My son is in the process of transitioning from a cub scout to a boy scout. This is a pretty big deal for him. And for me. In joey scouts, and cub scouts, they have a leader. The leader plans and supervises and generally… well… leads. But in boy scouts the emphasis is on self leading. Responsibility. Management of self. Working as a team. Only 3 transitional visits from cubs to scouts, and he is away on his first camp.
This camp is a 4 day job, if you count the late Friday arrival. They will sleep in a self made tent constructed of poles and canvass. Sleep in their sleeping bags on the ground. Cook for themselves, pee in the bush, not wash, roam around 13 acres of bushland at night with a torch. They are in the bush. Did I mention the bush? No electricity. A campfire, for which they must chop wood themselves. In the rain.
So this mama, walking through the bush late Friday night in the dark as she willingly (?) delivered her son into this situation, was undeniabley nervous about her offspring and his 4 day adventure. Throughout all of this, and the week preceding, husband and son scoffed at my mumminess. Scoffed at my worry, my concerns about drop bears and kangawallafoxes.
A general conversation struck up between parents about weekend plans. I heard one male ask my husband, casually, ”What are you up to? Going away?”. Just as casually, hubby replied, “Oh no, staying aound the house… you know, just in case”. Later in the car he confided in me. “I could not imagine going away for the weekend. What if something happened to him and we could not get there”?. I felt better straight away, and a little smug.
I can only imagine how he will present when he comes home tonight. Probably in the same clothes he left in, dirty, smelly, tired, and ecstatic. With stories of drop bears and kangawallafoxes.
I hope he comes home a happy lad.
I remember the first camp my son went away to have fun. He came home with very mixed feelings. He was very appreciative of the comforts of home, for quite some time!
Just keep in mind that the growing-up process is harder on parents than it is on kids.
I hope your big boy has a delightful and safe Four Days!!! in the wilderness, and that you and your husband survive it nicely, too.
Oh I know your not wanting to be away from emergency contact – the reason I bought a mobile phone so many years ago was because my baby was going in to childcare for the first time and I wanted them to be able to contact me if anything happened between me leaving her there and reaching a phone where I could be found!!
Ah the joys of kids’ camps! And I sympathise with your experience at the bra shop – though usually those women are SO onto it when sizing you up. Not that anyone thinks I’M a 12c!!!!
Kangawallafoxes? :)
I sent my youngest, Sam, to 4-H camp for the first time last year. I knew exactly where he was going to be and exactly what he was going to be doing. I knew the directors and the staff extremely well. I’d even had a hand in picking out the counselors. How? I was a 4-H Developmental Youth Associate.
By that point I’d sent three other boys to camp and on mission trips more than once. I was a seasoned mom.
I went home and cried anyway.
Hi meggie, I will post about how he came home. It’s a story in itself. Thanks for the empathy. it helps!
heartinsanfransisco (hisfs from now on!) I so agree with your comment on the growing up process. Most things I deal with OK. I donlt mind them groing up, but the need for indepepndence sucks ;)
jeanie, glad you found me again. Your story about child care made me smile. And I am sure you are not alone there!
Hi Shirley, Any recomendations you can make for a GOOD fitter will be galdly taken on board by this not-so-little black duck. Maybe I should try a lingerie store? The thought of sixe 8 blonde teens with their peeper on my gazoolas does not thrill me… :)
Yes, mary, kangawallafoxes. Bloody dangerous things, especially to cars. ;)
More empathy! Thanks! I did not cry, but I am worried about the next camp. Post coming with explanation.
When I read this post, I immediately looked at your “About me” to try to identify your location (Australia). I was mightily relieved that you weren’t in Ohio where a scouts camp was hit by a tornado last night. I’m glad your son is home safe, sound and needing a bath.
Pingback: The Easter Rabbit and Father Time « Rhubarb Whine