Ben Delatour

On a sweltering July day in 2016, the sun blared down from a cloudless sky, creating an almost palpable sense of excitement among the members of Troup 565 as they gathered at Lord of Love Lutheran Church. The air buzzed with the laughter and chatter of six eager twelve-year-old Boy Scouts, their backpacks stuffed with gear and snacks, ready for adventure. The two leaders, seasoned scouts with a wealth of experience, shared knowing smiles as they loaded the last of the gear into three vehicles parked in the church lot. A cooler filled with ice-cold drinks, tents, and sleeping bags dominated the back of the pickups, while the boys animatedly discussed the upcoming camping trip and the challenges they faced—hiking trails, navigating direction, and the thrill of roasting marshmallows around a crackling campfire.

Ericka, Josephine, and I welcomed Wyatt into our pickup as he and Joannis were best buddies. While the boys spent a week at Boy Scout camp, we women planned to explore the Rocky Mountains while staying in an air-conditioned cabin located at the mountain's base. This trip not only marked a pivotal moment in Joannis's life but also turned into an unforgettable experience for our family. With our engines roaring, we made our way out of the parking lot, ready to set off on our adventure into the great outdoors. I offered a prayer for a safe journey that would create lasting memories and friendships among the young scouts, surrounded by the majestic pines and starry skies ahead.

After a grueling seven-hour drive across Nebraska, the anticipation of spending the first night in the Boy Scout cabin on F.E. Warren Air Force Base offered a new adventure for us all. Nestled among towering pines, the rustic cabin exuded charm with its sturdy wooden beams and cozy atmosphere. Once inside, the scent of cedar mingled with cleaning products welcomed us into a wide-open room full of bunk beds. We each plopped our day bags onto the bunk of our choice before heading back outside to march to the base chow hall. Inside the hall, the air buzzed with the clattering of trays and cheerful conversations as we filled our plates with a satisfying mix of comfort foods—golden-brown chicken tenders, steaming mashed potatoes, and vibrant vegetables.

Once our appetites were sated, the group rallied together, energized and eager for some lighthearted competition at Warren Lanes. The bowling alley, with its glistening lanes and neon lights, offered a perfect antidote to the fatigue of the journey. Laughter echoed as we picked our bowling balls, each roll and strike igniting friendly rivalry within the joy of the game. The atmosphere transformed into a vibrant tapestry of cheers and playful banter among the young scouts, fostering a sense of unity I hoped would carry them through their upcoming week at camp.

The next morning, we maneuvered onto Interstate 25 for the last ninety minutes of our journey. Once we left the interstate, the rest of the trip involved winding roads that cut through breathtaking landscapes, where towering mountains kissed the sky and lush forests seemed to whisper tales of old. Joannis and Wyatt, brimming with excitement, stared out of the backseat windows, their eyes wide as they imagined all the new experiences awaiting them—campfires under starlit skies, the thrill of hiking up rugged trails, and forging lasting friendships with fellow scouts from far and wide. As we approached the ranch, the aroma of pine trees filled the air, mingling with the palpable energy of friendship that enveloped the campsites. As we unloaded their gear and said our goodbyes, I watched Joannis blend effortlessly into a group of eager boys, all sharing dreams of adventure, and I felt a bittersweet thrill imagining the remarkable journey that lay ahead of him in this enchanting place!

Every day, we received updates via email from Joannis’s leaders detailing their escapades. The boys experienced a range of activities that stretched their abilities and offered inspiration, from dawn hikes showcasing breathtaking views to evenings spent enjoying the inviting glow of a campfire. They developed their scouting techniques, learning everything from tying knots to using a compass, while also engaging in thrilling activities such as horseback riding and constructing temporary shelters that tested their limits and built their resilience. Each day wrapped up with lively group discussions, where laughter intertwined with valuable lessons learned beneath a starlit sky, enhancing their connection to nature. Immersed in the lively spirit of fellow scouts from across the nation, the boys not only forged unforgettable memories but also nurtured a sense of camaraderie and teamwork that truly reflected the essence of scouting.

