Cub Scouts Spookaree

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Permalink Reply by KOMRAD RHINO☭ on October 31, 2013 at 5:24pm

it looked like all the kids had a blast. i wish i had the time to do what you do. the scout masters here are on the square side and keep things so hum drum that a lot of the boys lose interest in scouting before they really give it a chance and quit. some of the chapters have even closed down in my town due to inactivity. they could use people like you to wake things up like you do and make the experience fun. you did a good job making this event happen.

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Permalink Reply by Jessie W. Garrett III on November 1, 2013 at 4:04am

   I try to do my best. Though at times I feel like I'm in over my head, but when I get home, my boy gives me a hug and a kiss and tells me I did a good job and he had fun. Now if it was boring, I still get a hug and a kiss, but I also get told, "Daddy, it was boring...Need to work on it..."  (LOL)

   But truthfully, the BSA sponsors this campout every year as a major way for the boys to earn their belt loops. Which instead of having to focus on helping all the boys, I can focus on my child and make sure he is able to reach the goals that not only I have set for him, but also what he has set for himself. 

   I try to make sure all my boys in my den are there, though most of the time due to financial problems, or even just simple scheduling problems, some of the boys don't get to make it. I know at times I wish I had the money to send all the boys to camp at least one time. Camp costs $36 dollars for one night of fun, treats, movies, time needed with dad, campfire activities and just being able to see the stars and get away from all the noise and the confusion of school and home life, doesn't seem like a lot, but it is when you have to live paycheck to paycheck...

   I love the camping with my little one. Specially the campfire time we share. The things that he actually opens up and talks to me about makes me feel like I'm a real dad...It's a totally different Lj that I get to know, not the Lj that hates school because of bullies, disappears into his room and doesn't talk to me much. Talk about a complete different boy at the campouts is something that at times tears me apart. 

   He's a sweet, loving boy who just can't catch a break right now. And if anyone has ever talked to an 8 year when they are in our crazy and busy day to day life, they talk, but it's stuff that you want to hear. But when you go to on a campout and that same 8 year starts opening up about everything he is scared of and what is hurting him or just begins to let his mind wonder into the land of imagination to tell you story about a dinosaur that has magickal powers, it really hits you. Doesn't hit you in the heart, but deep within your soul...And at that moment, that's where you begin to feel you're doing your job as a dad...

   I can't take all the credit for the BSA events, all I can take credit for is trying to teach the boys that the good choices they make can and will benefit them in more then just belt loops and patches. 

   Thanks for the compliment, but I'm just one step in the stairway of many of the scouts path of life...I just do my best to make sure they walk away with learning something while having fun....

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