One month, probably?
Sometimes I like to go back to the written word. It allows me to think about what I want to say, craft the language a little better, and while I still write in the way I speak, it is usually in a less dramatic fashion. My professors all say that I bring a lot of passion to my writing, when it is something that I care about. Let's see how it goes.
One month today, barring any changes, the staff will show up for a slightly abbreviated staff week, ending on Saturday night, with campers arriving Sunday morning, June 21. No Cub Camp, no Tribal Feast. Webelos Camp? Not completely sure. First two sessions of camp canceled, and a week added at the end. We might even be stuck at camp for the season! Things are going to be so different. And that is with the assumption that we have camp at all. It is all due to the world phenomenon of...
COVID-19.
Those were the scheduling issues. That doesn't even touch the protocols at camp, many of which are yet to be determined. What do we know?
Temperature checks on check in, and any unexplained fevers will result in leaving camp. The same with unexplained coughs, or other symptoms.
A cautionary warning issued for those that may have weakened immune systems, or other conditions that may make a doctor, parent, or attendee think twice about attending camp.
A no visitor policy. How will Wednesday night look without parents? TBD. Tapping? Same.
The physical distancing (I hate the social distancing term, as I have explained in my podcasts) still needs to be worked out, in staff quartering, troop quartering, classes, the Dining Hall, and the Trading Post.
Hats off to the Council, the Camping Committee, and the Camp and Program Directors, for working to make this feasible.
I wonder how it will work. My feelings on camp are what they always are, which is why I am writing this out, so that I can look back and understand them. Normally, today would be just about 10 days from showing up at the store, to get it ready for Feast, and to get a head start on stuff. Instead, I am living the introvert's dream, which really isn't different than any other day, except that classes are over, and now starting to get stuff done outside. I have increased the step goal on the Fitbit, and trying to get on a more camp friendly schedule.
I had so hoped that the weight that I still carry will be gone. It isn't. So I will slog through camp like last year, swearing to myself that next year will be different. For the third time. Weight doesn't go away on its own, and realizing that there may be underlying issues preventing its loss is a start. I have, and am actively working on it. The weight is the one thing I don't care for at camp, but it isn't camp, it is me.
I am so happy, and honored, to continue on as part of one of the most elite Scout Camp staffs in the country. Camp Geiger truly has one of the best. They are usually older on average than most, and most of them are, or very close to, Eagle Scouts (excluding this writer, a Life for lifer, to his shame). I will again be managing the oasis at the crossroads of camp, the Flaming Crow Tradin' Post. I am grateful for the opportunity to give back, for all that I was given over the years. I love Camp, which is counter to pretty much everything about me. Heat? Hate it. Bugs? Hate them. Crowds of people? I can deal with them, but I also require alone time to recharge.
This is the first year where it is possible that girls who are scouts will be tapped into the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. This is such an important part of the Camp experience. There are so many that no doubt have mixed feelings about this, but the decision regarding including girls in the scouting program really ended that discussion. A friend of mine is up for a likely advancement to Keeper, and so I am hopeful that Camp goes on for him.
For those that aren't familiar with Mic-O-Say, it is an honor camping society, and a brotherhood of scouts and scouters that is approaching a century of service. I guess that the term brotherhood should include sisterhood, or a family, as adult women are already part of the tribe. You can scroll back to past posts for a more thorough description of the program. Suffice to say that it is a wonderful way to teach principles for life to youth in a way that will leave an impression. Adults participate, of course, providing the counseling and support that youth need.
With these weird times we are in, camp provides a foundation (hopefully) to replenish the roots, and restore some balance. Does it wear me out? Yes. Do I feel completely inadequate all the time, unworthy compared to those around me? Usually. But I don't usually depend on my perception of how others feel for my balance. I just do me. And with some luck, that we don't Phase relapse with everything, we can all get together, and have Scouts to serve. And always, I will say...
I am just glad to be along for the ride! One month away, knock on wood.
One month today, barring any changes, the staff will show up for a slightly abbreviated staff week, ending on Saturday night, with campers arriving Sunday morning, June 21. No Cub Camp, no Tribal Feast. Webelos Camp? Not completely sure. First two sessions of camp canceled, and a week added at the end. We might even be stuck at camp for the season! Things are going to be so different. And that is with the assumption that we have camp at all. It is all due to the world phenomenon of...
COVID-19.
Those were the scheduling issues. That doesn't even touch the protocols at camp, many of which are yet to be determined. What do we know?
Temperature checks on check in, and any unexplained fevers will result in leaving camp. The same with unexplained coughs, or other symptoms.
A cautionary warning issued for those that may have weakened immune systems, or other conditions that may make a doctor, parent, or attendee think twice about attending camp.
A no visitor policy. How will Wednesday night look without parents? TBD. Tapping? Same.
The physical distancing (I hate the social distancing term, as I have explained in my podcasts) still needs to be worked out, in staff quartering, troop quartering, classes, the Dining Hall, and the Trading Post.
Hats off to the Council, the Camping Committee, and the Camp and Program Directors, for working to make this feasible.
I wonder how it will work. My feelings on camp are what they always are, which is why I am writing this out, so that I can look back and understand them. Normally, today would be just about 10 days from showing up at the store, to get it ready for Feast, and to get a head start on stuff. Instead, I am living the introvert's dream, which really isn't different than any other day, except that classes are over, and now starting to get stuff done outside. I have increased the step goal on the Fitbit, and trying to get on a more camp friendly schedule.
I had so hoped that the weight that I still carry will be gone. It isn't. So I will slog through camp like last year, swearing to myself that next year will be different. For the third time. Weight doesn't go away on its own, and realizing that there may be underlying issues preventing its loss is a start. I have, and am actively working on it. The weight is the one thing I don't care for at camp, but it isn't camp, it is me.
I am so happy, and honored, to continue on as part of one of the most elite Scout Camp staffs in the country. Camp Geiger truly has one of the best. They are usually older on average than most, and most of them are, or very close to, Eagle Scouts (excluding this writer, a Life for lifer, to his shame). I will again be managing the oasis at the crossroads of camp, the Flaming Crow Tradin' Post. I am grateful for the opportunity to give back, for all that I was given over the years. I love Camp, which is counter to pretty much everything about me. Heat? Hate it. Bugs? Hate them. Crowds of people? I can deal with them, but I also require alone time to recharge.
This is the first year where it is possible that girls who are scouts will be tapped into the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. This is such an important part of the Camp experience. There are so many that no doubt have mixed feelings about this, but the decision regarding including girls in the scouting program really ended that discussion. A friend of mine is up for a likely advancement to Keeper, and so I am hopeful that Camp goes on for him.
For those that aren't familiar with Mic-O-Say, it is an honor camping society, and a brotherhood of scouts and scouters that is approaching a century of service. I guess that the term brotherhood should include sisterhood, or a family, as adult women are already part of the tribe. You can scroll back to past posts for a more thorough description of the program. Suffice to say that it is a wonderful way to teach principles for life to youth in a way that will leave an impression. Adults participate, of course, providing the counseling and support that youth need.
With these weird times we are in, camp provides a foundation (hopefully) to replenish the roots, and restore some balance. Does it wear me out? Yes. Do I feel completely inadequate all the time, unworthy compared to those around me? Usually. But I don't usually depend on my perception of how others feel for my balance. I just do me. And with some luck, that we don't Phase relapse with everything, we can all get together, and have Scouts to serve. And always, I will say...
I am just glad to be along for the ride! One month away, knock on wood.
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