And here comes camp, are you ready? Am I ready?

 It used to be so easy, and so comfortable.

Yes, setting up the Trading Post last year was a challenge. Getting the system online was a challenge, as was training new staff, while I was relearning the system. Getting things tagged, inventoried, placed in the store, as well as a place in the storeroom. All of that in a VERY abbreviated Staff Week was a challenge. One that we mostly met. Thanks to the fine youth that I had, and a very capable ops manager. COVID meant so many changes.

The one constant was that come Friday night, I could sit back on my bench at ceremonies and relax. I knew that no one would miss me if I wasn't there, not that I would not be, I was on the Camp Geiger Staff, after all. When I am selected for staff, I still am in awe that I have been. I always wonder when they will decide that someone far more deserving needs to serve. But no pity party here. I have carried that bottle of whine as far as I can. And I hate cheese. (except on pizza)

Of course, if you followed the mellower other half of the Lib/Rim duo, now joined by this blog, you know what happened. In the pervious paragraph the error was that repetition was a constant, rather than change being the constant. And of course, things changed. responsibilities were received, and now assignments are likely the rule rather than the exception. We grow, whether we want to or not.

Sometimes that growth needs to be forced on us, as we frequently are up to the challenge, but reluctant to willingly sign up for it. There are times that I feel like I could do more than what I am doing in my life, and realize that there are things that I could be doing, or people that I could be helping. An example, if nothing else, to set. Of course to clarify, when I say growth is forced on us, I would say that we usually have a choice. We do not have to accept that role, though I am not sure I would even know how to say "no" in that situation. To be fair, and honest, sometimes growth IS forced on us.

It is that feeling of being capable of more that propelled me to take a position as a Tower Manager in a small town in Idaho. I knew I could do the job (though I didn't know the challenge it would be), but was being stifled (usually by the smoke of my bridges that I built and then set fire to, figuratively) in the job that I had at the time. In Twin Falls, I had a boss, but she was 500 miles away, and she trusted me to do the job I was hired to do. I don't think that I once let her down. Or her replacement.

I feel the same way at camp. I like to think that once the store is up and running, it is one thing that Dave does not have to worry too much about. He knows that I will let him know of any abnormal situation or something  that I need to bring him in on. If I am not sure, I will always err on the side of informing. No one who has been a boss likes to be blindsided by a situation. It is what I teach, and try to live myself. That transparency is what makes enterprises successful.

But now, beyond that role, is my role of leadership in the tribe. I am no longer some old Keeper that will never advance. One that could speak his mind, and offer opinions on the tribe, and other things with that frame of reference. I recognized that this past year, when people were attacking the tribe in the papers, and other media. I went so far as to write the blog, then realized that wearing white paint, one could misconstrue that position as the position of the Tribe, or worse, the Council. (It was pretty harsh) There is a certain amount of sadness that comes with that responsibility. But it is a burden that I happily bear. Were it not so, I wouldn't be back on staff.

This year, we anticipate having Feast, Family Camp, and the regular camping season, followed by Webelos camp and Pow Wow? All of  this depends on the course of the virus, and restrictions placed by any number of people. For now in the Flaming Crow, we will mask up, lather up the hands, and serve behind plexiglass. And happily do so. An all new staff, so it will be a learning experience for us all. I am so happy that Roger is anticipating being back, and that his wife will be serving in camp also. Between now and then it is time to get ready, to get up to camp when I can with Aaron to start getting inventory taken care of, so that when Feast is here, the Post is ready.

Now that school is done, or nearly so, my mind's focus is turning that direction, full on. Except for those Comprehensive Exams next week. 

Focus phil, Focus! One week!