Closer by the Day

We spent our Saturday running from store to store buying  an assortment of strange things: water shoes, quick dry towels, shirts, and socks, lightweight, warm bedding, rain gear, etc. We’re running out of time to help Caleb prepare for his month long adventure in Alaska. Our house seriously looks like the result of the scout store and REI exploding. As crazy as today has been, it’s the easy part. I’m starting to freak out, wondering what in the world we’re doing sending our 16 year old son to the land of bears, whales, mosquitos, and Boy Scouts- oh my!

Honestly, I never would have guessed eight and a half years ago that Caleb would be actively involved in the scouting program. If left up to his parents, it would have been over before it began.

When Caleb turned eight and became a Cub Scout, we had just learned of Caitlin’s cancer recurrence. We were so overwhelmed with treatments that any additional activity or commitment was overwhelming. Thankfully, my friend, Jessica was an amazing Cub Scout leader. She was truly an answer to our prayers and took Caleb under her wing. Thanks to her, Caleb made it through the first several years and was able to pass off the necessary requirements to progress in the scouting program.  

Since then, he’s continued through the program. There have been times he’s had great leaders, and other times, not so much. When he was 12, we learned a respected man in our community would be taking a group of scouts to the National Jamboree in 2010. We wanted Caleb to have this experience and signed him up. He worked and prepared for the next three years. Last summer, he  went and had a once in a lifetime experience. He also became an Eagle scout a few months later.

        

It was during the Jamboree that Caleb learned of the opportunity to work at a scout camp in Alaska. We didn’t know if he would choose to continue in the scouting program once he became an Eagle, but the experiences and accomplishments worked together to keep him interested. Little did we know that in December he would be invited to the World Jamboree in Sweden this coming summer and that he would actually be offered the job in Alaska (usually they choose young men entering their senior year of high school). Now he’s a Venture Scout, is the President of a committee of 40 scouts going to Sweden, and will be responsible for training our stake leadership how to organize a Venture group.

To me, scouting is so much more than tying knots, campouts, and endless merit badges. It’s an organization that gives boys the opportunity to try new things, leadership experience, and wonderful male mentors.

Okay, I think I’m feeling better… for now.