Flag Day
Happy Flag Day!
As I am writing this, I am counting down to going to Camp. Staff week starts officially on Thursday, and a week from today will be the 1st Session of Camp. Lots of procedures in place to detect and manage symptoms of the dreaded COVID-19. While my feelings on the seriousness of the COVID and the politicization of it have been stated on the podcast, I still feel that prudence is necessary, at least for appearance sake. Staff has procedures, campers will have procedures, the Trading Post will have procedures. The new normal, not the same as the old. Unlikely that we will ever completely go back to what was. Oh well, change is the constant in the universe.
I am not sure how I feel about going to camp. Normally I am feeling pretty pumped, but this year seems off. I will go, and know that I will likely have a good time. I feel somewhat ambivalent. Almost like if I didn't go, it wouldn't make a difference. Sorry, the melancholy of the moment. When I write, it is always the real feelings, and they are sometimes raw. It is an abbreviated season, with a long week to start, and a long week to finish. That isn't what is driving the feeling. What are we taught? What is the best week of camp? This week! Hopefully it doesn't sound hollow. I think that it is because I am not there. At least that is what I am going with. For now.
This is the first year for scouting after the vacuum created by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints no longer participating, and their enrollment representing 20% of BSA's registration. What impact does that have on Camp Geiger? Little, as there are not many members here, but it does have an impact on me, as this year, I am not registered with a Troop, just through the Pony Express Council as part of Crew 311. Last I heard, a Troop formed of remnants of LDS scouters was coming up 4th Week, but not sure if they still are or not.
As of this writing, the most crowded session at camp will be.... 4th Session! How many are shocked and awed by that?!? Not that it is super crowded, it isn't. With Social Distancing affecting the Dining Hall and campsites, even the reduced numbers will make things interesting. No back to back during meals, large mess tents will be set up outside to accommodate the distancing. No more family style meals, in fact, no table waiters. (What?!?) No visitors in camp. Wednesday night all are eating in the Dining Hall, and the campfire will be a campers only affair. No visitors for Tapping, or Friday nights. So different.
I look forward to renewing friendships with staff, and with those volunteers that provide so much assistance on the evening shift at the store. We won't be open after dinner on Wednesday or Thursday nights this year, with the changes, but grateful for those that are willing to help out Monday and Tuesday. While I will miss working with Roger this year, I have the great honor of working with one of the best staff men of all time, Aaron Lewis. He will be assisting in the store as part of his myriad of responsibilities. I only hope that I can live up to his expectations.
It is so strange that we aren't there already, but we are going to be flying once Thursday starts.
Happy Flag day!
As I am writing this, I am counting down to going to Camp. Staff week starts officially on Thursday, and a week from today will be the 1st Session of Camp. Lots of procedures in place to detect and manage symptoms of the dreaded COVID-19. While my feelings on the seriousness of the COVID and the politicization of it have been stated on the podcast, I still feel that prudence is necessary, at least for appearance sake. Staff has procedures, campers will have procedures, the Trading Post will have procedures. The new normal, not the same as the old. Unlikely that we will ever completely go back to what was. Oh well, change is the constant in the universe.
I am not sure how I feel about going to camp. Normally I am feeling pretty pumped, but this year seems off. I will go, and know that I will likely have a good time. I feel somewhat ambivalent. Almost like if I didn't go, it wouldn't make a difference. Sorry, the melancholy of the moment. When I write, it is always the real feelings, and they are sometimes raw. It is an abbreviated season, with a long week to start, and a long week to finish. That isn't what is driving the feeling. What are we taught? What is the best week of camp? This week! Hopefully it doesn't sound hollow. I think that it is because I am not there. At least that is what I am going with. For now.
This is the first year for scouting after the vacuum created by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints no longer participating, and their enrollment representing 20% of BSA's registration. What impact does that have on Camp Geiger? Little, as there are not many members here, but it does have an impact on me, as this year, I am not registered with a Troop, just through the Pony Express Council as part of Crew 311. Last I heard, a Troop formed of remnants of LDS scouters was coming up 4th Week, but not sure if they still are or not.
As of this writing, the most crowded session at camp will be.... 4th Session! How many are shocked and awed by that?!? Not that it is super crowded, it isn't. With Social Distancing affecting the Dining Hall and campsites, even the reduced numbers will make things interesting. No back to back during meals, large mess tents will be set up outside to accommodate the distancing. No more family style meals, in fact, no table waiters. (What?!?) No visitors in camp. Wednesday night all are eating in the Dining Hall, and the campfire will be a campers only affair. No visitors for Tapping, or Friday nights. So different.
I look forward to renewing friendships with staff, and with those volunteers that provide so much assistance on the evening shift at the store. We won't be open after dinner on Wednesday or Thursday nights this year, with the changes, but grateful for those that are willing to help out Monday and Tuesday. While I will miss working with Roger this year, I have the great honor of working with one of the best staff men of all time, Aaron Lewis. He will be assisting in the store as part of his myriad of responsibilities. I only hope that I can live up to his expectations.
It is so strange that we aren't there already, but we are going to be flying once Thursday starts.
Happy Flag day!
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