Role models

We once again vacationed at Camp DuNord this summer.  At some point Jon and I did actually discuss doing something different, but the kids rioted at the thought.  We would ruin their lives if we didn't go back!  So in early August we packed up and headed toward Ely.  We stopped, as tradition dictates, at the fancy Italian hotspot, Sir G's, for dinner before heading out to camp.  Our pals the Neilsens met us and the laughter began.  Dinner was dominated by a Q and A with Pete Neilsen, the newly minted 14 year old who had just completed a 14 day Widji trip in the BWCA.  As he regalled us with his tales of adventure, I noticed that he was sitting tall, shoulders back, looking confident and proud.   And why not?  This kid just went on a 14 day wilderness adventure!  Without his parents!  He sterned, he portaged, he cooked, he grew.  Later, Wally and I were chatting about the changes in Pete- about how he idolized his counselor, how he had become steeped in the religion of the 'widji way', how he came off trail and begged his parents for two things:  fresh fruit and a good book.  Sign my kids up!  I'm thinking if you can get your boys 14 days in the wilderness with a college student who reads the campers good literature, kneads bread dough on the bottom of the canoe (not while it is in the water!) and talks about his yearnings for fresh fruit, well, what's the problem with a little idolization?  I saw the trickle down effect while we were at DuNord.  Apparently Pete's counselor carried a backpack at all times- equipped with a good book, a bottle of water, and other small necessities.  So now Pete carries a backpack.  By day 2, Theo was strutting around with his own bag on his back.  And Eli was asking quiet questions about widji, planning out his own route up through a couple trips at St. Croix and then onto the intro widji expedition.  The only problem with this plan, if they follow through on it, is that we better start saving money now! Those widji trips are not cheap.  But what kind of price can you really put on confidence, self-realization, and maturity?