Salt of the Earth

Graham and I spent the weekend at Cub World. Our adventure started on Friday at 1pm and ended on Sunday around 6pm. We had SO much fun. Friday was spent setting up camp- the 5 boys from our pack got to sleep in the castle on the top floor in 6 bunk beds grouped together in a U shape. There were 3 of us parents that went and we sent up our tents outside of the castle as we were not allowed to sleep in the same room as the boys. The walk from the parking lot to the car was absolutely grueling. My neighbor- who we ended up hitching a ride with- brought his small dump trailer (wagon) and we loaded that up 4 times. (for the record, my stuff fit in ONE trip). After setting up and an orientation the boys were given their Legions- and from then on we were known as the Alabaster Lances. (the theme was knighthood). Since we were a smaller group we were paired up with another pack that consisted of 7 boys and 7 parents- in total 12 kids, 8 dads and 2 moms. The boys then began going to stations until Flag and dinner. After that we had chapel and a bunch of very long skits where everyone yelled to be dramatic. We then moved on for more skits and dramatic yelling at the big campfire. After that we broke up into our Legions and went back to camp to roast marshmallows and make smores. Needless to say, no one got much sleep that night but honestly, that is what camp is all about. Our boys decided to play with their flashlights until we threatened to take them away. FINALLY around midnight our half of the Alabaster’s were asleep. The parents and I hung out in front of our tents and chatted and admired all the beautiful the stars. I think around 1am I was the first to go to bed and the other two dads followed. For the most part, I slept like a baby on my little twin air mattress.

I must interject here a side story about one of the little boys in Graham’s den- named Kai. He’s Japanese and his father became an Eagle Scout in Japan. I’ve REALLY enjoyed having them in our den as they have brought so much amazing culture to us. Anyway- this was Kai’s first time away from home over night and his parents very very worried. Since the camp was only 30 minutes away Kai’s dad decided to forego spending the night in a tent, and drive home every night. Kai’s mom (Sunea) whom I’ve grown attached to and consider a good friend of mine- was very worried about Kai because he is a picky eater. Once Kai’s parents left he became a totally different child. Not only did he join the other boys but he ate ham for the first time and asked for seconds on the cheesey mashed potatoes. His parents were so concerned that he wouldn’t eat camp food that they brought a huge tray of sushi to the camp ground the first night. Since Kai was full of ham and potatoes he didn’t want any. His mother was concerned and then I told her how much and what he ate and she was VERY shocked. I just chuckled to myself and helped myself to the sushi. Kai’s dad went to Costco to get stuff for SAMORAS (smores). He came back with HUGE boxes of everything- because he never made them and didn’t know what we needed. It was awesome. Kai- generally a very shy child, was the most mischievous scout at bed time and actually got his flashlight taken away. It was great!! Good for Kai… and this, my loyal readers is JUST the start of the Kai saga- more tomorrow!

T