LAst weekend was the 10th annual running of Camp Wilderness, a 3 day summer camp of which I cam Camp Director. We teach a few dozen kids 10-14 yrs old Hunter Safety and IBEP.
A few years back, by oldest son Alex attended, and last year my youngest son Austin took his turn. This year was to be something special.
recently our DNR enacted a new program, the Youth Apprentice Insructor program, where youngsters who have passed a previous HS class can assist in teaching HS, apprenticing under the watchful eye of an adult instructor.
I had also recieved a phone call from another teen who was a past graduate of Camp Wilderness, expressing his interest in returning to help out. Perfect! A plan was put into motion.
We soon arrived at camp and got the archery range set up, and all the other chores involved in being prepared for the weekend events. The following morning the kids arrived, and we were underway.
After getting all of my stuff done, I wandered over to the area where Alex was. I couldn't help but smile as I sat and watched my son nervously teach his first class- Where to Aim/When to Shoot. . He did a fine job, and with experience will come more confidence in himself and his delivery. But he covered the material well, fielded questions from the kids, and sure impressed his Dad. I slipped out of there so me being there didnt add to his nervousness. My heart was filled with pride and a big smile on my face.
The next day he taught with me at my ground blinds/bloodtrailing class. Alex has many hours trailing experience with me, and as expected, did a fantastic job with this class as well.
At the end of camp, we give a lot of prizes away to the kids. Recently, my trad mentor and good friend Bob passed away, and Cindy had given me several bows that were Bobs to "find someting to do with". During the weekend, I noticed a couple of kids who were particularily fond of shooting trad bows. I was quite happy to do what was the natural thing to do, and gave each of them one of Bobs bows. One was a 1965 Bearcat, the other a Shakespeare Wonderbow. Indeed, His SPirit Rides The Wind.
The only stipulation was, that of they ever qit shooting it, or outgrew it, they had to find another kid to give it to.
After I did that, my youngest son Austin (10) decided to give a Bear 'LittleBear" recurve of his that he had outgrow to the son of a friend of mine who was in attendance. Noah had never shot a bow before, and was thrilled that Austin had given him his bow.
How can you top a weekend where all this goes down in a span of a couple days? Seeing kids giving of themselves for other kids is something we just never seem to see enough of.
I guess i need to update my avatar pic, these boys are growin up too fast!
Topic: One Proud Dad (Read 251 times)
