Gene called saying everyone was in camp at the moment and they had started preparation to return home around 2:30 PM (ET) in the campsite. Tents were down and the boys were getting things ready to be loaded for home. The troop truck is to arrive there this afternoon at 4:00 PM (ET) so they will begin their things at that time.
This morning the Scouts were cleaning some things up, but then headed off to finish last minute things they wanted to get done at the jamboree, including Merit Badges and last minute patch trading.
He mentioned that everyone seems to want a piece of the gateway as a momento, so they need to make a decision about that yet.
They will hold a troop meeting later tonight to reflect on the jamboree and what they learned during their time there.
Yogesh J. of our troop received the one millionth served meal today at lunch and a big ordeal was made out of it. He received a big gold lunch bag which held a sack of neat items, including an autographed picture from the Chief Scout Executive and his own personal Executive Patch which is a really valuable item. He had his picture taken with the head meal servers and lots of big fanfare, so that was a lot of fun for everyone.
The closing show last night was wonderful. The fireworks show was spectacular and Gene said it cannot be put into words just how spectacular it really was. He guessed they had approximately 1000 fireworks go off at once at the end, and said the fireworks show lasted approximately 30 minutes itself. The fireworks were timed to music also. There was a talent show done by Scouts which included a juggler, bagpipes, a drummer and other talents. The Navy band played. A Choir of approximately 1000 scouts sang two songs. There was a "Parade of Flags" which consisted of one selected patrol flag from each troop. Gene said that all four of our patrol flags were awesome, however, the Flaming Arrows Flag was selected as T1035's entry because it met all the criteria set up by Nationals. One of the Scouts in that patrol marched with it in the parade.
Gene said he's been hearing a lot of "Next time.." from the boys and that everyone there has had a great time at the jamboree.
They had warm weather today and it looks cloudy. He's hoping that it doesn't rain since they will be sleeping either under the stars or under the dining fly tonight.
The bus is to arrive to pick the Scouts up at 7:30 AM tomorrow morning to take them to Washington DC. They will check their baggage in at the airport and Gene will get tickets. Depending on what time everything's taken care of, all Scouts will get to then go get to see some more things in Washington, DC. He is planning on having them back at the airport approximately 2 hours before their scheduled flight.
Flight schedule: August 1
Depart 4:45 PM-DCA TWA #325
Arrive 6:06 PM-STL
Depart 8:15 PM-STL TWA #486
Arrive 9:19 PM-CID
Please check with the TWA site or call 1-800-221-2000 to be sure the flights are on schedule before heading to the airport.
Gene may or may not call in tomorrow, depending on how things go.
Note from Webmaster: Developing and maintaining T1035's website has been an honor and a lot of fun. I would like to request that all the Scouts and their parents choose a few photographs that they feel would be good ones to post on our web site. I will scan the prints and return them to you if you provide a self-addressed stamped envelope to me. You may send them to me at home at 913 E Main St, Washington IA 52353, E-mail them to me at ngrubb@iowatelecom.net or just give them to me at the August 19 picnic. We will continue to have our website available long-term. Please continue to check back for photos in the future. Nancy
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