Last weekend, was the start of the loss of little boy Isaac. Our Webelos 1 den went on their first patrol campout with the parents close at their heels. We were ready to help pitch tents, bandage wounds, douse flames or whatever came up.
To the boys credit, and the parents stunned pride. None of that was needed. We had a great time, and I think Isaac said "Hi, Mom" to me once as he skirted through the parental side of the camp to get something he had left behind.
It was also Sarah's first camping experience. Apprehensive at first, she didn't quite get why I was shoving all our belongings - including her pillow into a thin cloth thing that resembled a giant purse. And when the flashlight clicked off at 11 pm the first night and sucked the tent and everything in it into a black abyss, Sarah was a bit concerned. The new night noises were a little overwhelming at first too.
But after that first night, she settled right in and became little woods girl. She charmed the people we were with and bopped around the campsite like she owned it.
When the time to tear down camp came, Sarah was very upset to see the tent go. She told me several times that she wanted to stay and didn't want to go back home. At least until I reminded her that her toys, clothes and the flushing toilet were at home waiting for us. Then she got in the car.
