Camp Pohoka

     The weekend past was the  boyscouts' annual spring campout, this year held at the Old Ben Reservation. While the ground was still covered with last year's foliage, the trees were outfitted with their just-sprung leaves , celery-green in color and filtering sunlight throughout the day. Camping is when a walk turns into a hike, perhaps a trek when it gets to be somewhat of  a challenge. Hanging out means sitting around a campfire and making s'mores and  a gala show means stargazing out in the country. And seeing boys run around and claiming their personal walking sticks and walking across fallen logs and making mountains out of a small hill. A baby frog is a treasured find and whittling is just one more reason for parents to keep a watchful eye over the  boys. One learns not to dread the cold night ahead when daytime weather is at its perfect spring best. And  when night comes, one hears noises not heard in the city, owls calling out to each other, coyotes howling,  perhaps an invitation to rendezvous. You just hope the racoons don't find your food appetizing as they have been known  to open even an igloo container. Let's not forget the wild turkeys for your early morning wake-up call.

     The scouting philosophy when it comes to camping can't get any more Zen. Leave no trace behind. And leave the place better than when you found it. Always have a buddy with you and know where your buddy is at all times. And even though I always overpack with things I think we will need, I find that we really didn't need everything, and there are things one can do without for 24  hours or longer. And at the end of the day, all that matters is that all your loved ones are in the tent with you, be they snuggled in their sleeping bags or tucked in your heart for safe-keeping.