A Boy's Paradise! Week 7

My boy and his summer play ground

About 12 hours after the boys arrived, Cookie#2 (13 years old) said that he was concerned. He told me that he wasn't having fun yet and that that bothered him because usually the first 24 hours are the best and it all goes downhill from there. Okay, I was a little concerned but reflecting back on my experience, I knew things would get better. It's been almost a week now that the boys have been here. I wish I could describe the joy that I see in their sun taned, dirt smeared faces. Cookie#2 now wears a permanent grin, always. I swear these boys are in heaven. They live on a little wooded beach about 2 miles from the girls camp. It feels like their own private island. They spend every day swimming, snorkeling, playing soccer, EATING, horseback riding, tubing, fitness training, canoeing, playing rugby, stand up paddle boarding, fishing, shooting, and so much more. The boys' counselors are amazing men. 2 are from Ireland and 1 from England. Their accents alone give them instantly "likeability" points. They are so attentive to the boys; super patient and lots of fun. Randy spends quite a bit of time down there as well, although I encorage him to give them plenty of space.

I see what this experience is doing for my boys. They are trying new things and making new friends. They are learning lessons about the natural consequences of their actions. Nobody is pestering them (like moms would do) to put on bug spray, so they are getting bug bites. Nobody is hanging up their wet towel, so they are cold when they get out of the water. Nobody is catering to their likes and dislikes, so they are learning to try new foods. I've been impressed with my ability to let them go. I don't see them all that often, but when I do I usually just take a glimpse and let them be. I heard that Cookie#3 got scared by a horse and cried. He didn't take his ride. But then he told his couselor that he would try again before the end of the summer. I think that's outstanding. And I think he will, too. I heard that Cookie #4 is a super outgoing, stud. He is the youngest, at 8 years old, but he has no trouble holding his own. He has made a great friend and is loving life. I heard that Cookie #2 is impressiving everybody, especially his counselors, with his knowledge of the wilderness, especially frogs and toads (which he is catching lots of). And Cookie #3 is apparently pretty decent at archery. They said he has great form. I miss my boys, but I'm just so happy for them. They will come away changed boys.

It's been heaven having Rand here. For the most part, he's just enjoying life. When I have some time we take walks or take a canoe ride together. I think we'll head out on a boat together tommorrow. More than anything, I just love having my best friend around. We are trying to catch up on 6 weeks of chats!

Our first canoe ride together

Yesterday we had the best time. We took a van of girls on a "motor trip." Have you ever been to Vermont? Well, you should! It's just one giant postcard waiting to happen. Picture it, green rolling hills with fields of green grases in the valley and an old red barn. Picture Charlie Brown pine trees mixed in with the birch trees and rugged stones masses. Oh, I know I'm not doing it justice. It's just beautiful. We took the van on the ferry over Lake Champlain. Just so many new things to see! I love that.

Downtown Burlington, VT. So charming!

Today marks 7 weeks at camp. Honestly, I'm starting to get tired. In 2 weeks I know I'll be ready to head home to my life (and my bed). But just as soon as I type those words, I know I'll miss it. I'll miss the fresh, cool air; all of the singing; and the sweet, happy faces. There's just a simplicity here that I will not find after I leave. I will take away treasured memories and a vision of what my future may hold. So, for the next 14 days I will savor every day. 

Reunited!

Swim Assessment Time