Why I love
Twilight Camp

Well, as I sit at my computer tonight listening to the thunder and rain outside my window, I start to wonder, "What is it about Twilight Camp that makes grown adults flock in the 100 degree heat with hot, sweaty, dirty, boys by their side?" You can see it, can't you? It's true, they come from miles around to sit on their makeshift chair-buckets and ponder whether or not they want to participate in or wait out the next Scout game of kickball.

It's funny how special a silly camp song can be when it is shared among hundreds of sneaker-wearing boys. Or how special it is to watch "this" round of Tigers hit the target in the BB gun range. Remember watching the Wolves, not quite Webelos but definitely not Tigers, working the bows and arrows. I know like me, you said a prayer a time or two just to make sure the arrows headed in the direction of the target that was well, not moving.

How about the shop for making boys feel like boys. Nothing says fun like hammers on metal bowls. My son's birdfeeder still hangs proudly in the tree at home because of that wonderful Summer evening at Twilight Camp. I know that in time with hot summers and cold winters the bottom will eventually fall out of it and end up on the ground. Trust me, when it does, I will find a way to put it back together.

Before you know it Bears turn into Webelos sure as the Spring unfolds into Summer. Webelos have their special area in camp to signify that they are no longer little Cubs. There is no sweeter music then listening to those boys laughing, playing and working together in their newly found roles as "Senior" Cub Scouts. There is no mistaking the spirit, the life the camaraderie that you can feel that is so much thicker than even the Texas heat.

So, why do boys carrying buckets almost as big as they are, come to Twilight Camp each year? Well, maybe they know how much fun it is to play games and get hot and sweaty with friends. Or how much fun it is to trade for the perfect swap to put on their hat. Or they remember how cool it was to make a catapult the year before.

Or maybe it is a tiny voice deep down inside of each of them that knows that one day the little pebbles, sticky wrappers and worms will no longer find their home in their pockets. That one day the car keys will be more sought after than the roly polys. That girls will one day rank right up there with the BB Gun and Bows and Arrows.

Well, until that fateful time occurs, I feel quite certain that I will pack an extra peanut butter and jelly sandwich and tuck it ever so lovingly in my son's bucket for when he gets tired and hungry at camp.

Won't you build some memories with me? Please join us at Twilight Camp the week of June 16th thru June 20th at Breckinridge Park. All of the forms and information are located on the North Trail website which is www.northtrail.org

I believe in Twilight Camp and hope to see you and yours there.

Yours In Scouting,

Terri Groom
Program Director
Twilight Camp 2008