Off to Camp

I am bound for scout camp in a couple hours. That brings with it some moments of reflection. Why do I do this, anymore? I have so lost the vim and vigor of my former self. I thought it was such a great blast to be a scout leader and head off to camp with a troop of boys. I enjoyed the experience, and put in with them with gusto.

But, now, I'm old, and I'm fat, and I just do not have the health I once did. But, still, it seems folks have become so selfish. It is so hard to get anyone to commit the time and the expense to provide the adult leadership needed to make these moments occur. If I do not offer my offering, well, likely it will not get done, ceratinly not get done nearly so well.

There is so much development and growth that is possible from this experience in a boy's life. I wish more understood that. Despite the value, they are not sold on it sufficient to make the commitment and sacrifice. In another blog, I can wax poetic about that dynamic--unwillingness to give, to serve, be inconvenienced for a cause greater than self.

That is not my ethic, though. I am driven by my inward compass which compels to make the most of my life, to leave the world a better place, to look as having given something back in consideration of the wisdom and enjoyment I have received from life. And so, I go.

I hope I survive, can even make it through the heat and the privations. Certainly, one blessing of the moment comes in that I will be so much more patient with the scouts than ever before. I've seen it all so many times before, and I just cannot get up the energy to correct and discipline them. They're going to have a ball.