Webelos Mini-camp time again,
Time spent with my son, away from home, in a canvas tent, 3 days away from it all. Youngest child this time.
First up, who we camping with? Uh oh, no friends at all showed up. Just him and I and 4 other boys from the "other" den, none of which does he know. Noncommittal "hi's and hello's" exchanged. Within 20 minutes all boys playing together like old friends. First hurdle over.
Next up swim test. 100 yard swim. 75 yards in strong forward stroke, 25 yards on back, then float. Boy is nervous, dad is nervous. All 10 of us get in line for swim test. I swim next to the little guy. We're talking as we swim, cautious, nervous, I keep asking if he is OK. 50 yds in, he's tired. I tell him 25 more yds then it's the backstroke, easy. He says OK. Test over, we look around, the dads all made it and only one other guy from his pack. He smiles and says "That was hard. I wasn't sure I could make it, but I did." A moment for a dad to live for and share.
Rest of stay consisted of things at scout camp, nature, swimming, archery, BBguns, a trip to Mud Cave, fire starting, camp fires, skits, songs, cheers, meals, daddy long legs, snakes, spiders, raccoons, wiffle ball, etc.
Preparing to leave, young one says he had a really good time, he wishes it was longer. He summarizes trip by saying the things which he really liked, he made new friends and was glad dad went along. He asked what I liked and I told him seeing him enjoying himself like that and making friends and that I was really glad I went along too. A good three days off work. |
