Unfortunatly you will not be able to find the same grate as I have in any store as I purchased mine from a rendezvouse friend who makes them. But I have no doubt that you should find something sturdy at some camping outlet as stargazer suggested.

I actually saw one this past weekend at a outdoors store. It didn't look super sturdy so I didn't buy it, but at least now I know what I'm looking for. I'll be sure to keep my eyes open for others.

Well Winter Camp is done. Cub Scouts had a lot of fun, learned a few skills, and the weather was most co-operative. Saturday was bright, and clear, with mild wind. Our fishing station found the perfect spot on the lake, and ther were even some pike, as well as walleye caught
The Bear Scouts earned their Whittling Chip for safe knife handling with no blood being lost
The rope making station did well, but the old style single strand makers I made kept falling apart I will have to use longer screws next time.
Only one injury thankfully, but it did require a trip to the hospital One of the fathers was cutting wood fort he bonfire, and a piece jumped up when split, and hit him on the lip. After some stitching he was apparently in good spirits.
I myself was all ready for my long awated sleep out to to earn a Polar Bear patch. Tent was ready. My sleep system was all cozy annd prepped Another parent was willing to risk himself with me. But, as the fathful day arrived I developed ahead cold Thankfully, for the Scouts anyway, another parent was willing to step in, and they were able to earn their patches.
I guess I will just have to wait for the next opportunity.

I love camping. Not to mention my family does too. My dad a lot when he was growing up, so, I guess he was the one to decide we should have the same experience too. We are even planning a hiking and camping trip very soon, Hurrah!

Unfortunately, the last camping I did was some eight years ago when I was in Boy Scouts. Aside from closing a pocket knife on my finger one time (I still have the scar), I have thoroughly enjoyed every trip. I really hope I have the opportunity to do some camping in the near future.

One of the fathers was cutting wood fort he bonfire, and a piece jumped up when split, and hit him on the lip. After some stitching he was apparently in good spirits.

Ouch! Glad he's all right.

That reminds me of the time I was enjoying a campfire with friends. While making S'mores the marshmallow caught on fire and I whipped the roasting stick around to blow it out. Unfortunately, the flaming marshmallow stuck to my lip and gave me a pretty good sized burn (in hindsight, it probably looked pretty funny!).

The downside was that I had a job interview the next day and couldn't help being self-conscious about that big upper lip. I didn't get the job.

With the first 70F of the season forecast for next week, I'm tempted to dust off the tent, sleeping bag, and other goodies - but other obligations will likely keep me out of the campground before April. Still, it would be nice to get out there before the mosquitoes and pollen allergies kick in.

Scouts are getting ready for their first "outing" this spring. Unfortunatly it won't be an actual "camp-out" as we will be sleeping in barracks at a military base, but they get a kick out of it each spring.
They have to prepair for the actual summer camp tomorrow by passing their swim tests. Hoping I can coax a few of the adults to get wet as well.

Did the scouts pass their swim tests, Puddleglum?

With the long Memorial Day weekend approaching here in the US, I'm packing up the equipment for our group's first outing of the summer. We'll be camping at Whitewater State Park in southeast Minnesota. (This has the distinction of hosting my first camping trip back in 1972). The story goes that there are no mosquitoes there, always a plus.

But it looks like a wet and (on Sunday) hot and humid weekend. Time to get an air-conditioned tent.

Found this post late.
Hope you had fun on Memorial Day stargazer. Were there any mosquitos?
As for air conditioning, I have heard of you humans inventing something for that. Just what is an RV? As for me, just look for a good marsh, sit under a willow tree, and stick your feet in the mud.

Right now my Troop is planning the annual Summer Camp trip schedualed for the end of June. Looks like we have a good crew, and some adults willing to risk life, limb, and sanity with a handful of lively boys for a week.
(Pray for us.)

Alas, I wasn't able to make that trip, due to a last-minute family emergency (which has since had a happy ending). However, the rest of my group did go and commented on the lack of mosquitoes. Sunday lived up to its advance billing - hot, humid, stormy.

I imagine mud works well as protection against mosquitoes.

Have a great time with the Summer Camp later this month! (my next trip is scheduled for about the same time, with a large group of friends in Baker Park Reserve west of Minneapolis).

Who doesn't love a lack of mosquitoes? I've never had any issue with them when I go winter camping

On Wensday I will be leaving form NYLT, National Youth Leadership Training
. I will be on Staff for the course for the first time, I was a praticpant last year. I will be camping for 10 days and 10 nights, seven of which are the course itself.

The vision of our staff is to build the next generation on leaders (which is odd considering most of the staff are in the same generation as the particapants) our goals to ahcive this vision (I'm already starting to speak staff ) are:

Give youth the confidence and knowledge to conduct a youth-run program thus learning life skills

Train youth in all aspects of effective leadership, ranging from teaching skills to motivating an organization

Guide the youth through the stages of team development

Give youth the opportunity to share ideas and experiences with youth from other units.

Create an environment of Scouting fellowship and fun guided by the Scout Oath and Law

Experience Scouting at its best.

For more information on NYLT, you can visit their page on scouting.org here. Or on Wikipedia

Getting packed for the last week in June with the Scouts. Is a bit early, but another parent is helping me to show the boys what to, and not to bring. He's covering fanny/packs, and sleeping gear. I have backpacks, and overnight bags.
The big challeng will be limiting them on electronics again.
One of the fathers going is a possible next scoutmaster, so this is also a chance for me to see how he does with the scouts for the week.

Heading out on the morrow with eager Scouts, and parents.
May the weather be fair, the mosquitos, and ticks few, my back steady, and patience in good supply.
With God's Grace I shall bid thee hearty hello in a weeks time.

Just back from camp today. Weather was a little on the humid side at times, but the breeze was a definit plus.
Scouts had fun for the most part. the only one starting out bad was a poor lad who had brocken his foot three weeks ago, and had to go on crutches Needless to say he was the one who could not get any water related merit badges. We were hoping to get all of them signed off on canoeing this year so they would be ready for Boundery Waters next year.
Though he missed out on that he did pull of an amazing feat. There is an old DNR fire tower at the camp. At first we expected he would be stuck on the ground, but then he said he would try to at least reach tree top level. Well, with dad following close behind he climbed, literally putting one knee on each step, all the way up
Add to that another Scout with a fear of heights making it up we had an amazing day
Talking with the other adults, and the Scouts it looks like we will be doing the same trip next year, just to another more challenging part of the camp. They were given food already cooked, so we figure it is time they get the full camping experience. You cook it. You eat it. You clean up. this should also help motivate those who need a reason to move a little faster

We returned from camping a few hours ago. Very nice weekend - it rained about 12 drops last evening - but the mosquitoes were voracious and the heat and humidity were a bit much (the heat index is pushing 100F presently). But there was fire, fun, and food, not to mention a little stargazing (though with the haze and Moon only a few brighter objects were visible).

Off to a rendezvouse this weekend. Turns out it is for educational reasons as well. One of the towns hear-a-bouts is having a Heratage Days, and wants some of us to show a bit of how it was living back when the only running water was in the creek.
My freind will be displayng dead-fall traps, and I will be demonstrating string, and rope making of the era.
They say it's to be pleasant weather, but then their guess is as good as any. I am just hoping for clear skies as there is that big meteore(spelled that wrong didn't I) shower this weekend.