More Scout Camp!

Daenon was selected last night for the "Order of the Arrow." He took his code of silence very seriously, and wants to reach the highest membership in the Order.  Yesterday he kept asking about putting his name on a list to work here at camp next year.  I told him that was fine, but that we would need to research similar camps in Texas in case getting him to Phoenix was a challenge.  He LOVES his jacket.  Last night after prayer, it was so nice to see him sitting at the table diligently working on his merit badge homework.  He had such a serious, focused expression as he did a LOT of writing to complete the assignments.  It's hard to express, but with how much of a battle we've had for years to get him to do anything like that, it's very gratifying to see a glimpse of maturity.  I bought him the 100 year commemorative knife and will surprise him with it at lunch.

At a multi-troop campfire last night a flag was retired.  The military and the Boy Scouts retire flags when they become too worn to be flown.  The ceremony was reverent and special.  I'll want to search for the script when I have a faster internet connection.  The flag is cut into the iindividual stripes, and the stars are kept in one piece.  A symbolic explanation is read, and first the red stripes are put in the fire with about a 30 second pause between each stripe.  Everyone stands at attention with the proper salute.  Then the white flags.  Then the stars.  It was an incredible experience.  At our campsite prayer, each of the scoutmasters gave what's called a "scoutmasters minute."  We each talked about what America means to us.  One of the other leaders fought in Vietnam.  I asked the boys to remember the image of the flag being raised and lowered everyday at camp, because someday they will understand it better, and they will need to decide if they are going to stand for God and freedom as powerful forces continue their assault against both. For my "minute" tonight I have a roll of 50 pennies that I'm going to distribute.  Each boy will get three, so they can keep one and pass two along.  Bet you can't guess what I'm going to talk about... :-)) 

Note:  On every penny are the words In God We Trust, Liberty, and E Pluribus Unum (out of many one).  To understand their significance to America you can click HERE to watch this U tube video.