Scout Campout

Hayden attended young men's a few weeks back. Thomas got a text part way through. "Dad, there is a campout on Friday night. Can I go?" 

Thomas read me the text. What? My boy. Asking to go on an overnight campout with the scouts. That is a first. Absolutely. Yes. You can go. 

The previous campouts had been disastrous. He was in his tent. Alone. By 7pm. Pleading for morning to come and bring him home. He hated them. He spent the entire time away just praying to survive. 

Now he wants to go and is excited. When Thomas went to pick him up from scouts, his leaders pulled Thomas aside and asked what we had done to Hayden. They said he was a different kid. Sure. He was Hayden and polite and good but he wanted to go on the campout. He also asked the leaders if he could go canoeing with the rest of the boys. And he was excited about it. The leaders were in awe in the change in him. 

When he got home he told me, and mom, I volunteered to bring ketchup and mustard. Is that ok? 

There is a first time for everything. First of all,  Hayden never volunteers. Not his style. Then to remember to tell me that he did, absolutely astounding. 

Thomas told his leaders about Q96 and all of the positive changes we were seeing in him. Several asked what it was. They were in awe of Hayden and the changes and self esteem they were seeing. 

The weekend grew closer. The anticipation and excitement grew. Hayden was so excited to go canoeing. He helped Thomas pack for the big adventure. He talked a million miles a minute and wanted to learn all about canoeing. 

Friday afternoon came. His excitement was over the moon. He got dressed, grabbed his stuff and was ready to take off. Smiles and said, "don't forget the ketchup and mustard". Are you serious?! This boy just remembered an item he volunteered for. 

I didn't know whether to jump for joy or shed tears of gratitude. 

Hayden attended the campout. He hung with the other boys. He enjoyed the trip. He went canoeing. They flipped their boat. He loved it and was all smiles the entire time, according to the leaders. 

Hayden talked nonstop of the experience. We received an update of the entire 24 hour adventure. He had a great time and was already wanting to know when he could go again. 

I smiled in joy. Q96 is helping Hayden become who he is destined to be.  Hayden is embracing life and all the joys with being a scout. It makes my momma heart happy.