2013 Summer Camp in the books.

It's Father's Day and that means one thing.  It means it's time to recuperate from a week at camp with Troop 406.  We always attend camp on the second week of June so that usually means we return on the Saturday before Father's Day.  I think the timing is totally appropriate.  It takes a Father to give a child an identity and camp is a place to prove a child's identity. Camp is an opportunity to conquer a boy's fears.  The proving ground of taking a boy to a man.  There is the issues of nature and weather.  Searing heat, stinging deer flys, down pours, ticks, and endless sand getting in places you don't want to know about.  Then there's the fears of certain challenges such as a fear of heights and the rappelling wall, or the fear of water and a 44 acre lake.  The issues of peer pressure and trying to not look like a baby in front of all the other boys.  And of course, there is the home sickness that cripples many a young boy.

This year, with the help of my good friend Chuck, we led 406 with a total of 15 boys to camp.  For some reason it always rains on the first day of camp.  First lesson to learn is always stay dry. Between rain, the pool, and sweating it is imperative to stay dry to avoid feet problems and chaffing.  Next lesson is to find out who is in charge of your new family for the week.  Boys that have a habit of talking back have to learn very harsh lessons in Troop leadership etiquette.  We use what is known as the patrol method where the older boys lead the younger boys.  The ones that can't except that have to answer to the evil Mr. Van.  Then there is the issue of eating meals with 300 other boys.  This is where the failure of parenting is most apparent.  If your son needs his "mommy" to peel his chicken nuggets, he won't last long in a cafeteria where everyone has to eat the same food.  It is shocking how epidemic this problem has become.  I've seen everything from kids living on peanut butter alone to kids only eating fast food.  Then classes begin and you have to earn your merit badges.

This year was like so many others.  The boys of 406 overcame things from every level of a boys journey to manhood.  Whether is was my little ones overcoming home sickness, or my intermediate boys finding their voice to speak up in leadership, or my older ones finally conquering their nemesis and making the last steps to Eagle, it all makes me proud of them.  I often tell the young ones that they have accomplished something that most boys can not.  To spend seven days away from home in the woods and proving yourself over and over again is a special feat that they should be very proud of doing.  Camp is much like life.  There are many obstacles and fears to overcome.  You have a choice to rise up and meet the challenge or stay on the couch and wish life away.  And be a leader is a lot like being a father.  I'm proud of every accomplishment of my Sons and the boys of my Troop.

Happy Father's Day!