Sabine District Family Camp

Becoming a Knight with Richard the Lion-Hearted

District Camp Out

5 - 7 March 2010

Fourteen Cub Scouts and four siblings/cousins from Pack 287 participated in this year's Family Camp. The theme was "Becoming a Knight with Richard the Lion-Hearted." When we arrived, each family was assigned to one of four Quests. Each family participated in activities with their quest while at Family Camp. Because Pack 287 had so many participants, we were split between 2 different Quests: Red Dragon and Holy Grail. Holy Grail included families from Pack 402 as well.

Friday evening, the boys got to meet the "King" before he left on Crusade. King Richard brought materials to make flags and explained that at the campfire Saturday, each Quest would compete for prizes by showing off their flag, doing a Quest yell, and performing a skit. Our boys got right to work and came up with 2 great flags and yells.

Saturday was the day for activities. During the morning we made wooden swords in To Arms, jousted with lances in Horseless Headman, shot arrows in Tower Rescue, and played a knights and squires version of capture the flag in Song of Roland. During each activity, a crier came round to announce the progress of King Richard on Crusade.

After lunch, we did the remaining activities. We learned to play bocce ball in Medieval Games, joined Robin Hood in Give to the Poor, and rescued the princess through an obstacle course in Maiden Carry. Finally, King Richard returned and led everyone in the Knighting Ceremony, where we had to demonstrate our knowledge of the Chivalric Code or answer a question about King Richard before our parents dubbed us knights.

For supper, we ate Bar-B-Q left over from the Blue & Gold Banquet. Then we went to the campfire. Red Dragon and Holy Grail tied for the best flag. Holy Grail had the best yell, and Red Dragon tied for second with Camelot (Pack 232). Holy Grail then finished their domination by having the best skit (followed by Excalibur - Pack 402). Overall, Holy Grail came in first and Red Dragon got second. For the prize we got first (and second) pick of jewels to add to the pommel of our swords.

Sunday morning we had a quick worship service, where we discussed the similarities of the Chivalric Code with Church and Cub Scouts teachings. We finished with a song and went home happy campers!

I am proud to say that of the 11 adult volunteers, 5 were from Pack 287. We also had 3 volunteers from Troop 86, and 5 from Troop 402.