From Juneau, to Sitka, to Seattle, to Boise, to home. This shaggy, overdressed boy (wearing everything that wouldn’t fit in his pack) is home for the next three weeks.
Clint and I have mixed feelings about Caleb’s experience in Alaska. The good part of this adventure is that he had some really great opportunities, was a good example to those around him, and provided comic relief to those he worked with. While at camp, Caleb was able to:
- go whale watching
- hike to a glacier
- go rock climbing
- operate a motor boat
- zip-line through an Alaskan forest
- learn to cook crabs, clean and dirty
- work with people he didn’t like and those without good work ethics
- teach other scouts
- give away two copies of the Book of Mormon
- make new friends
- learn a lot about other cultures, religions, and about survival in the great outdoors
The bad part of this experience is that Caleb was allowed more freedom and a lot less supervision than Clint and I are comfortable with. Basically we feel those at the camp responsible and liable for his care, supervision, and well-being let us down.
The other thing I’m realizing is that each time we give Caleb opportunities to stretch and grow, we have to adjust for these changes at home. He comes home with increased knowledge, experiences separate from those we share as a family, and a sense of independence that we have to respect, encourage, and reign in when necessary.
Caleb took a bunch of photos, and plans to get more from his friends, so I’m going to be adding them to the blog throughout the week. These photos were taken around Eagle River Scout Camp…
The inner trail to camp, a hike of 1.5 miles
This was Caleb’s home at camp…
A mother’s worst nightmare, the inside of the boys camp accommodations. I am seriously appalled.
Russell Hall/Dining Hall
Kitchen where Caleb worked
Views around camp
How to get a teenage boy to take out the trash- add a little fuel, start a big fire. This is where all the garbage from camp went. The leftover food (slop) was dumped into the ocean.
5 comments:
I can just imagine you scrubbing everything he took. I remember you telling me you just threw away clothes they had worn at Camp Hobe:) The scenery is beautiful there. He looks so tall and grown up. Enjoy your three weeks together.
Hope you are all settling in and that Caleb can remember what it is like to have parents/supervision.
interesting disposal policies! glad he is home safe, full of great experiences.
Looks like a fun adventure! I know I would be very nervous about lack of supervision in a place like that!
Good to see his face, he doesn't look quite as tidy as usual. I want to hear more about the lack of supervision...or maybe I don"t
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