Three Short Necked Buzzards.....

sitting on a DEAD TREE!
If you're a Scout, that might make sense. If not, I don't know that I can adequately explain. If you look at the very last picture in this post, the Scout patrol leader and staff are doing the motions to that song; our Cubs LOVED it. Anyway, I blogged, I left, and now I'm back. And the in-between time was some of the most exhausting and wonderful time that I've spent anywhere. Bug Hunter is a Webelo 1, which means that he is four years into Cub Scouts, and two years away from being a Boy Scout. He is a Webelo, which stands for WE BE LOyal scouts. And, it also means that he is a wee bit below Boy Scout. Doesn't he look handsome in his uniform (first picture below)? When he put it on, my eyes watered a little bit. After three years of the dark navy Cub Scout shirt, he suddenly looks like a young man on the cusp of really growing up. And, at Webelos encampment this week, he acted like it, too. Oh, there was fun; swimming, boating, hiking, shooting, singing, doing skits, building fires, whittling, and in general doing what boys do best; being outdoors. Sleeping in tents, on cots, with sleeping bags and BUGS. Dealing with blisters (mine) and conflicts (his and his tent mate's), getting up early after going to bed late. And in the end, looking forward to the comforts of home while wanting to hold on to the cameraderie of camp. There was growth as well; working through those conflicts, getting up in spite of not enough sleep, making it through a 3 mile hike followed by almost 2 hours of swimming and boating. Trying to live by the Scout law, and trying to "leave no trace" wherever he went. There will be (Lord willing) many more such experiences in his future (and not quite as many in mine, please, God..).
Our scouts earned four WAPs (Webelos Activity Pins) in four days, which is awesome! But what's even better is that they grew closer and became a team. Our den and pack meetings will be SO much more fun now that most of the boys have shared this experience. They've watched teen-aged Boy Scouts live out the qualities that are expected of Scouts, as listed in the Scout Law:

A Scout Is...

TRUSTWORTHY
A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises. Honesty is part of his code of conduct. People can depend on him.
LOYAL
A Scout is true to his family, Scout leaders, friends, school, and nation.
HELPFUL
A Scout is concerned about other people. He does things willingly for others without pay or reward.
FRIENDLY
A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He seeks to understand others. He respects those with ideas and customs other than his own.
COURTEOUS
A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows good manners make it easier for people to get along together.
KIND
A Scout understands there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. He does not hurt or kill harmless things without reason.
OBEDIENT
A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobey them.
CHEERFUL
A Scout looks for the bright side of things. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.
THRIFTY
A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for unforeseen needs. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.
BRAVE
A Scout can face danger even if he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at or threaten him.
CLEAN
A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He goes around with those who believe in living by these same ideals. He helps keep his home and community clean.
REVERENT
A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.

I don't know about you, but if the Bug Hunter gets to the point that he lives by this law (which, in many ways, mirrors what's found in the Bible), I will be one very happy mama. And these past four days were a big step in the right direction.