The Staff is moving in!

Our party of four from Arkansas arrived yesterday afternoon after a day and a half of driving. After a stop and tour of Appomattox Court House. We rolled in at 3:30 and were greeted by a raft of wonderful, smiling Scouters and military personnel.

Our first contact was with some super polite, professional military personnel who let us in the gate and then did a security check on our loaded-to-the-gills crew cab, long bed pickup with a topper. Three of the four of us in the truck were newbies to Jambo and we didn't pack very light! (Be Prepared!) Fortunately we didn't have to unload.

We drove on and were greeted by a Scouter acting as the traffic director who did a great job of being friendly and setting the tone for the event. We headed to the greeter tent to start our check-in process, then to medical review and registration where we were given our meal tickets, cool Jambo Staff belt buckle and assorted information before heading to Subcamp 20/21, our home for the duration.

Many folks had already arrived and were set up in the staff tents. We grabbed a cot, unpacked our gear and proceeded to nest. It was (and is) HOT. The tents are medium sized Army issue green tents. Sides roll up for the day and for the women, at least, down for the night. It sounds a little like a jet air field with all the fans running! We have about 10 amps of power to share, but fortunately that seems to run a large number much-appreciated fans!

One thing common to all cots is a sheet of plastic draped over the top. Apparently if it rains the tents might prove to be a little less than water tight! You also see a lot of tarp and wood floors. This is to keep gear off the grass "floor" when it rains.

Some very creative methods of nest building exist. Here is a little slide show of some of the more creative ways of maximizing space.

As campers we are used to lots of different bathroom situations -- some good, most not so good. I was pleased to note that the staff facilities are pretty darned nice by camp standards! Rather than latrines or porta-potties for our two and a half week stay, we have rather nice trailer facilities. One kind of trailer has flush toilets with stalls and running water for washing - it is air conditioned! The other kind of trailer has showers with private stalls and an outside sink area. Very nice and VERY appreciated at the end of a long, hot day.

We have had our meals in three different places across the entire Jambo site. Tomorrow our own dining hall opens with breakfast and we are pleased as we will have shorter lines and will be able to walk just across the road instead of drive a distance. Food has been great and plentiful. Water has been even more plentiful. Blue Gott water containers are everywhere you turn, along with reminders to stay hydrated -- excellent advice considering the hot forecast!

A highlight of the day was the opening of the first Trading Post just around the corner. Hard to say just how many thousands of dollars were dropped in just a few short hours as the staff took advantage of the shorter, scout-free lines! Lots of great, boy-friendly items there.

As I have been typing, the dining area has been set up and the supplies have been delivered to the medical tent. The kitchen has been preparing for work tomorrow and the medical staff have gone off to a meeting across the camp. Things are happening every minute and more and more information and instructions are being given. Soon we will be ready for the arrival of the our main customers --- THE BOYS. We can't wait!