This week I sent my kids off to camp. This is a hard step for me because in 12 years I have never had a time when I didn't have at least one of them at home with me. It is also hard because my daughter just turned 8 and in my eyes is still very much my baby. So agreeing to let them travel over 700 miles one way from Georgia to Missouri was very hard for me.
The last couple of days before they left I didn't think my daughter was going to make it, she became very sensitive, weepy, easily upset and I could tell she was thinking of leaving home for the first time. Yet she was excited so it was a toss up, but when our friend came to pick her up she skipped out the door without even hugging me bye. I had to call her back so I could get just one more hug and kiss.
My son is 12 years old and he has already been off to camp once, so I was not as worried about him. I think this trip will be a great growing experience for him. At several places along the way it places him outside his comfort zone which is good for him!
They have been gone 2 nights both nights, both nights right at bed time I have gotten a call from Joseph. He has to tell me good night and let me know how the day has gone. Genevieve hasn't even asked to talk to us :) I know I should be sad, but I am not I am glad that she is happy and secure and not homesick.
I know they will have a great time at camp, and hopefully be glad to get home next Monday!
6.19.2010
6.16.2010
Scout Moms vs Scout Dads
One thing that absolutely drives me crazy is the conversation, that as scout parents, we have all the time. It starts with this sentence " We need more Dad's to volunteer".....and as soon as it is out my hackles are up and I am ready to fight.
Not because I don't believe that boys need male influences, I DO! I can't teach my son to be a man, he needs a man for that.
I can teach him, and other boys, how to be good people and how to live the scout law. I can also be there to make sure they don't hurt themselves and others when they try their many antics. I can drive the van, organize the trip, referee the arguments, supervise the younger ones, reign them in when the silliness threatens to go to far, and call them down when they step out of line. All those things, and a hundred others can be done by a Scout MOM!
I can also, coordinate a simple camp out, plan a field trip, teach a merit badge, manage money, review their books, discuss their rank advancements, give them direction and suggestions and be a sounding board.
One person recently said, "we need more Dads so that our kids can have a quality program." I tried really hard not to be offended, because I know for a fact that it wasn't a malicious statement.
Do I think we need more Dads? Yep!!!!! Sure!!!! I think we need more parents~ parents who are not just willing to show up, but parents who want to be there, who enjoy leading the boys. I don't really care if you are man, woman, Mom, Dad, Grandma, Granddad, Uncle, Aunt......whatever!
Yet I think we need to realize that there are many men who do not feel comfortable being responsible for other peoples children; there are Moms who don't either.
Let us be thankful for those who volunteer, who lead or give of their time in whatever way they can, and stop focusing on male or female.
Not because I don't believe that boys need male influences, I DO! I can't teach my son to be a man, he needs a man for that.
I can teach him, and other boys, how to be good people and how to live the scout law. I can also be there to make sure they don't hurt themselves and others when they try their many antics. I can drive the van, organize the trip, referee the arguments, supervise the younger ones, reign them in when the silliness threatens to go to far, and call them down when they step out of line. All those things, and a hundred others can be done by a Scout MOM!
I can also, coordinate a simple camp out, plan a field trip, teach a merit badge, manage money, review their books, discuss their rank advancements, give them direction and suggestions and be a sounding board.
One person recently said, "we need more Dads so that our kids can have a quality program." I tried really hard not to be offended, because I know for a fact that it wasn't a malicious statement.
Do I think we need more Dads? Yep!!!!! Sure!!!! I think we need more parents~ parents who are not just willing to show up, but parents who want to be there, who enjoy leading the boys. I don't really care if you are man, woman, Mom, Dad, Grandma, Granddad, Uncle, Aunt......whatever!
Yet I think we need to realize that there are many men who do not feel comfortable being responsible for other peoples children; there are Moms who don't either.
Let us be thankful for those who volunteer, who lead or give of their time in whatever way they can, and stop focusing on male or female.
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