halfway through, and some sad news.
I wanted to post a few housekeeping items and then an update.
First, #VisionofLove the pageant, is not going to be held this year. The scheduling was such that it just couldn't go. There are plans to do some audio work, perhaps an audio book. While the work will not be presented this year, the message is too powerful to ignore. I have been practicing, even at camp on the music, and my experience here has helped me to more clearly see his vision of Love for me.
An expression of gratitude to those who helped my mom pack, sort through stuff, and get her moved into her apartment. And especially to Sarah.
So the rookie old, fat staff guy has made it halfway. We camped nearly 1,000 kids (or maybe more, didn't hear the exact count) the first three weeks. It is anticipated that over the next three, starting today, there will be about 500. So a marked difference. This week, I think they said 150 boys, or so. It was a slow day at the Trading Post, where I work when I am not teaching. Last week ended brutally hot. With temps approaching 100, very high humidity, and on Thursday, no wind. This week is starting much nicer, and while we will be in the 90s, it is not expected to repeat last week.
But why waste a blog post on the weather?
So, how am I? I am tired. It doesn't help that I stay up late, though it is only 10 now. It really is the concrete floors that have been hurting my feet, not the walking. Now, when I go to the Trading Post to work, I wear a lighter, more cushy pair of shoes, and it has made a huge difference.
I am in somewhat of a unique position, as I have two bosses. My Trading Post boss, and my Merit Badge instruction boss. Both have been very good to me, and have given the guidance I need to improve my job that I am doing. I can't say enough about both of them. Fred worked for TWA and American before retiring, and Brandon, I believe is a teacher, as are so many out here on staff. They have done a lot to help me understand that I provide value, a reoccurring problem for me it would seem. Heck, I just want to be able to come back next year. It has been a great time, and have observed a few things.
There are those that say a seat on the Tribal Council of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say can be bought. Perhaps, but not in the way most would think. Those selected are easily recognized by the amount of work they put into scouting, the Pony Express Council (and HoA) and the Tribe. Hours of labor, using heavy equipment to improve the camp. Improve the training of young men and leaders. They plan and help out at events, and usually are very active in their community. My admiration for these men has skyrocketed. To see what they do, well, it is amazing.
Me? I just try to do my job, and maybe then some. I have taken on the task of getting the ice bagged and into the cooler. We nearly ran out last week, and since, I have been shoveling ice daily, to perhaps get ahead, but always to have ice when people come to get it.
There are so many things that I could write about. And I will try to, just not tonight. Like, what are my plans with Scouting after 2019, when the LDS church ends its 105 year affiliation with BSA? At this point, I hope that I will still be providing sufficient value here, that they will hire me back. Otherwise, not sure. BSA has given me a whole lot, though, and I will be looking for ways to give back. To make up for that not getting Eagle thing.
And, as is appropriate, the spiritual aspect. I find it fascinating that some LDS troops do not participate in Mic-O-Say, the Honor Camping Society at not only its home, the Pony Express Council, but in Heart of America Council as well, at Bartle Scout Reservation. It is a loss for them to not have their boys engage in the program. The teaching of the Scout Oath and Law in the imagery of the American Indian is inspiring.
I see in everything here the hand of God. In the leaders who take time away from families to come out and shepherd boys during a week, when many just want to go home to their AC. They reach out to disadvantaged young men, providing strong role models for those boys, to give them encouragement, and opportunity. Those leaders that work without apparent notice. I have seen them. They help raise funds for camp, they help find uniforms for kids without an ability to buy them. Yes, maybe they dress up in outfits, but it is only to teach the boys in a way that makes it appealing, instead of boring.
I see it in the senior staff, who not only work as staff during the summer, but are heavily involved in the council throughout the year. They are role models to me. Tonight not only did I see Eric the Program Director do a log roll at the campfire, I saw Dave, the Camp Director, and former program director do cartwheels at that same fire. Me, sometimes it is hard for me to get out of bed in the morning, and when I do, it is usually because of the leg cramps. It is the hills that most people comment on when they come out here.
