It's been a good run!

For many years, I have been involved with the Young Men program at our church congregation.  I have always felt the need to get them outside, and away from their cell phones and video games.  To that end, we've had a lot of adventures together.  From the Appalachian Trail

to the coast of North Carolina

to alligator-infested swamps

to the tops of mountains

to underneath the mountains,

and to a couple of thousand feet above the mountains.

I've tried to teach them several things, like cooking, recognizing that I'm no chef myself.  However, occasionally we do it up right.

Their efforts have ranged from a hybrid salmon dish (part blackened, part sushi)

to just plain blackened,

to can-opener style. 

And to the summit of culinary perfection, Scout camp food.  Despite their failures, no one has actually starved on a campout.

We've attempted to teach some etiquette, though I'm not sure they still know which is the salad fork.

I think they've learned a few things along the way.  Like how to cheat at cards.

Or how to steal a tent.

Or set one up, for that matter.

Or how a shower doesn't have to be hot.

Or the location of every Wendy's in North Carolina for post-expedition refueling.

They've learned how not to do lashings.

And how not to find directions with a compass.  (He thinks he's pointing north, and that's dead south.)

And how not to avoid blisters.

And how to not float.

Or stay afloat.

We've attempted to teach some etiquette, though I'm not sure they still know which is the salad fork.

There have been hilarious times,

and less-than-hilarious times.

They've been exposed to careers,

and had opportunities to give service.

All in all, it's been a good run, and I wouldn't have wanted any other assignment.

We hope that you get to do something fun and fulfilling also.
Dave