Happy Campers

Well Mom and I recently went on our overnight camping trip with our Dog Scout Troop. I am happy to report that I passed the test for my badge with flying colors. In order to earn the badge, I had to remain under control while Mom pitched our tent, helped build the fire, and engaged in other activities for which I was not needed (like drinking wine!). I also was responsible for carrying the following twelve items in my own backpack:

• Bowl
• Water
• Extra Collar
• Extra Leash
• Three Cleanup Bags (at least)
• Flashlight
• First-Aid Kit
• Matches
• Identification (for my human handler)
• Compass
• Knife
• Signaling Device (whistle or mirror)

Mom was required to understand the principal of outdoorsmanship, leaving nothing behind by footprints and taking nothing but photographs of the wonderful flora and fauna of the forest. She also had to demonstrate how to start a fire with one match, knowing the differences between tinder, kindling, and fuel and where to find these items. 

Armani's Mom demonstrates her superb fire-starting skills

Another requirement for me to earn the badge was that Mom had to demonstrate cooking over a fire. The Troop chose pancakes as the meal to prepare. Freshly picked wild huckleberries provided a pleasant surprise to the otherwise so-so flap jacks.    

Breakfast -- Pancakes with a side of RedBarn

Speaking of pancakes, my little sister does an incredible imitation of a pancake. In case you aren't familiar with the term, it means to spread oneself out on a flat surface (often times a bed or couch) doing absolutely nothing. I believe the pancake is a distant relative to the couch potato.  

Thelma Lou's pancake imitation