Vacation accomplished.
7-13-08

It’s that time of year when we all get thoughts of mid year vacation. A respite from the daily grind. We save money and accrue time at work for that glimpse of time off the world for a while. Some of us hit the beaches, some find more exotic far away places and some of us just vacation right at home. Whatever your choice enjoy your r and r.

Most of us who work a 9 to 5 get the standard time off policy. 2 weeks or 10 days a year. After some careful consideration I decided to use five days to attend partial scout summer camps for both of my sons. Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts for those of you who may not know take part in different programs and in different places. Knowing there’s always a need for adult chaperones at these camps I decided to tag along. Giving up vacation time to sleep in canvas tents with wood floors on cots as comfortable as your kitchen table isn’t my idea of a luxurious vacation. I’ll suffer the comforts of home in the name of doing things for the kids. I wasn’t alone and many a parent as I discovered did similarly ,and we laughed until we cried about our lack of air conditioning, a soft bed and our favorite chair.

First stop was Camp Hensen along the Delmarva Peninsula in Galestown Maryland. Where Galestown Maryland is I can only tell you lies 9 miles south of Laurel Delaware. My son’s Troop 185 based in Quakertown began the trek Sunday July 6th. We joined troops camping from Newark Delaware, Salisbury Maryland, Laurel Delaware, the Washington / Baltimore area and Philadelphia among other places. The boys took part in learning about fishing, fly fishing, camping, climbing, first aid and lots more.

Adult chaperones are official observers. We participate to an extent but really the outdoor classrooms ( I can’t think of what else to call them ) are for scouts and scout leaders. I did take part in a four mile trek along the river adjacent to Hensen, I did enjoy eating the food served by the boys learning to cook in camping class. Mostly I hung out with my oldest son and we bonded on many levels.

If you have a child that’s looking for that ‘niche’ and maybe hasn’t found it, let me suggest scouting, both for girls and boys. I can only give you the perspective of cub and boy scouts, but I know from friends that girl scouting offers quality programs. Summer camp for scouts is like the ‘mecca’. It’s where it all gets done. All the advancements, merit badges, belt loops, all of it and more is done during camp. The whole point of scouting as I’ve been told and later discovered is summer camp attendance. Let me tell you firsthand that it’s no small thing. Hensen offers its challenges. It’s warm, buggy and big. Camping isn’t my thing, but with help from others I learned it’s bearable. I can do without the extreme heat and battling mosquitoes the size of my car, but otherwise it’s a fun experience and it’s great to hang out without electronics and cell phones and be with my son. One of the best parts vacationing at camps was how very naturally you’ll forget about work and other issues. Camp seems to distract greatly from the world’s pressing matters. That’s a good thing. The week goes quickly enough and the world will be ready to greet you when you get back. Here’s a few things to remember if you and your child decide to enroll in scouting and go to camp with your child. Pack a few days in advance and your child’s scout leaders will give you all the details. Also be prepared to pay small fees for yourself and your child to attend camps. Meals and activities are provided for a nominal fee, much of which can be worked off in advance with fundraising activities.

Cub Scouting camp is closer to home, no more then 10 miles from our parts. Lots offered, swimming, paddle boating and loads of other activities await your son. Camping with your child you may find is as much fun for you as it is for your son or daughter. As they grow older they’ll always remember you were there at camp with them taking part in their memories. Enjoy the remainder of your summer and as always See ya’ round town.