Summer Camp

Away from home all week,
Camping with three hundred Scouts.
In our fragile shelters,
At the whim of weather,
All that nature can toss;
Heat, humidity and sudden storms.
3, 6, 9, 12, bang, rumble, rumble.
 "Hathi!
Did you know that you can tell how far away the lightning is,
By counting in threes?"
Tiny flies in eyes and ants in pants.
And in tents too.
"They're in my tiny teddies and all through the tent."
Biting sun rays,
Grilling flesh.
" No scout leaves this site without a collared shirt, full brimmed hat sunscreen and water bottle.
Well you had better put on your scarf then."
Mozzies.
'Stop Itch.'
Hard ground, poor sleep,
Bags under eyes.
Unique scouts
And leaders.
Insecurities and quirks.
Gentleness, patience and generosity.
Tricks, jokes and game of Mao.
Different lives.
Different needs,
Coming together.
Shared language;
PLs, APLs
BRAVO!
Badges and cords.
"I lost the game!"



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