Tropical Dreams Part 2

Exhausted but Energized

In the morning there was a quick continental breakfast, packing and dressing, and then more adventures to be had by the scouts as they delved deeper into the aquarium collections and conservation. The adults were tired and a bit stiff despite the air mattresses and sound machines. Plenty of coffee however helped to clear their minds for the work ahead.

The tour started with the tunnel and the stars of the show... whale sharks and manta rays!

Sean seems to have something in common with this little fellow!

The touch tank was a great experience. Usually visitors must hurry through as the line forms behind them. With only 110 campers on this overnight adventure, the scouts had time to really enjoy the experience and to ask plenty of questions. For hesitant guests the additional time helped them gain comfort with the idea.

There are so many good photos to share but the one below touches me deeply. I love the moment captured between one of our Bears and a Webelos scout. They are so comfortable with each other and engaged. The benefits of a small pack is that all of our boys know one another regardless of the age differences.

I love this photo as well. Sisters and brothers are important to us in Pack 285 and we were excited to welcome Loveday on this overnight. She enjoyed the experience as much as the scouts did.

It wasn't all fun and games either. The scouts listened to expert visitors who explained crucial things about the World's oceans and inhabitants. While for the Wolves some of the lectures went on a bit long, the older scouts gained so much from these professional interactions.

One more touching moment as we see again just how wonderful it is to be in a small pack!

The last conservation exercise of the day involved creating a timeline for how long it takes for items to decay in the ocean.  The scouts were given a variety of trash to place on the timeline including old shoes and diapers! They learned a hard lesson about the condition of our oceans.

While the shoe might stink, the adventure did NOT.  Everyone had a great time and we hope to do this again next year.  Thank you to everyone for making our first sleepover a success!