I Don't Want to Grow Up

Oh, the theme of my life! Sadly, that theme is taking a back seat for the summer.

For the past 12 years, I have spent my summers working at a camp for 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. I have spent a total of 60 weeks over those years as a volunteer. That's right...NO PAY! I go of my own goodwill and desire to be there with those kids. The camp is a phenomenal place to be. There is literally something for everyone there:

- Arts and Crafts
- Fossils
- Wildlife Center
- Weather forecasting
- Rifle Range
- Skeet Shooting
- Archery
- Canoeing
- Swimming
- Volleyball
- Basketball
- And so much more!!!

I have worked with over 18,000 students in those 60 weeks. Not many people can say they have affected that many lives in such a short amount of time. Working at the camp has also allowed me to remain a kid on some level.

Sadly, this year finds me unable to attend a single week of camp during the summer months. My duties as president of the teachers' union require me to be here for the time being. I have several meetings scheduled for the next two weeks (w/ principals, w/ the school board, w/ the city commission, etc). In addition, I will be doing a great deal of traveling this summer for the union on a local, state, and national level.

It looks like my "summer vacation" will be a very busy one. My only regret is not being able to go to camp. On so many levels, I feel like I am abandoning my kids for the summer. I have not had this feeling in quite a while. I know life will go on, and the camp will continue. I just wish I could be there to be a part of it.

This is all part of growing up, I suppose. It sucks!