Unexpected highlight
EC92@AOL.COM
Tue, 26 Jan 1999 12:15:09 EST
>What was your Scouts' favorite unexpected experience?
>
We were running a set up for JLTC at a small council-owned camping area that
consists mainly of old farmland around a swamp.
Having literally walked on that swamp in fall and winter without having to
fear getting wet, I enjoyed seeing it wet since it fit in sith some projects
we had set up for the overnight.
However, apparently June in Illinois is when the turtles who live there crawl
up and lay their eggs on shore. We spent most of staff week setting up little
roped off areas where the eggs were laid.
The staff - all 14 or older and who should by now have been expected to have
seen this on TV or something - were mesmerized. Every new turtle laying eggs
had to cause a work stoppage and a few minutes gazing and being amazed.
Especially because of the locations the turtles chose:
In front of the Lodge where the staff was setting up its offices and the
planned site for the testing of the ballistas, so there were 30 people running
in and out all day and night.
In the middle of the road as we wove around moving picnic trees, tents,
cooking gear, and more.
and other obviously dangerous-to-turtles sites around camp.
At least none tried to lay eggs in Gilwell.
Tom Petrik
