Like all media outlets, I have decided to place my apology at the bottom of this post, so that if you get tired of reading the blog, you will not see my apologies.
Today, the Program Staff and myself will be "playing in the woods" near the Challenge Course...we will be clearing old limbs from around the elements, so that there is more "play" room. Our Challenge Course programs are amazing - in case you were wondering. Lee is a strong believer in Challenge Course elements not being viewed as "obstacles", but rather as a series of initiatives that grow or progress as the group does...I am the same way, but only after Lee got me straight. There are actually few that understand the Challenge Course process. Most people do not realize how much planning goes into such a program. It's not just learning names and playing games. Processing questions (good ones, anyway) allow the group to measure their own progress. Youth groups are fun, but I relish the opportunity to lead adult groups...adults can be set in their ways...and few expect that we can truly bring unity to a group of strangers, but we can and we do, always.
Today's efforts will also include making small Challenge Course repairs and corrections, so that it is the safest it can possibly be...also, our Team Challenge Course is inspected 4 times a year - 3 times by me, and once by a builder. We have a whole bunch of elements, so inspection can take a while...especially since the Challenge Course is in the woods, fighting with the worst nature can throw at it...but unless Mother Nature deals us a hurricane, we can inspect and make needed repairs fairly easy. While all programs are reviewed, the Challenge Course is the most intensive. Every Spring Season has us reviewing curriculum, checking canoes/kayaks/sailboats, pumping up soccer balls, repairing volleyball nets, and completing inventory on EVERYTHING, even First Aid kits. Good programs are backed by these logistical measures. Also, there is nothing worse than expecting to play soccer, and when the ball is kicked out, it is as flat as a pancake.
In Program Staff Free Time News, we will be taking a trip to Lake Mattamuskeet this afternoon. The largest natural lake in North Carolina is a site to behold...and this will be one of the last days to see the lake full of it's wintering waterfowl. Annually, nearly 1 MILLION birds winter in the area, most notably the Tundra Swan. There are also alligators, bears, and deer to be seen round the lake. Lake Mattamuskeet is also a pocosin lake..."google" the term pocosin lake to learn more...and "google" Lake Mattamuskeet to learn more about it's formation and one of history's biggest follies. We will also eat at Harris' - a restaurant known for it's seafood...it's an old country restaurant, but it is good.
Recently, I was photographed by a papparazo - so I will allow you to see the picture, in fact, it's at the top of the post...it was captured on the red carpet somewhere...it is of Callie, Olivia, and your's truly.
Now my apology....
After limited, but loud outcry from one term used in yesterday's blog, I owe my two "redneck" friends a clarification. I do not view the term "redneck" as a bad word, but rather as a term of endearment. In fact, I taught them a thing or two....The term "redneck" began in the first half of the 20th century...It spurred from the "Hatfield - McCoy" rivalry in the coal mines of West Virginia...The mountain-folk wore red bandanas around their neck to signify their solidarity within the union...they were called rednecks, because they all wore the bandanas on their march to Blair Mountain, where they fought non-rednecks. While the rednecks didn't win the battle, they gained sympathy and the moniker gained recognition for honest, hardworking people.
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