On My Honor (For The 25th Time!)

Jack's at Boy Scout Camp this week.  Our troop always heads down the week of July 4th.  (I think that gives them a discount since it's a holiday)  We've celebrated July 4th for the last 25yrs without Jack here...except for those times (like next year) when the 4th hits on the weekend.  For many years Jack was the Scoutmaster, but these last years he's gone down as a representative from the troop committee and also he's the 11yr old assistant (to me!) leader.  He serves on our Churches Stake Scout Committee too.  He really enjoys going this week. He's made wonderful lasting friendships with the other guys who serve.  I'm amazed at the men who keep coming down even though they don't have kids going anymore.  Jack has done a lot to serve the camp in different capacities.  He used to help give physicals (for free) until Chiropractors were not allowed to do them anymore..don't even know why that is since they can give school sport physicals and truck driver's....anyway, he has helped with tons of service projects and other needs that have arisen. In short, he's enjoyed his years of service and this is the 25th year he has gone to camp. I received a call from our Scoutmaster saying they were going to honor him at the family night festivities and wouldn't I like to come?  Well, sure I would, but I hate that drive.  It's a twisty, winding road, hilly, long drive. (11/2hrs).  I happened to get a low census day today so yesterday afternoon I headed down after work.  Jack had no idea I was coming and when he saw me he was really surprised. I used the excuse I had the next day off so last minute I decided to visit!  When he was called up to receive this recognition he was again really surprised...plus he now understood why I came down! It was a good night..even with all the rain that hit about half way through family night.  Here's a few pics of course! I actually left my good camera at home but was able to get the small camera Jack had brought to work so I could get some memories caught. Not all the ones I took turned out...we really need a new point and shoot camera! Anyway, Congrats to Jack!  You're a good Scouter!

The troop camps at the same place each year...Zane camp.  Here's a few of the tents...can you find Jack's? It's the one by the tree! (he'll understand that joke!)

Looking a little dazed here I think!

Many of the boys and most of the men bring their own tents, but I do so love seeing these green platform ones...they just "scream" Boy Scout Camp!

The climbing wall is near Zane camp. Anyone who deals with boys know that having a chain link fence around something like this is necessary. It doesn't look as high as it really is in my blurry (thanks to the camera) shot.

Many totem poles dot the camp...love them! I think the Pines needs one of these!

One of our dear friends, Tom.  He's been at camp for many years too.  He's an expert at tree removal and he's been clearing out trees for the camp all week. Great friend!

We began gathering for the evening's Family night at Camp festivities.  The camp activity director had everyone clapping, dancing and laughing! However, about half way through the rains came down in buckets and we had to head to the dining hall.  Jack still didn't know he was going to be honored and when he asked if I wanted to go home at this point I said..."Oh no, lets go to the dining hall and finish"...I thought "Heck no I'm not leaving! The fun's just begun!"

Again everyone was their feet singing and dancing.  Then Reverend Tim...the camp director....got up and gave Jack a wonderful recognition for his years here. The troop gave him a new camp chair, a beautiful etched glass trophy type thing...can't even think of what to call it...but we're getting it engraved when he gets home.  The camp gave him a lovely plaque he can hang with his other Scout things.

Congrats Jack! Of course, it wouldn't be Boy Scout Camp without the fun stuff..I mean, seriously, all the nice words, heartfelt thanks, statues, plaques, gifts, are really wonderful. But being hugged by a bunch of sweaty Boy Scout leaders while wearing a funny wig? PRICELESS!