Joyfully Overloaded

I have had the opportunity this summer to teach Introduction to Leadership Skills to the youth at Camp Roosevelt. The very first thing we talk about in this course is casting vision, not just for yourself but for those you lead. Man of the Woods, how many hours in the car have we counted corn fields and dreamed of this vision that you set for yourself? In kindergarten we knew you learned differently from your peers, but we thought it was a focus issue so rather than holding you back we decided to homeschool allowing you one on one time and less distraction from your classmates. By second grade it was clear you worked hard and focus wasn’t the problem, that’s when we received the diagnosis of dyslexia. It was around this same time that we went to the Sportsman show on the UMaine campus and came across a group of scouts from Troop 76 making and selling paracord bracelets to fund their epic scouting adventures. They suggested you continue walking around for a few minutes while they worked...

 Man of the Woods, 18 years old. I remember the day you were born. I was exhausted after 29 hours of labor and you were the biggest baby on the floor at 8 lbs. 9 oz. You were born the night before mothers day. It was that morning that I feel like I really had the chance to count your toes, and inspect the shape of your ears I know a weird Ma thing to do, but I can still see your tiny ears in that hospital room as you contentedly slept in my arms. For years you hated the church nursery, I wasn't sure how you were going to make it in Kindergarten, but when the day came from across the room you signed I love you with a big smile on your face. Just before you turned to run into the classroom your hand explode into imaginary fireworks. Off you went full of confidence, ready to conquer the world. When the time finally came to pick you up, you excitedly hopped into the car with a million and one stories to share about your day. You are the first born, constantly birthing me into parenthoo...

 Man of the Woods, Boy have you pushed yourself this year. You have: ~ Been the keynote youth speaker at the Distinguished Citizens Award Dinner, where you had to write and give a speech.  ~ In the same night passed your driver's permit exam and had your Eagle Project approved. ~ Spent 2 weeks at the Summit with 15,000 other Scouts from all over country. (Sorry most of the photos are from that trip. Glad I got to go with you, even though we hardly saw each other.) ~ Worked on staff at Camp Roosevelt. ~ Completed some difficult climbing routes at the gym. One of those routes you were the third person to complete it after months of practice. ~ Competed in International Rubik's Cube competitions. Of which you came in 16th or better in all the categories' you competed in. ~ Taken on the role of the Order of the Arrow Chapter Chief for Central Highlands. Nobody can ever accuse you of being lazy. You not only push yourself to grow but you inspire others to do the same for themsel...

 To my First Born,   What a year this has been. To start with the obvious you've flown by me in height. You earned your Life rank and became an OA member. You volunteered your time as a CIT at camp. As a troop we hiked Mount Washington. In short: You have had a lot of wins this past year.  Part of your Life rank service project was cleaning a walking trail for a local elementary school and building a new bench for the outdoor reading circle. You amaze me. You dream big and you make it happen. You already have goals set for year 15:  - Work on Staff at Camp Roosevelt - Go to the National Jamboree. - Get your driving permit by the end of 2023, of which you already have all the money saved. - Take the Life Guarding course over the school year so next year you can be a Life Guard at camp, or even better be a secondary one so you can work at COPE. My favorite part about how you dream is how often you bring other people along with you. You have a natural gift for leading a...