2.54 The one that ends out the week of camp.

First off, this is not the end of the year wrap up. That's still coming... I figured I'd better end out the report on the week as a counselor before I try to say anything worth saying about the summer in general or the last week.

Thursday was a great day, we had a successful round of activities with my kiddos including rappelling (which they all tried, even if 3 of them decided not to go all the way down after a few feet) and a craft n whatnot. Typically Thursdays are the 'late' night for a counselor since all week we delay the kids who ask to stay up late and tell them that Thursday we will stay up late. Due to rain, behavioral issues, and just general tiredness a few of the counselors talked their guys into going to bed on time (or near it). Also a tradition that I've always been a bit envious of is that some of the counselors camp outside with their kids on thursdays... so not to be outdone or intimidated by these great counselors past, or the rain that was on the horizon, me and my 5 boys headed out of the cabin and camped out on the floor of the forts. As predicted it almost immediately began raining, thankfully it was fairly vertical rain so the roof of the fort protected us from the worst of it and allowed us to keep our sleeping bags dry, after about an hour of this (passed quickly with incredibly entertaining conversation and some really insightful questions about what it means to be a christian) it started to rain in typical Wyoming fashion, which is to say it began to rain sideways. This wouldn't be such a big deal except for the fact that the fort has an open window in all four walls. We rearranged so we weren't in the direct rain spot, but we could see a square puddle forming in the middle of the room. Somewhat unlike me I decided that I'd be a good example and suggest that we pray that despite the rain we'd stay dry and that we could even go so far as to pray that they rain leaves us alone. Being the great group of guys that I had they were really gung ho about this idea and 3 of them quickly volunteered for the honor of praying for us, it was quick and sincere and as the last word of “amen” was voiced the last raindrop hit the floor. From a downpour to nothing in a split second... and even when the drizzle resumed a few hours later the wind didn't return until the rain was done so the roof was more than sufficient to keep us dry.

The morning came early for me, but my boys slumbered on oblivious after sunrise all the way until I awoke them (as late as I thought we could without being late to breakfast). They happily cleaned out the fort and stumbled down the road with their bedrolls and we hit the ground running on the day. After a few short hours they boarded cars or buses and went home to their normal places and despite my exhaustion I felt a little part of me go with them. I wanted to do this job (counseling) again because I remembered it being a joy... I didn't remember as clearly the pain of putting yourself on the line for a week and hoping and praying that it makes an impact in the lives of these young men and women.

I reluctantly participated in cleaning and couldn't help but think that if I just cleaned the next bed maybe they wouldn't notice if I just slept in it for just a second... cleanliness was achieved and the good captain treated us to some delicious dead animal and whatnot for our last supper. I've been told I did a good job counseling this last week... I don't know if that's true but I do know that I loved doing it, I think I made an impact on my kids, and that the experience will make me a better wrangler, board member (if they ask me back) and director.

(the end of the year one is coming soon, it's usually very long and rambling and with the internet as annoying as it is right now it might need to be posted from town)