Saturday, July 7, 2012

Back From Camp!

Jack came home from his week at Boy Scout Camp. He's gone there every 4th of July week for the last 23yrs. The weather is always a big part of the challenge. Boys will be boys and the food has improved greatly since his earlier stints...but the weather is a mystery that unfolds year to year. This year was probably one of the hottest. 3 digit numbers, even in the woods is nothing but hot..throw in high humidity and no breezes...and it's hellish. I remember one summer I came down on family night. It's a 1-1/2hr. drive south from Ashland. After getting there I walked into camp and the heat and humidity was so oppressive that I said hi to Jack and bye to Jack and turned around and drove 1-1/2hrs back home! But each year he comes back with funny stories, successes in merit badges, and the triumph of young men who are homesick (he calls it "marshmallow fever) wanting to leave ASAP, to those same young men who come up to him the last day of camp excited about coming back the next year. Who knows what will happen with Scout programs around the world and our country. Will the values it promotes survive? Will the rank of Eagle Scout still bring pride to those wonderful boys who achieve it? Hopefully honor of self, country, God and family will still be a goal of our youth and hopefully adult leaders who will take on the challenge to sacrifice time and effort to see it continue. Here's a pic of Jack's home last week. I think sleeping in AC tonight will be a welcome relief!
A group shot. I don't think any tent is the same!
A leader tent?
And this one.
Ok boys, I get the drift...no more pics!
I know this pic is blurry. When I looked closely at it I did have to laugh because is sure looks like the leader in the shot is crying..or wishing he were home in the AC with a cool soda in his hand (or whatever!)..I laughed because I know that would be exactly how I looked after a week of almost 100de. temps and no relief. Good job Jack for hanging in there to give our Scouts a good week.

16 comments:

Kerri said...

Wow, 23 years in a row of boy scout camp. Think of how many young men he has had a positive influence on over all those years. I can tell you are really proud of him...and you should be!

MunirGhiasuddin said...

It must feel really rewarding to be with Boy Scouts year after year. Takes a lot of patience but if this something he likes why not. Today's young men need good people as models.I would be proud too.

MunirGhiasuddin said...

It must feel really rewarding to be with Boy Scouts year after year. Takes a lot of patience but if this something he likes why not. Today's young men need good people as models.I would be proud too.

Julia said...

That is real commitment. 23 years of volunteering with the scouts is real admirable. I'm sure glad that I'm not a Scout leader with having to rough it up in the woods in this high temperature.

I'm sure that it will make Jack very appreciative of the AC.

Hugs. JB

Jenny Woolf said...

I couldn't have stuck it either, but there's something nice about doing the same thing every year, and knowing that it will be giving good mamories to the kids.

Sweet Tea said...

I couldn't/wouldn't do it but I admire those who do. My BIL does the same thing every summer and has for years. It takes special people to endure the heat and be willing to use their vacation time for Scouting. The scouts grow up such wonderful, responsible people. I think the accomplishment of being an Eagle Scout is one that will always be respected and honored.

Sandi said...

I admire Jack for his commitment to the Scouts. I have had a few boys in my classes complete their Eagle Scout requirements. My daughters were Girl Scouts through high school, and enjoyed their leadership roles. I think the Scouting program is so valuable, and good leaders are always needed. I used to have Scouts in my classes every year, but last year I didn't have any and it made me sad.

selvageedge said...

So did he come home as a solid or as a melted puddle of goo? I really admire Jack for being a great leader. Not many, anywhere, would keep it up like he does.

I can't believe the heat that they had this year. And did they get the rainstorms too?

Stacy said...

We talked about those boys about everyday last week. But they are still happy they went.

Susan Anderson said...

My kids and hubby always loved scout camp. I hope it goes on forever!

=)

Susan Anderson said...

PS. But in cooler temps!

Hilary said...

Now that's dedication.. 23 years worth and over 100F degrees worth. Good for Jack for caring so much about giving these boys a wonderful nature experience. We need more men like that in the world.

Darlene said...

I think it was great that Jack took those boys camping, even in the hot hot weather. I can stand our hot temps (today supposed to reach 115) but I do appreciate our air conditioning. It's fun to be in the pool though and I'm looking forward to it today. We don't do our pool exercises on Saturday or Sunday, so are always eager to get back in on Mondays.

I loved the pictures! I also love that Jack is so connected with scouting. It is such a great program for our young men and they do learn so much and make so many good memories. You really have a "GREAT GUY" too, Kathy, and I am eager to meet him.

Midlife Roadtripper said...

"I said hi to Jack and bye to Jack and turned around and drove 1-1/2hrs back home!"

Hahahahaha! I can appreciate. However, I did spend quite a few nights at scout camp myself. Texas miserable heat. But, three boys - three Eagle Scouts. And, yes, I do think that still means something and will continue to mean something.

Enjoyed it.

ethelmaepotter! said...

I felt for all the campers out there in this heat wave we've had. For years and years, we did band camp, and it was inevitably held every year during the HOTTEST WEEK OF THE SUMMER. Marching in an open field for hours on end in that blazing sun. After 5 minutes, you're drenched in sweat, blinded by the sun, and sick of carrying an increasingly warming brass instrument.

And after the week is over, you just can't wait for the next year.

Thanks for stopping by my place and leaving such a sweet comment!

Vicki Boster said...

Your Jack is a great guy--- but you already knew that!!! That's quite a legacy of inspiring young lives--- good for him! I know those boys all love and admire him.

Vicki

Ps-- sorry- but you won't ever see me sleeping in the woods- lol!! I'm more the camping at the Hampton Inn kind of girl!!