me around in a few places. But the group soon figured out what they were doing, and enjoyed the experience. We returned to Geo HQ, and dismissed the group at 11:30. At 11:45 our next group, as well as lunch, came. We had roast beef and cheese on hot dog buns, chips & salsa, fruit, cookie, and Gatorade. At 12:30 we were ready to roll with the second group. We welcomed scouts from Haslett, MI; Indianapolis, White Plains NY, the Czech Republic, and the Isle of Man. My group was mostly from NY and the Isle of Man. We went the other direction than my first group, and we had a great time as well. One of the Isle of Man scouts, Shannon, actually found a cache that had been moved – we may never had found it otherwise. Another two scouts, both girls, were allowed to go back to the campsite by their leader because one’s wrist hurt… and the leader admitted after they left that it was probably because she had been texting too much. Life at a scout camp in the 21st century.

By now I was beat. Four miles plus of walking. So when I was given the chance to stay back and mind the store for the third session, I gladly accepted. Our scouts were from Kentwood & Walker; St. Paul, Minnesota, Costa Rica, and Hungary. After the scouts left, I showed several Kentwood/Walker leaders how to geocache, using the cache at our HQ as an example. I knew them as they’d taken COAST back when I was in co-charge. They may be interested in having me merit badge counsel the geocaching MB for them this fall, they’ll be in touch.

Walk back to the dining hall after the third session for a camp wide BBQ chicken dinner. Tasty! Then a bit of relaxing time before changing into uniform for the evening show. Every country (except the U.S.) put on a performance designed to help us better know their country. Felt like I was around the world! Lots of colorful national costumes with dances and songs. I had brought my little portable stool. A mistake as it doesn’t have a back and I wasn’t parked on level ground. I soon gave up and sat on a low stump. As scouts walked (or ran in some cases) to the stage, clouds of dust rose up. Felt like pig-pen by the end of the show. So went to the back of the firebowl during the last performance and quickly got back to the cabins right after it ended, grabbed my shower gear, and headed for the showers. Still had to wait but I was first in line.

Hope my feet hold up tomorrow!