Moving into the stern

This summer, Eli did a fair bit of canoeing.  Not only did we get out and about on rivers several times, but he took a three day Namakagon trip with Camp St. Croix, and a seven day BWCAW trip with Camp Widjiwagan.  During both of these trips he volunteered to stern a canoe.  This is a great responsibility and honor during a Y trip.  Sterning is most often done by the counselors.  But Eli was up for the task, and after some initial circling and weaving, got his canoe on the straight and narrow.  He is now a regular in the back seat.  Pushing me to the bow.  I have seen this coming over the past few years, but I didn't expect the change would come quite so soon, and quite so permanently.  The kid has decided he wants some control over where his canoe is headed, and we're not just talking about on a river.  So far he's shown quite good instincts and has kept everything running smoothly downriver.  But full on adolescence approaches and we know there are hidden obstacles in those waters- rapids ahead!  Here's hoping he continues to have a steady hand as he paddles through this stretch, and that he stays open to advice from those around him.