BAC Backpacking Action Camp 38 signed up to go..huh? YUP 38 signed up.

Ok. So what happens with GOD BLESSING IT.. when you reduce the price on a JLTA Action camp from 50.00 per person down to 15.00 per person with help from Friends of Rangers and modify it so they bring their own, cook their own or go hungry?  

This year while in transition on our District Staff it was requested that I handle this one camp while the organizers are being reorganized.  LOVE too!  Thanks!

Took the drudgery out.  Took the classroom inside time out. Took picked a trail that would draw even the worst couch potatoe in the group.  Added a day hike to the tallest water fall between the Rocky Mountians and the Application Mountains.  Added 2 Orienteering courses that have a focus on Ranger Pacing along with 3 miles of trails while in the woods for the first 2 hours of our Backpack.  

Then wait for it..... What Jumping Cliffs?  YUP choose your level....12 feet, 24 feet 32 feet... into a 12foot deep swimming hole.  YUP between jumping cliff and swimming we throw in some as we go teachings.  NOT TO spend much time on these merit references..but to let them hands on learn while doing.   All the while teaching these things while telling stories about when the raccoon stole the cell phone out of someones backpack or telling about the rattle snake over there that was eating Black Berries or the birds that were eating black berries while we were standing next to him...he didn't even rattle at us.  Or perhaps the time we got stranded between to river crossings because the weather forecast missed the 5" of rain and had to put our map and compass and gps knowledge to a real life test and show them the place where it all happened... oh..wait for it..yup..  800 foot cliff right above us.. uh huh.  

What old homesteads and abandoned trucks and cars from the 30 to 40ties.  

Oh...what is that you ask?   8 river crossings...some just a bit below mid leg deep....

Cool clear water. Ouch...what was that a Deer fly?  (like a horse fly on steroids... will almost make you cuss when they bite)
Leaves of 3 let them beeee?   Yup don't wipe with them.  Another story.  What was that boom?   CAIN explodes like firecrackers when put in the fire...huh?  You got to be kidding?   How much can I go with you?

Places like this and experiences like this are found everywhere...they happen with time.  They happen outside the walls of the classroom.  Make it happen.  Did I mention council fire services?  It's real stuff folks.  Lives changed for Jesus.

Mark Jones
p.s I hope I survive this trip...cause I want to do it again in 2 years. GRIN!!!

What do you do when 2 boys come up missing? Never happened before. Lots of things never happened before. Report and pictures. I can't wait until 2 years from now... I would love to see 40 going.
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