Today I completed my fifth day as a Cub Scout den leader at Camp Cabarrus (16 miles from home). I was responsible for ten boys, all rising 3rd graders, including my grandson, Nate. We got there at 8:15-8:30 AM, and left around 4 PM. Rain hit us two days, but camp went on. It wore me out, but it was a great experience. Now I know why the Scout leader's eyes got real big when I signed up for an entire week.

We fished, did archery, BB gun target range, crafts, lunch, snacks, den time, achievement time, sweating 101, getting rained on 102, melting in the hot sun 303 (advanced course), and restraining myself from committing acts that would have landed me in jail for a long, long time! Only kidding, but boys that age can try one's patience. Did I mention that there were 260 boys, and that I was responsible (with help from other volunteers . . . 1 or 2, usually) for ten boys? They had a ball, and I even received letters from three of the boys thanking me for the experience. I wouldn't take anything for that. Being with my grandson was a treat, too, although he did not appear to like me very much when I woke him up early each morning.

When next June rolls around, I will more than likely sign up again. Perhaps I will still be the oldest volunteer.