Have you ever really considered the opportunity you have?  Or the opportunity you offer kids?  Or the impact and influence you have as a leader?

I believe I'm fortunate to work for an organization that has both a positive environment and influence.  Working for the Lake Huron Area Council has afforded my some experiences I most likely would not have otherwise. 

As a child I camped with my family often but never attended a summer camp so visiting our camps the first time was a new experience.  Camp Rotary and PBSA are great places to be and we are fortunate to have Brad and Justin.  No matter how busy they are they always make us feel welcome and special.  My camp visits have been some of the things (among many) I've enjoyed most.   A visit to camp is both peaceful and engergizing. 

That there are kids who can take that experience for granted is a wonderful thing.  It means they have a pretty good thing going at home.  Then there are kids who can only go because there are volunteers who care and available camperships.  We wish it were otherwise;  but it's still a wonderful opportunity and they would not have it if you didn't care enough to volunteer.  I hope kids in both situations know what a cool thing it is.  I hope they grow up to remember and eventually decide they owe it to those behind them to volunteer themselves.

Last month I had yet another new experience, this time with Venturing.  My husband, grandson and I went on the Area Two White Water Rafting trip.  Sean and his wife Casaundra also went.  Sean is the Development Director here at the Lake Huron Area Council officeand while he is not here as I write this I bet he would agree when I say :

  YAAAAAAAAHOOOOOO!  WHAT IS THAT COMING AT US?  WHAT JUST HAPPENED?  WE WERE IN THE BOAT AND NOW WE'RE NOT!  WHERE IS THE BOAT?  WHERE IS MY PADDLE?  CAN WE DO THAT AGAIN?

If you have never gone on this trip please consider it.  It is a great trip for the entire family and one you will not forget.  The fact that it's in it's 12th year says alot about it's popularity.   It's a beautiful area, we were treated like royalty, great food (not as good as our camps though) :), and clean accommodations. 

A huge thank you to our host Cliff and his helper Julia for a job well done.   

Who knows, maybe next year you'll be the one feeling sore and loving every minute of it.  Hope so - but whether you go to Rotary, PBSR or  White Water Rafting; know you are doing something really fun and memorable for those in your group. 

On behalf of the kids in your groups (even us old kids) -   Thank you.