20 years.

Twenty years ago, a decision was made that resonates to this day.  The Scoutmaster in the Paola Ward, wanting to get his boys the experience that they wanted, decided to go to Camp Geiger, in the Pony Express Council.  There were a couple of reasons for this.  1.  They allowed us to check in on Monday, so as to not camp over Sunday (a church rule, no matter what anyone else says) and 2.  They had the Mic-O-Say program, an Honor Camping Society.  Mic-O-Say originated in the Pony Express Council, and survives to this day in it as well as the Heart of America Council in Kansas City.

We headed up.  The Scoutmaster, and four young men headed to St. Joseph.  We arrived got our stuff into camp, and started the day.  5th Session,  Pueblo campsite.  A fairly hot week, as I remember, but in those days, we spent most of our time up on the edge of the parking lot under the trees.  Tapping night found 4 young men tapped, as well as the Scoutmaster.  (our table was quiet on Friday)  The Scoutmaster worked very hard, helping to build the White Sands Trail, which he can still look on with pride.  Saturday, we left with 4 new braves and an Honorary Warrior.  (and a Keeper, to this day)

The following year, 3 came back to advance to warrior, and more kids.  Over the years, several young men have come to camp with the Troop.  Some years we had upwards of twenty kids, and some, only two.

We sweltered in the windless but shaded Apache,  alternated between the sun and shade in the equally windless Pueblo.  Skyhawk had a nice blend all around.  On Saturday morning, we heard thunder at 5, and Brother Chandler sprinted to the vehicle and drove down.  We knew they wouldn't allow vehicles down if it started to rain, so we had everything out by 6.  At breakfast, they announced that no vehicles would be allowed down.We spent a year in Osage, with very minimal shade, but a breeze, and roasted in the treeless and windblown Sioux Lookout. (I think that is the second hottest I have ever been, the tents were like ovens, even opened up, but it did cool a little better at night)  Last year, we were down in Short Arrow, with tepees, and a relatively decent combination of breeze, and shade.

It wouldn't be appropriate to not mention the great men I was honored to serve with.  Jim Chandler, the first Scoutmaster.  Duane Anderson, who was a faithful leader.  Paul Smith,  a tireless, run all over camp leader.  Wonderful men, who were all about supporting the young men.  These men gave of their time, talents, and comforts of home for the young men.  There were others, but with each, I spent several camp sessions over the years.  There were others, of course.  Sharing time with Jeremy Allen was always fun, and looking forward to spending the week with him this year. (Especially since I don't have to worry about unknowingly interviewing for a calling)

I didn't include John Phillips in the group above.  For several years he attended.  He moved to Florida and still came up, even bringing his Florida troop one year.  For a couple of years, it was he and I, his son, and my step son Phillip, and that was it.  Those were good days.  He isn't coming this year, and I will miss him.

It should be stated that while these men did give of their time, their wives also sacrificed, with them being gone all week.

There was one year out of the twenty that I was not up for the full week.  Only three days that year.

I hate the heat and humidity.  I hate the bugs, But something about camp brings out the reverent phil. Being amongst God's creation, seeing his hand in seeing the boys react to it, mostly leaving the outside world outside.

It's time to go to camp!