Twilight Camp observations

Tonight was Night 1 of Twilight camp. No, there are no vampires running around this camp. But it was interesting. All this week is Twilight camp. It's a Boy scout thing. Jack this year is a Bear Scout (entering 3rd grade) so his Den went together to the camp. It's all this week 4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and it is chock full of stuff for them to do to earn achievements and badges. I went as a walking den leader tonight basically covering for another person who had a conflict. I'm exhausted and all I did was walk around with 6 8 year olds. It was at a park that I thought I knew well, but turns out is about the size of Central Park. There are many different caveats to this park that I was not aware of. Most of my interactions at this park have strictly been soccer related. The following are some observations I made tonight:

1) Dedication - I will be the first to admit that if I could drop Jack off at these things and leave I would. These people who run the activities are dedicated, as are the den leaders that walk around with the scouts. I just can't get into it. Not in the sense that these people do. I mean I love what the Scouts stand for and that Jack is getting into it. I just can't get into it.

2) Maps - the area for this event was large. There were 3 different sections - Wolves, Bears and Weebolos (don't ask). However, most of the events were spread out over several sections. I got lost once, but quickly recovered by asking several people in red (who were supposed to know). I guess I set a good example for the boys --- If you get lost, ask for directions.

3) Temperature - It was freaking hot! Around 6:00 p.m. the clouds rolled in so it got cooler, but dang! It was a hot 90 degrees in the sun.

4) Swapping - I had no clue that they were going to do this, let alone knowing what it was. Now, Jack and I have to go out and find things to "swap" with other people to place on his ball cap.

The only thing I can say is, "Thank goodness I only had to be a walking den leader one night!"