Cub scouts gathered at East Fork State Park in Clermont County for a day of summer camp activities. (Dick Swaim photos) | ZOOM |

        TATE TOWNSHIP — For nearly 130 Clermont County cub scouts, the first day of camp hit the bull's eye.

        Even the weather was on target as camp programs got under way Monday morning at East Fork Lake State Park. Under sunny skies, campers organized into groups and rotated among activity sessions. In keeping with the day camp's “Space Odyssey” theme, each group bore the name of a space program. And activities were termed “missions.”

        A group of Apollos waited their turn at the firing range as instructor Cindy Leen of New Richmond reviewed the basics of BB gun safety. Then they donned goggles, loaded their guns and popped away at paper targets.

        Nearby, young archers tried their hands (and arms) at traditional and compound bows.

        Other activities included nature studies. After learning about raptors and meeting owls, a falcon and a red-tailed hawk, Nolan Tucker shared some other facts he'd learned about the outdoors.

Ricky Cmar, 9, of Batavia fires a BB gun after being shown the proper way to handle the weapon. | ZOOM |

        “Poison ivy has three leaves,“ said the 7-year-old Amelia resident. “Poison sumac has a red stem. If you're allergic, you'll get a rash and you should wash the oil off.”

        “Let's find some poison ivy!” shouted one scout as his group headed off into the woods.

        The wolf cubs, bear cubs and webelos work toward a number of achievement badges at the camp, said director Virginia Briggs. Boy Scouts helping supervise the activities satisfy requirements for merit badges.

        Fire safety, obstacle courses, crafts, games, ceremonial dancing and swimming await campers as the week progresses. Ms. Briggs was confident all would go as scheduled, even if - as predicted - the weather turns rainy.

        “The only thing that stops us is lightning,” she said. “They don't care how muddy they get — they're boys.”
       

Adamowski decides to stay
He's slowed, but steadfast
Aging schools a problem, justice says
Errant advisory lifted, British coming again
Evidence of excessive force slim, lawyer says
Local groups start OTR cleanup
150,000 expected at Ujima festival
GOP leaders admit they can't override Taft veto
Andrew Young next at podium
Book will spotlight unique UC architecture
Boomer boon for Children's
Bridge tumble injures boy, 12
Chesley next to sue maker of OxyContin
Cobb leaving early for Missouri
Covington schools to move buses
Girl drowns at state park
Heimlich proposes new maneuver
Home for addicts allowed
Kentucky crops outlook improves
Man charged with three murders
N. Ky. power plant still in works
Officer training adds simulator
One of two Covington sites favored for jail
Police led on I-71, 75 chase
Prosecutors: Sibling rivalry led to slaying
Scout camp promises fun
Township fills vacant position
UK budget approved; health-care hike blasted
Kentucky News Briefs
Tristate A.M. Report