Meanwhile, Ericka, Josephine, and I immersed ourselves in the breathtaking beauty of the Rocky Mountains, hiking along a tapestry of trails that wove through lush valleys and rugged peaks. Each day brought a new adventure as we explored iconic locations within Rocky Mountain National Park, from the pristine turquoise waters of Bear Lake to the panoramic views atop Trail Ridge Road, where the high-altitude air invigorated our spirits. We traversed blooming wildflower fields and navigated through shaded groves of ancient pine, pausing often to capture the majesty of towering mountains laced with snow and shimmering waterfalls cascading down rocky cliffs. One day we took a trail ride through an alpine meadow enveloped in the serene sounds of nature—the chirping of birds, the clomp of our horses' hooves, and the distant calls of wildlife—reminding us how vital it is to reconnect with the earth. Each day not only challenged us physically but also filled our hearts with wonder, making our time in the Rockies a cherished memory as a family.

With the week drawing to a close, a noticeable thrill permeated the atmosphere as we, the Obner women, made our way back to Ben Delatour for Family Day at the Boy Scout Ranch. Once we reached our destination, we were welcomed by the joyous sounds of laughter as families gathered to see the scouts demonstrate their abilities in various activities, including archery and knot-tying. While Ericka and Josephine embarked on a tour of the ranch, I opted to relax on the expansive front porch of the dining hall.

While I was lounging on the porch, a young boy came up to me seeking help in interpreting a letter he had gotten from home. Just as I was about to reply, I found myself encircled by a group of his rather odorous Boy Scout friends. Since I only know English, I felt a wave of relief upon seeing that the handwritten letter was composed in beautiful, old-fashioned cursive. Assuring the boy that I could indeed “interpret” the letter, he and his grimy peers settled down in a circle around my log chair. The atmosphere was saturated with the odors of perspiration, campfire smoke, and a touch of stale socks, each scent a subtle reminder of their week spent enjoying nature. They leaned towards me, their eyes bright with a blend of eagerness and longing for home, as I began reading about how much the boy's family missed him on their farm back in Iowa. At the bottom of the letter, beneath his mother's signature, there was a note saying: Rowdy misses you and sends a big slobbery kiss. "That's my dog," the little boy exclaimed. "I really miss him!"

As I finished reading the letter, a chorus of supportive murmurs rose from the boys surrounding me. Their shared experiences of homesickness broke down any barriers, transforming the moment into a comforting reminder that they were all on this adventure together. I looked into their eager faces, noting the mixture of joy and vulnerability, and realized how incredibly important these connections were to each of them.

Almost instinctively, the group began to share their own stories of home—everything from pets that missed them to the favorite meals they couldn't wait to return to. Laughter bubbled up as they exchanged tales of mischievous siblings, playful pranks, and dreams for the future. The sound of their voices warmed my heart, and I found myself smiling, grateful for the privilege of witnessing this snapshot of childhood.

Soon the afternoon sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a golden hue across the ranch, and my family returned from their tour. We followed other families into the expansive dining hall to gather around a long, rustic wooden table for dinner. With each bite of the delicious meal, we reveled in heartwarming tales and enthusiastic recaps of the scouts’ week at camp. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we moved outside for the closing ceremony—a celebrated tradition that filled the gathering place with a sense of community. Flickering lanterns illuminated the space as scouts donned their uniforms, displaying badges earned with dedication and hard work. The ceremony showcased songs, skits, and awards, culminating in a heartfelt reflection on the bonds forged during the camp. It was a magical way to conclude family day, as well as a reminder of the values of teamwork, resilience, and the lifelong friendships that scouting nurtures.

At the end of the night, Joannis wrapped his arms around me in a tight hug, exclaiming, "Mom, I learned so much this week! It’s been incredible!" I could see in his eyes not just his joy, but a growing sense of confidence—he had stepped beyond the boy he was, into someone ready to embrace the adventures life would toss his way.

In that peaceful moment, surrounded by my family and the serene beauty of nature, I knew that scouting had planted roots deep within Joannis, nurturing a spirit of adventure and camaraderie that would carry him through life. We were not just closing a chapter of summer; we were weaving memories into the very fabric of who he would become. And as I gazed out the window at the vastness of the night sky, I understood that this was just the beginning of many more adventures—together, as a family, and woven into the rich tapestry of the scouting community.