Finally Home

Colton and I are so glad to be home.  We had an amazing adventure.

Fort McHenry

1814
Battle of Baltimore

Oh say can you see . . .

DC Memorials

DC Metro

Colton is a pro navigating the DC Metro.  We had passes for the week and it made getting around much easier.  The boys formed groups and went out together to explore the Capitol City.

Washington DC - Air and Space Museum

The first stop in DC was at the Air and Space Museum.  Colton loves planes so he was excited to see so many in one place. 

Gettysburg

We traveled by bus from the Summit in West Virginia to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.  You can try to imagine the odor of wet and muddy clothes and shoes.  It was pretty bad.  Upon arrival we had lunch and then toured the sites of Gettysburg. I love learning about historical events and being able to actually see where they took place.  The boys were excited to have a pizza and pool party at the hotel.  I volunteered to help with laundry.  Although it was a HUGE job, it was well worth it.

Goodbye Summit

 

The last full day of the Jamboree I was scheduled to work from 7a to 3p.  That turned into working until 11p.  We had to completely disassemble our medical unit, inventory and pack our belongings.  I also had to get myself up to Colton's Basecamp so I would be ready to leave at 6:00 am with his troop.  Luckily, I got a ride because it was so late before I was able to leave.  I rode in the back of an ambulance for the first time and it was kind of fun.  I attempted to sleep a few hours but of course that was interrupted by a big rain storm.  Colton's troop started to break camp at 3:00 am while it poured rain.  Although I was excited to leave the Jamboree's rain, ambient showers and mud, it was hard to say goodbye to so many friends.  Until we meet again . . . 

Jamboree Activities

Colton participated in several fun activities at the Jamboree.
RAIN
Garden Ground Trek
Day of Service
Patch Trading
Scuba
MUD
Powder Ball
Railroading MB
Taking a nap at mom's Medical Tent
Walking 100+ miles
RAIN

LDS Church Service

Yes, it rained for church too.  Colton was able to pass the Sacrament along with 100+ other Deacons.  Elder Anderson and the General Young Men's Presidency was in attendance at the church service.  It was amazing to participate in such a unique Sunday Service.

LIGHTNING . . . RAIN . . . MUD



Unseasonably high levels of rain fell daily during the Jamboree.  Many of the programs and activities had to be cancelled or postponed due to the weather.  Several times we had rivers running through our medical tent.  Everyday, more straw or gravel was added on top of the already saturated muddy ground.  Colton's shoes are no longer fluorescent yellow.  His boots are also caked in stinky mud.  Although I didn't have trouble with water leaking into my tent, the rain storms added to the humidity making everything feel wet.

Medical Staff

 

I am assigned to work in Basecamp Delta Medical.  So far I have worked anywhere between 12-20 hours a day.  We treat almost everything, but do have to transport some out to a local hospitals for further treatment. We had to set up the entire treatment area prior to the scouts arriving.  I added a little artwork with Sharpie markers for decoration.  Each day part of out team was transferred to help in other medical units.  I was able to spend the day at Low Gear.  There were over 2000 mountain bikes and several trail options for the participants.  It was fun to see a different part of the Summit.

July 16

I worked 20 hours yesterday as we helped the troops get checked in and then started

treating scouts for heat related ailments.  I was so exhausted!  Colton and I were able to spend a few hours together after the opening arena show and he was able to finish the Genealogy Merit Badge.  We also worked on and completed the requirements for the Thomas S. Monson award.  I was able to spend some time with dear friends that I met at the 2010 Jamboree.  Charles Dahlquist talked with Colton about Duty to God and then Larry Call presented the award to Colton.  His wife Paula presented my award.  It is amazing how people are drawn together through an event like this.  I heard some things today that I needed to hear and felt the spirit of love and friendship. 

July 15 . . . Let the Jamboree Begin

Busy day started at 4:30 am to prepare for the arrival of troops.  Beginning at 6:00 AM, approximately 65 buses per hour arrived at the Summit.  The Medical Staff had to clear each scout and leader before they were allowed to leave their bus.  It is so much fun when the boys arrive.  The excitement level increases tremendously. 

 

 

A few of us had fun posing with the traffic signs.  We also got a few odd stares too.

 



July 13

NO RAIN TODAY!!!  We continued to set up our medical facility, but I did have a  couple hours to explore.  I can't wait for the scouts to get here and experience all the incredible events that are here.  I hiked all the way over to Basecamp A where Colton's troop will be camped.  I took a few pictures of the "before" look and will add the "after" pics later.  He was pretty excited to finally board the plane with Troop A342 and head off to the Jamboree.  I can't wait to see him in a few days.

 

July 12

Most of the day was spent setting up Basecamp D Medical Unit.  We had to inventory all of the equipment and supplies and then put them away in our big tent.  This is like a five star facility compared to the medical tent I worked in at the last Jamboree.  Pictures will come tomorrow.  More rain and lightning with intermittent sun and constant humidity.

 

 

 

JULY 11

Well, I didn't melt or float away during the night.  This week the staff (all 6000 of us) eat at one dining hall.  The food has been great, but I have to walk 3 miles round trip to get a meal.  We've only had a few sprinkles today so maybe it can dry up some before all the scouts arrive.  After continuously sweating for the past 24 hours I decided I couldn't even stand my self let alone sit next to someone at dinner.  I braved the "ambient temperature" showers decided they weren't too bad in this hot muggy environment.  I don't think I will be turning down the water heater when I return home though.  It was fun seeing a familiar face every once in awhile.  I'm really glad Jeffrey K. finally made it to the Jamboree after an eventful two days of visiting various airports.  Today has been much better and I think I will survive.

I made it to the Summit!!!

I arrived at the airport on time (didn't actually go to bed), made all connecting flights and made it safely to Charleston, WV. After a 90 minute bus ride and registration I finally made my way onto another bus that drove us into the Summit. The ground is very muddy from the daily downpours. At least my tent was already set up and provided shelter from the rain. I think I've already sweat off at least 5 lbs due to the heat and humidity. Two sets of bunk bed cots were nicely positioned inside the tent and still tightly secured in the manufacture packaging. I'm quite proud of myself for assembling them in the dark with a flashlight. I might melt or float away in a rain river before morning. I'll keep you posted . . .

July 10, 2013