As Nathan nears the end of his Scouting career, there are a few things he needs to wrap up before turning in his paperwork to the board for review for his Eagle Scout rank. He has been working on developing a hiking trail in 30 acres that belongs to Allegan County.
You find out who really follows the Scout oaths/laws (like helpfulness, servanthood, etc.) when your project is cutting trails in 90 degree weather, through a dark, swampy, mosquito infected forest. The kids and I helped on occassion, my primary job was photographer but once I got those loppers in my hand, I went sort of crazy. Everywhere I looked, I saw low hanging branches waiting to slap someone in the face or scratch their cornea.
He is nearing completion. He has one final bridge to build and install, then some final detailing.
I remember when he first joined Boy Scouts. What a great experience it has been for him and how the years of selling popcorn have become a blur as he wraps up this stage in his Scouting career and is now juggling Civil Air Patrol with the growing list of responsibilities that come with being 15. And a half.
He had great weather at Camp Gerber in July which was a blessing as he was in/near the water all day. He is now a BSA and Red Cross Certified Lifeguard. When we traveled up there Wednesday evening for family night firebowl, we followed past tradition and brought him Subway in the cooler. The boys in that troop were like vultures hovering over, well the things they hover over, waiting for the feast. They acted as though we had bought him a new car.
 |
| Walking silently to firebowl |
 |
| He grows more each time he leaves my sight |
