It was a long wait outside the stadium before the game, but Mr. Craig took care of getting all the tickets and keeping us together. The boys, as boys will do, had no trouble finding things to entertain themselves with.
Once inside, we spent a few minutes enjoying hotdogs and drinks while watching the field staff prep the diamond. As the boys got restless though, they took off to play some catch and foot ball on the lawn next to the stands. They practiced the buddy system and watched out for each other very well.
The game was great! Some of the boys learned more about baseball than they had previously known, while others had the pleasure of watching minor league players and wondering which ones might be going up to the majors soon.
After the game there was a fireworks show, and then all non-Scout families slowly left the park.
While the other fans were leaving, Scouts and their families were given the chance to run the bases and see what it was like to be out on a professional field. Most of the parents busied themselves with getting camping gear out of the cars. Once it was just us Scouts, we were taken down onto the field to set up camp. WOW!!! What an experience!
There were a LOT of Scouts! If there had ever been any nervousness about being around that many new kids, it was quickly lost. All Scouts quickly gravitated towards other groups and started games of football, tag, hide-and-go-seek, and anything else you can imagine. Keep in mind, the game started at 7pm, lasted around three hours, then it took us an hour or so to get down onto the field. The adults were starting to drag a little by this time. We were no where NEAR done though...
Once the kids had an hour or so to burn off some energy, the staff brought out ice cream sandwiches for everyone, then started a movie on the big screen... a recently released movie called 'Down and Derby' about Scouts that are getting ready for a Pinewood Derby, and their fathers that the competition wayyyyy too far.
At some point around 2am we got some sleep.
With the rising of the sun (a tad before) we were up. Most families were packing up and wanting to head home to start their weekends. I have to admit, my camping gear has NEVER been so clean after a trip. There is definitely something to be said for camping on manicured grass. :)
A good time was had by all, and I suspect we'll be doing this again in 2006.
Thank you 66ers!!!