Life for life, and that ain't so bad.
I was pretty bummed last night, to be truthful. I feel very humbled to be like the only person here that came up through the program and is not an Eagle Scout. Nationally, about 1 in 10 or LESS earn this honor. Pony Express and Heart of America Councils of Scouting BSA have significantly higher ratios. The ratio on staff, however, is nearly 100%.
For years I have been consoled by the words I tell myself, that over 36 years as an adult leader, going to camp, serving in pretty much every leadership role there is in the Troop, Pack, or Post. (before Venturing, I served in an Explorer Post) and that I was making up for not earning my Eagle. But guess what? Here there are people that are heavy into scouting, plus their community. Their work is impressive. Many of the adults on staff are teachers, which should be no surprise.
And what have I done, or what do I have to offer? See where I am? Or better said, was? That was me last night, wondering how I was even hired. I felt that I brought nothing to the camp. That maybe it was a pity hire. I said, felt that way. ' Because I don't any longer. I was able to provide some assistance, that while anyone probably could have done it, I was asked. The camp director is one of those types that is able to communicate with everyone on the level they are, and seems not only sympathetic, but, in reality empathetic as well. Unless he reads this blog, which is highly unlikely, he will never know the difference he made with a one minute or less conversation.
Today was a new day, and while the worship service was not a Sacrament meeting, it had a good message. A great message, in fact. We then went to work, training, and preparing for the scouts next week. I have felt joy, where not twelve hours ago, I found myself slipping into a place that is all too common for me. Add to that that I am alone, and while I have a few friends that are fixtures at camp, it is a challenge for me, to be that old rookie. First year staff, 40th year at Geiger. While I may have an understanding of camp, and the week of activities, the workings of making that happen are all new to me.
Some of my friends have suggested that they see White Paint in my future. Yeah, I definitely don't see that. If one only knew the effort put in by those that are TC, they would understand why I don't see it for me. I certainly don't deserve it, and haven't earned it. Besides, I didn't come out for staff for that purpose. I am out to give back. It is something that I have wanted to do for the longest time. I may not be an Eagle Scout, but I owe a debt of gratitude to the BSA, and in particular Camp Geiger, for giving me so much. The ability to feel a part of something. Before I started singing with the Mormon Chorale, it was really the lifeline to me, that I had value. Yes, I was just one of those scoutmasters that come to camp year after year. Bringing their own boys, coming even when their's aren't. Yet here at camp, most of the senior leadership knew me.
So what does a "Life for Lifer" do for a camp full of Eagles? Whatever I am asked, essentially. I can be a role model, even if I fell short of the mark. I can show that we all need to chip in, to do what is necessary for camp to be successful. Whether it is the young man teaching basketry, or the Camp Director, we all have a role to play, and I intend to play my role as a staff man to the best of my ability. As they say in Rhythmic Circus, "Feet don't fail me now", or FDFMN. That is my worry, the body of a 54 year old fat guy vs. The hills and valleys of Camp Geiger. The spirit is willing, I just pray for the body to be able to endure.
Feeling so much better today, I understand more my purpose here.
Wondering what Rhythmic Circus is? It is a very interesting dance ensemble that I saw in the Center Stage series at BYU-I. Google them. they are out of Minneapolis and put on a show worth watching, even if you are not into......Tap.
For years I have been consoled by the words I tell myself, that over 36 years as an adult leader, going to camp, serving in pretty much every leadership role there is in the Troop, Pack, or Post. (before Venturing, I served in an Explorer Post) and that I was making up for not earning my Eagle. But guess what? Here there are people that are heavy into scouting, plus their community. Their work is impressive. Many of the adults on staff are teachers, which should be no surprise.
And what have I done, or what do I have to offer? See where I am? Or better said, was? That was me last night, wondering how I was even hired. I felt that I brought nothing to the camp. That maybe it was a pity hire. I said, felt that way. ' Because I don't any longer. I was able to provide some assistance, that while anyone probably could have done it, I was asked. The camp director is one of those types that is able to communicate with everyone on the level they are, and seems not only sympathetic, but, in reality empathetic as well. Unless he reads this blog, which is highly unlikely, he will never know the difference he made with a one minute or less conversation.
Today was a new day, and while the worship service was not a Sacrament meeting, it had a good message. A great message, in fact. We then went to work, training, and preparing for the scouts next week. I have felt joy, where not twelve hours ago, I found myself slipping into a place that is all too common for me. Add to that that I am alone, and while I have a few friends that are fixtures at camp, it is a challenge for me, to be that old rookie. First year staff, 40th year at Geiger. While I may have an understanding of camp, and the week of activities, the workings of making that happen are all new to me.
Some of my friends have suggested that they see White Paint in my future. Yeah, I definitely don't see that. If one only knew the effort put in by those that are TC, they would understand why I don't see it for me. I certainly don't deserve it, and haven't earned it. Besides, I didn't come out for staff for that purpose. I am out to give back. It is something that I have wanted to do for the longest time. I may not be an Eagle Scout, but I owe a debt of gratitude to the BSA, and in particular Camp Geiger, for giving me so much. The ability to feel a part of something. Before I started singing with the Mormon Chorale, it was really the lifeline to me, that I had value. Yes, I was just one of those scoutmasters that come to camp year after year. Bringing their own boys, coming even when their's aren't. Yet here at camp, most of the senior leadership knew me.
So what does a "Life for Lifer" do for a camp full of Eagles? Whatever I am asked, essentially. I can be a role model, even if I fell short of the mark. I can show that we all need to chip in, to do what is necessary for camp to be successful. Whether it is the young man teaching basketry, or the Camp Director, we all have a role to play, and I intend to play my role as a staff man to the best of my ability. As they say in Rhythmic Circus, "Feet don't fail me now", or FDFMN. That is my worry, the body of a 54 year old fat guy vs. The hills and valleys of Camp Geiger. The spirit is willing, I just pray for the body to be able to endure.
Feeling so much better today, I understand more my purpose here.
Wondering what Rhythmic Circus is? It is a very interesting dance ensemble that I saw in the Center Stage series at BYU-I. Google them. they are out of Minneapolis and put on a show worth watching, even if you are not into......Tap.
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