With dinosaur tracks mounted on the wall and tennis shoe prints trampled into the sand, hundreds of cub scouts were running around the facility with excitement and enthusiasm as they attended the Dinosaur Tracks themed Cub Scout Day Camp in Scofield.
I watched as the boys were taught and participated in a lineup of events. They hiked, sang songs and played games as well as learned about the difference between dinosaurs and reptiles and the differing prehistoric periods. The youngsters learned how to tie knots, play marbles, sharpen and handle saws and knives, to shoot a BB guns as well as a bow and arrow and more.
What impressed me the most was the fact that these young Cub Scouts (ages 8-10) were instructed in all of these events by young men and women falling in the age range of 15 to 18 years old. These young adults were leading discussions, giving instruction, teaching skills and focusing upon safety. It left a positive impression on me. I hear so much along the lines of “today’s kids don’t know how to work” and “this generation of youth is becoming too caught up in the easy things.” That may be true for some, but I saw a camp full of devoted and able young men and women who were passing along a legacy of knowledge and ability to an even younger generation. Not once was a cell phone, high speed internet connection, blue tooth transmitter or Xbox used.
The highlight for my boys came at the archery range where they were first taught how to safely handle a bow. The mechanics of how to hold and steady the bow, nock an arrow, draw the string, aim and fire were discussed thoroughly. Some of those attending had never held nor fired a bow previous to the occasion and it was evident by the first flailing of arrows that the process was quite unfamiliar and far from natural to them. However, by following the simple and clear instructions of the young men instructing, these young cub scouts were able to successfully fire an arrow into the straw targets within just a few attempts.
The events of the archery range seem to draw a parallel with how we learn and gain experience in life. We all come across times when the only way to go forward is to be pulled back. If we allow ourselves to do so, we can gain much understanding during these times of tension and being stretched. It creates inside of us a potential energy, which when focused correctly, aimed accurately
Guidelines: Targeted Learning
