Earning my Eagle Scout is one of the proudest achievements of my life. It certainly wasn't without its stressors and things really came down to the wire, but we got it done and it's an honor that I will gladly represent for the rest of my life. Scouting, despite its many flaws, has been a positive influence in my life and once BSA decided to open scouting up to both girls and boys, I was really hopeful that the kids would join Cub Scouts and really like it. Honestly, I knew that given our time capacity and other commitments, there was a very real chance that kids wouldn't be in Scouts. Thankfully, one of Ezra's friends recruited him in the first grade and we've been a Scouting family ever since.
In our pack, I serve on the leadership team (because, of course I do...) and I lead Thaliea's den (#481WolvesFTW). Since I coach Ezra's soccer team, this is my chance to be involved in an extracurricular that Thaliea enjoys. She loves being in Scouts and has even recruited two of her friends to join our den! It's so much fun leading the kids, seeing them grow, and teaching them new skills. Some of these kids I've led since Kindergarten, and I think I'll be leading them for years to come.
Now here comes the confession: I love Scouts. I love Scouting. I love being involved and believe that Scouting is a net positive. With all that said...
I hate camping.
I hate camping.
There, I said it. Whew, that feels good to get off my chest.
Well, to be fair, I suppose "hate" is a strong word. I just really don't like camping, particularly car camping. Sleeping in a tent is not particularly comfortable. Camp food is not usually as tasty as something that is cooked in a kitchen. Outhouses and communal bathrooms are kind of gross. Camping is not my idea of a great time.
That being said, I should note that backpacking is VERY different from camping in my eyes. The idea of packing as efficiently as possible and carrying all your stuff is exciting. Having to bring all your own cooking supplies makes the cooking more like a puzzle. Finding just the right spot to put together a shelter or hang your hammock/light tent is like a treasure hunt. Car camping? Not quite the same.
Why am I telling you all this? Because, this weekend, we're finally camping with the Scouts. I've taken the kids to summer camp before a that was camping but usually we have avoided the Spring and Fall camping trips. This is mainly because it's sports season but also it wasn't something that I was really pushing for us to do. But, this weekend, the Leongs will be camping with the Pack!
That being said, I should note that backpacking is VERY different from camping in my eyes. The idea of packing as efficiently as possible and carrying all your stuff is exciting. Having to bring all your own cooking supplies makes the cooking more like a puzzle. Finding just the right spot to put together a shelter or hang your hammock/light tent is like a treasure hunt. Car camping? Not quite the same.
Why am I telling you all this? Because, this weekend, we're finally camping with the Scouts. I've taken the kids to summer camp before a that was camping but usually we have avoided the Spring and Fall camping trips. This is mainly because it's sports season but also it wasn't something that I was really pushing for us to do. But, this weekend, the Leongs will be camping with the Pack!
Friends, please pray for me. I'm mentally preparing myself for camping to be exactly as I expect it to be and exactly as I remember it to be from my days in the Scouts. Added to that, I hurt my back last week, which means sleeping on the ground is going to be even worse. Still, this is what we do for our kids, right? =0).
Just in case you don't see me here next week, the camping went terribly and we were eaten by bears... Just kidding... mostly...
Just in case you don't see me here next week, the camping went terribly and we were eaten by bears... Just kidding... mostly...
Have an excellent day!
~Adam
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