Camp changes lives.

Today we picked up my son from two weeks of summer camp. For two weeks he got to spend time with other boys, doing things boys like to do. I am convinced we have never made a better investment.

About two weeks ago, we dropped our oldest off at camp. This camp has been around since 1929, and is under the same corporate umbrella as the conference center where I work. I know the folks that run this place and trust them completely. These guys know camp, love camp and live camp. Their commitment is to make camp a safe, but adventurous place, where boys can be boys, skills learned, relationships developed, fun can be had and each camper can go away having strengthened their relationship with God.

I am a firm believer in camp. As a child and teenager I never attended traditional summer camp. I went to soccer camp and then church camp, but never had the privilege of going to a traditional summer camp with canoeing, archery, camp outs, bonfires and other basics from most camp programs. While in college, I worked at a boys' camp that had many of these elements and I saw the "power" of camp. Take people away from every day distractions, put them in a position where they do new or different activities, provide them with a staff of energetic and young staff members, and great things can happen.

While sitting in the closing ceremony at Camp Ridgecrest for Boys today, I was reminded of how fantastic camp can be. Sure there are silly songs, some facilities are rustic and there is often the obligatory crying at the end. The staff led a song that has been used since the 1930s at Ridgecrest. Each tribe did their own cheer/chant and song. Which to be honest, the staff seemed to enjoy more than the campers! There was a presentation of some campers that had achieved the top rank possible as a camper, which is a source of great pride. The part I was most impressed with was the mention of the alumni.

The alumni raised enough money to build a chapel a few years ago. Many of these alumni had kids attending this week and took part in some of the festivities. There are families where 3 or 4 generations have attended Ridgecrest. The camp leadership values these former staff members, and treasures the relationship between alumni and camp. These guys want their sons to have the same experience they have enjoyed in the past. It is my opinion this is the way all camps should treat their alumni. Not all camps have this same type of relationship and that is a shame.

I do not have as much contact with the folks from Crestridge camp for Girls, yet I do know they run a similar program. While not quite as old, they have a tremendous tradition and program. And their alumni program is just as strong!

In these days, when our kids are more and more sedentary, we need to look for ways to get them outside. We can't just let them ride their bikes all over the place and we need to keep an eye on them. It is my opinion that is another reason camp is so important. I would encourage anyone to find a good, quality traditional camp and watch the joy of camping through the eyes of their child. You won't be sorry!



http://www.ridgecrestcamps.com/boys/index.shtml

Like he cares...

Anyone who knows me, is well aware that I am a huge college football fan. I follow the season closely, yet feel the way a champion is decided is a farce. While I fully believe the system needs to be changed, I do not support the idea that our government should be investigating the BCS. I have attached an open letter I sent to Senator Hatch from Utah, who seems to be spearheading this ridiculous "investigation" into our current system. Feel free to send him one as well. I have attached his contact information here as well. Remember, be courteous!
http://hatch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Offices.Home


"Dear Senator Hatch,

I recognize you are not one of the senators that represents my state. Regardless, I feel compelled to request why exactly you insist upon investigating the BCS? In this day and age, when our nation is faced with so many challenges, do you honestly believe this is an issue that deserves oversight from our federal representatives and senators?

Any college football fan will agree that the lesser known conferences have less pull and influence on the sports world. All a team needs to do is win. Follow the model Florida State used in the late 70s and 80s, play anybody anywhere, win more than lose and you will be recognized. That is the way to build a new football power.

I implore you to drop this investigation. I know your constituents may encourage you, however they must surely realize this issue is not nearly as important as many of the other challenges facing this great country that could use your attention.

Thank you for your time."

I have no illusions that this letter will make one little bit of difference, yet I sure feel better. At least my voice was expressed, if not heard.

Now on to the rest of my day. Next maybe I will petition God to stop the Earth from spinning. This is just as likely as

Because I'm bad...

As everyone knows, recently we have recently lost some celebrities. Farrah Fawcett, Ed McMahon, and of course Michael Jackson. While it is sad for their families, does it really have an impact on our lives? I can understand a simple mention that someone died, yet what I don't understand is the infatuation many seem to have with these people.

I wonder if so much attention has been given to MJ's death because that many care, or because the media thinks we care, the media thinks we should care or simply because the media cares. I cannot fathom getting upset about the death of someone with whom I had no connection. Why are so many upset? Is it simply because they see this celebrity die, and it brings some attention to their own mortality?

Remember when Princess Diana died? I remember people around me being distraught. I could never understand it. It was sad for her kids. It was sad for the citizens of Great Britain. However I am not one of her kids, and I am not from Great Britain. Someone I knew really well asked me at the time if I was upset, and I responded with a simple, "No, why would I be." She got emotional and told me I was insensitive. Well I know that.

Michael Jackson was incredibly talented. He could sure dance and sing. For much of my formative years, he was THE entertainer. The Thriller song and video were awesome and there was great anticipation on each new release from him. While I liked his music, I never knew him. I knew he was in the Jackson 5 previously, and I knew he was from a big family. I never met him, and have never had a desire to attend his concerts or really cared anything about him.

We all know the more recent stories about him and there is no need to rehash them here. I have no idea what he is guilty of, except extremely poor judgment. So many "stars" suffer from the same affliction, yet it never should have any effect on the lives of us "normal" people. If for no other reason, this lack of judgement is a reason to not hold celebrities in such high esteem. They are normal people, with normal problems, however their problems seem to make the news.

I won't watch the memorial service. I don't really care about what happens to his estate. I do have a concern that his kids will be tortured by the same media that seems to promote the worship of these celebrities. I won't lose any sleep about the way he died, or how much he was worth, or if there are any secret songs locked away in some vault that can be released. In death, just as in life, MJ will have no bearing on my life. We, western culture, need to worry more about us and less about famous folks. This is insensitive. This is heartless. This is the way I feel.

So, instead of wasting a couple of hours of my life watching some pretty famous entertainers on TV memorialize someone I never knew, I will work on me. I'm starting with the man in the mirror.

Couldn't resist.