Hayden and Duncan both participated in what has become my favorite summer camp of all time!
Duncan did it 2 years ago (last year the dates didn't work for us), and this year Hayden joined him!
It is a 4 day long 'History Camp' for boys.
Each year they rotate through the French & Indian War, the Revolutionary War, & the Civil War.
It is run by 'Captain John', who is wonderful at bringing history to life while at the same time teaching the boys to be 'Men of God'.
I just can't say enough how much I love this camp!
Hayden & Duncan were placed on the French side, with Hayden being the officer over the French soldiers. They had such a blast together!
We also had several boys from our ward at church that joined us this year, and they all had a great time together!
This post is mainly a 'photo album for myself, so be warned... there are a TON of photos!
I dropped the boys off the first day, and hung around to get a few candid shots of them before taking off.
Then, later in the week, I joined them on a 'field trip' to a local historic farm where they would hold a battle reenactment.
This I LOVED!
Hayden carrying the French colors.
The Indians that fought with the French.
French troops marching off.
(Duncan is right behind Hayden-holding the flag)
Here are the Captain and his officers.
British Indian Lieutenant, British Lieutenant, Captain John, French Lieutenant, French Indian Lieutenant
All the boys 'watering down' after listening to instruction.
Every morning the Captain would give a devotional and scripture, and teach about character and honor.
There were drills, formation, and learning the life of a solider.
Then the Lieutenants would take charge of their men, and each do some training of their own within their troops.
Hayden trying to get the boys to line up straight, and walk together.
Of course there was also plenty of time for boys to be boys...
climbing trees and wrestling!
One of the main things they had to learn were the 13 steps it took to fire a musket.
When 'in battle' they had to repeat all 13 steps as quickly as they could and then yell "Fire!"
The first one to do that would be the one who shot, and the other would have to fall dead.
So, lots of practice doing that as well!
They all had fun with it.
Then came the time for the reenactment of battle...
The French Officers 'Camp'
Here Hayden & another officer are demonstrating for the younger boys.
When they weren't drilling, or battling, there was down time in the camp for checkers, and other games of the day.
Captain meeting with his officers.
One of the morning devotionals.
Another day they took a field trip to Fort Frederick, which is an actual fort in Maryland from the French and Indian War!
I didn't get to go with them on this trip, but I heard it was great.
(And another mom kindly took the photo)
Hayden, Duncan, & Spencer
Sometimes the troops are in need of correction, and push ups always seems to help...
The afternoon of the final day of the camp the boys put on a reenactment for the parents/families.
It is the highlight of the week!
Here Duncan was the 1st Frenchman down!
Duncan, Captain John, & Hayden
Thanks for such a great week!!