Enough for tonight. I have to help my troop get in in the morning, 6 am check in.
First, #VisionofLove the pageant, is not going to be held this year. The scheduling was such that it just couldn't go. There are plans to do some audio work, perhaps an audio book. While the work will not be presented this year, the message is too powerful to ignore. I have been practicing, even at camp on the music, and my experience here has helped me to more clearly see his vision of Love for me.
An expression of gratitude to those who helped my mom pack, sort through stuff, and get her moved into her apartment. And especially to Sarah.
So the rookie old, fat staff guy has made it halfway. We camped nearly 1,000 kids (or maybe more, didn't hear the exact count) the first three weeks. It is anticipated that over the next three, starting today, there will be about 500. So a marked difference. This week, I think they said 150 boys, or so. It was a slow day at the Trading Post, where I work when I am not teaching. Last week ended brutally hot. With temps approaching 100, very high humidity, and on Thursday, no wind. This week is starting much nicer, and while we will be in the 90s, it is not expected to repeat last week.
But why waste a blog post on the weather?
So, how am I? I am tired. It doesn't help that I stay up late, though it is only 10 now. It really is the concrete floors that have been hurting my feet, not the walking. Now, when I go to the Trading Post to work, I wear a lighter, more cushy pair of shoes, and it has made a huge difference.
I am in somewhat of a unique position, as I have two bosses. My Trading Post boss, and my Merit Badge instruction boss. Both have been very good to me, and have given the guidance I need to improve my job that I am doing. I can't say enough about both of them. Fred worked for TWA and American before retiring, and Brandon, I believe is a teacher, as are so many out here on staff. They have done a lot to help me understand that I provide value, a reoccurring problem for me it would seem. Heck, I just want to be able to come back next year. It has been a great time, and have observed a few things.
There are those that say a seat on the Tribal Council of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say can be bought. Perhaps, but not in the way most would think. Those selected are easily recognized by the amount of work they put into scouting, the Pony Express Council (and HoA) and the Tribe. Hours of labor, using heavy equipment to improve the camp. Improve the training of young men and leaders. They plan and help out at events, and usually are very active in their community. My admiration for these men has skyrocketed. To see what they do, well, it is amazing.
Me? I just try to do my job, and maybe then some. I have taken on the task of getting the ice bagged and into the cooler. We nearly ran out last week, and since, I have been shoveling ice daily, to perhaps get ahead, but always to have ice when people come to get it.
There are so many things that I could write about. And I will try to, just not tonight. Like, what are my plans with Scouting after 2019, when the LDS church ends its 105 year affiliation with BSA? At this point, I hope that I will still be providing sufficient value here, that they will hire me back. Otherwise, not sure. BSA has given me a whole lot, though, and I will be looking for ways to give back. To make up for that not getting Eagle thing.
And, as is appropriate, the spiritual aspect. I find it fascinating that some LDS troops do not participate in Mic-O-Say, the Honor Camping Society at not only its home, the Pony Express Council, but in Heart of America Council as well, at Bartle Scout Reservation. It is a loss for them to not have their boys engage in the program. The teaching of the Scout Oath and Law in the imagery of the American Indian is inspiring.
I see in everything here the hand of God. In the leaders who take time away from families to come out and shepherd boys during a week, when many just want to go home to their AC. They reach out to disadvantaged young men, providing strong role models for those boys, to give them encouragement, and opportunity. Those leaders that work without apparent notice. I have seen them. They help raise funds for camp, they help find uniforms for kids without an ability to buy them. Yes, maybe they dress up in outfits, but it is only to teach the boys in a way that makes it appealing, instead of boring.
I see it in the senior staff, who not only work as staff during the summer, but are heavily involved in the council throughout the year. They are role models to me. Tonight not only did I see Eric the Program Director do a log roll at the campfire, I saw Dave, the Camp Director, and former program director do cartwheels at that same fire. Me, sometimes it is hard for me to get out of bed in the morning, and when I do, it is usually because of the leg cramps. It is the hills that most people comment on when they come out here.
Enough for tonight. I have to help my troop get in in the morning, 6 am check in.
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