Fall Reflections

It's been a couple of weeks since the final Fall Outing at Camp Kanata and I have a few things to chat about:

Goose bump moments. There are not too many things more magical to experience in person than the first year procession between the torches. The sound of the leaves, the sight of dads and kids holding hands as they walk and the smell of burning kerosene and toilet paper. And seeing it from across the lake is even more magical.

Camp Kanata (and staff) rocks. We all love Rockmont, Sea Gull and Seafarer, but there's something special about Kanata. It's easy to forget where you are at Kanata. Just 20 minutes from my house seems like a world away up there. Dave Bell and staff are wonderful and make everyone feel at home. And the food is fantastic (for camp food, that is...).

Long Bow Council guys are super-bad. This all volunteer group brings the badness when needed and are always there to help. Thanks go out to all the dads and kids that worked the deck selling shirts, touting WeBuildPeople, handing out patches, etc. All your time and effort does not go unnoticed.

Nation Officers are the BEST! From the beating of the tom-tom by Silver Buffalo, to the leading of the Aims & Pledge by Stepping Stone, to the "everywhere you needed him" assistance of Black Crow - these guys rock. So much of the pagentry depends on our Nation Officers doing all that they do. Much appreciation and kudos go the officers! A special shout-out to Mike Windley for his contribution at dinner the last Sunday!

YGP crew is tops. Matt, Bobby, Meredith and Andrew spent Sunday after Sunday after Sunday after Sunday making sure that our dads and children have an awesome experience. I've said it before and I'll say it again - the success of our program is directly a reflection of their hard work. And for four Sundays in a row they made the show a wonderful time for all.

Sky Walker and Shooting Bull rule! I have always been proud of my boys, but their behavior and attitude for four Sundays in a row is to be commended. Through hunger, cold, darkness and dampness they sat in that canoe for at least 45 minutes each Sunday evening and never once complained. No whining. No moaning. No groaning. They understood the importance of what we were doing and projected that serious attitude when it was time to "work."

Surprise, Dad! I was honored to be able to introduce my family that last Sunday night, but even more special was being able to officially induct my own father into the Guides program. He had no clue I was going to call him up to join me at the podium and was even more surprised when I named him "Fishing Wolf." It was an emotional moment I will never forget. My only "regret" was not formerly introducing my mother by her Indian name "Frying Chicken." I really appreciate Matt & Bobby allowing them to share this experience with me. They have heard us talk about the magic of Fall Outing, but now they know, first hand, how truly wonderful it all is...

How-How!