Mom's Surprise Birthday Party

Guest blogger: Chuck McAllister

Mom's husband Clifford, two sisters from Texas, son from California, daughter from Omaha and their families attended Mom's surprise 69th birthday party today in the dining hall.  She was presented with gifts from staff, a cedar and horn guardian pipe, recognition from Order of the Arrow, Nebraska Admiralship, a plaque to be installed in the newly named Sandy "Mom" Roth Kitchen, and a signature quilt.  All are suitable recognition for her years of service to Scouting and Camp Cedars.  It was a memorable event.  Please congratulate her if you were unable to attend the festivities.

We successfully kicked Mom out of the building after lunch so that she can spend time with her family.  Though she has gotten better over the years about not insisting on being the last person to leave the dining hall, it still takes some convincing to get her scooted out the door.  Because we know how hard she works and how much she needs time off, it makes us feel good to see her green van creeping down the drive.  It probably helps that she has a few trusted individuals available to uphold her standards.

Where in the world

Chuck!!!.....Chuckles.....Dr. McAllister??.....O Worthy Chieftain......hmmm, he doesn't come running - not good.

Parents Night

Staff is currently progressing through their extensive repertoire of songs while serving Scouts, Scouters, and guests for parents night.  With a 50-60% chance of rain this evening, we're hoping it will hold off so that we can get the dining hall cleaned up in short order rather than needing to host the closing campfire indoors.  Overall, a normal opening week of camp.

Off and Running

Greetings from the dining hall.  It's Week 1 of Boy Scout camp, for which we have 77 tables set in the building, and we cook for an additional 2 tables for kitchen and ranger staff plus 5 more for Easter Seals.  Thus, we prepare for 84 x 8 = 672.  Being short one cook in the afternoon/evening and short one in the dishroom, we work a lot longer and harder to meet the needs of camp....but we still eat well, joke heartily with each other, and get about 5 hours of sleep on a good night.  No complaints so far, but if you see a flare on the horizon, send help.