|
|
Each year that we've had our Cedar Valley Homecoming
/ Reunion, those of us involved in organizing things have wondered, "Will this
thing happen again? Will oldtimers and newtimers come and enjoy that place so
special to us - Cedar Valley?" I guess we can quit wondering and BELIEVE! It is
hard to believe that nine years ago, a small group of folks decided to take a
chance, set a date to gather, and throw out an open invitation. From that first
year in 2003, we have grown, expanded and seen a steady stream of old friends.
2011 is surely, if not our best year yet, right up there!
Under the able leadership of our 2011 Camp Director,
Alice Smith, and Program Director, Raymond Whiteside, we had a fun weekend and
great time. In total 235 folks made the trek and spent all or part of the
weekend at Cedar Valley (Including 8-9 Scout troops and packs - the most ever).
Both rifle and shotgun ranges were in full swing early Saturday. Several folks
took advantage of the canoes to check out the lake, and of course the fish were
in for a fight as we saw folks fishing all along the lake. Even when we had to
make last minute changes things worked out such as our intended 5k Fun Run that
became a 5k Fun Hike (we decided the trails were a bit rough for running.)
Several groups hiked around the lake including taking in Indian Rock. Once
again, John Phillips brought up his collection of authentic Native American
clothing and crafts which were put to use for a large group session Saturday
afternoon when all who participated had a chance to make chokers, etc.
Toni Henderson assisted by Scott again headed up cooking
as Food Chairman. As we arrived Friday night, the cooks had chili and cornbread
waiting. The Taco Salad was again a big hit for lunch followed by Boston butt
roasts and home made pies for supper. Top that off with two breakfasts and two
cracker barrels and you can understand why all the cook crew was exhausted.
Once again our cook crew outdid themselves not only in the meals that were
prepared, but in the extra work done weeks in advance to the dining hall to
prepare it for us. As a special addition, the CV Alumni Association bought ten
new tables for the dining hall this year too. And with the large crowd we had,
they saved the day in keeping us from having to eat in shifts or on the front
porch. If they work out well, we intend to buy more in 2012.
In another special project for this year, the shotgun
range crew came in early Friday with power tools and lumber and set about doing
some long over due repairs to the shooting stand. Some bracing had to be
replaced to make it safe again for starters. In addition, all the steps were
replaced and made BETTER than ever along with some additional safety
improvements. They also built a new gun rack from the scraps! Thanks to David
Shewmaker and his crew for all the hardwork making the range nice again!
Each year, the Alumni Association attempts to provide
partial camperships for today's Scouts to attend Scout camp. In 2011, we were
able to fund approximately $600 in requests for assistance. As in the past, we
also held a silent auction to raise funds for the camperships. A number of
items were donated to the auction and a few were sold on commission. In
addition, we once again had a "patch barrel" where anyone could buy items at a
low cost. The shotgun range crew also brought several cases of drinks that they
sold at the range with the income going to the campership. The result was, we
raised about $800 toward future camperships! (And as always, if you have items
you'd like to donate for the future, contact Stephen White or Cody Milburn.)
Saturday afternoon, we had some rain come into the
area that hindered a few activities, and flooded a few tents but most
activities continued inspite of the rain. After supper, we rearranged the
Dining Hall just like in the old days and setup our campfire program there. Led
by Steve Heaton, we had a few new skits presented by the troops, as well as
several old time skits and songs. As a demonstration for the younger Scouts,
John Phillips organized a mock OA Brotherhood callout ceremony as we used to
perform them in the Dining Hall each week of camp.
As
much fun as it was, it had to come to an end. Next year, will be our tenth year
of Homecoming. Planning is already starting for the event. Raymond Whiteside
has agreed to serve as our Camp Director for 2012. Will you be there? Start
planning now as the date is already set - September 14-15-16, 2012. Just as the
theme for this year said, "...The Countdown Beings", on our tenth
year!
IF
YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE PICTURES FROM THIS YEAR CLICK THE 2011 LINK BELOW.
Special thanks to Amanda Zimmer, Raymond Whiteside, John Travis and David
Shewmaker for sharing them. We asked Amanda to be our official photographer
this year, and after you see her pictures, you'll know why. Her's are the ones
with a number only. The others are the initials of the person who took
them!
| Yours in
Scouting, Stephen White |
|
Look
back at the photos taken in 2004,
2005, 2006,
2007,
2008
2009
2010 and the newest,
2011. |
|
