Blackmans on the Web (log)

“If, when we were young, we tramped through forests of Nebraska cottonwoods, or raised pigeons on a rooftop in Queens, or fished for Ozark bluegills, or felt the swell of a wave that traveled a thousand miles before lifting our boat, then we were bound to the natural world and remain so today. Nature still informs our years – lifts us, carries us.” Richard Louv http://richardlouv.com/ begins his book “Last Child in the Woods” with that beautiful statement. He is right. For me, the outdoors has always been an integral part of what makes me who I am. Whether it was my Mom yelling at all of us, “Go outside and run around!” or finding a solitary moment to lay in the field behind the house to watch the clouds, outside is a place I have enjoyed and have found I truly need. I believe everyone is enriched by the opportunity to spend time in nature.

Why am I passionate about Camp Grady Spruce and why am I asking you to care? Because I know from personal experience that when a camping program is not just located in the outdoors but is focused on outdoor programming, it has the power to reinforce love and respect of nature as well as getting along with others and learning to be creative and improvise. Making sure children – and the outdoors – are cherished and protected pretty much gets to the essence of what Camp Grady Spruce is here for.

Scholarship requests are poring in to Camp Grady Spruce at record-breaking rates. As a board member, in addition to making a donation, I am involved in reading over scholarship requests and am, quite frankly, horrified by the prospect of how many more well-deserving children there are than funds available. Everyone has their own preferred charities. I respectfully ask that you help Scott and I support this worthy effort in any way – big or small – that you can. CLICK HERE

Sam with Mike Lish CGS Board Chair

As in past years, we enjoyed attending Camp Grady Spruce’s Camp Crockett Reunion in December. This great annual event was made even more special this year when Sam was chosen as the 2008 Youth Volunteer of the Year. It was great to see the time and devotion that Sam has cheerfully committed to various projects recognized.

Alex was honored last May when he was recognized as a 2007-2008 All-State Teens Serving Texas Finalist. His high school principal, Randy Spain, nominated him based on Alex’s commitment and enthusiasm for his Frisco Horse Park volunteer work.

Our boys are very different in many ways but we are gratified and humbled to have such public affirmations of their shared core values. I pray a lot. One of my prayers since before Alex was even born has focused on my desire for my children to be honest and caring. As the boys began school, I added “responsible” to my daily prayers of petition. As they entered their teen years, “gratefulness” seemed to round out my hopes and dreams for my boys.

I know I should probably care more if they make money or other material evidence of success. I really do believe, though, that if they have the strength and will to always be honest, care about others, take personal responsibility for not just themselves but the world as a whole, and finally to regularly take the time to experience the joy of gratitude, they will be more successful in more ways than they can ever imagine.

As young adults, Alex and Sam remind us regularly how independent and self-sufficient they are becoming. They’re still in my prayers; I’m just enjoying the prayers of thanksgiving.

Scott and I are both making an effort to clean up and sort our many, many photos. These are both from May, 2002. My, how time flies!

We are very indebted to Rick and Penny McLeod, CGS ranch managers in the early 2000′s for their very BIG positive influence on both Alex and Sam. Here, left to right, is Sam, Rick and Alex after a big day of cleaning stables, giving hay rides and generally just hanging out with the horses.

As much as I didn’t want to admit it at the time, Meg was right: She sent the boys BLUE SPARKLY hair gel which they got into before I even knew it had arrived in the mail. I was not pleased! Meg’s comment to me was that it’s just hair and gently suggested I could save my bluster for bigger issues. While we have been very blessed to have the many, many positive influences and support systems we have, I’m just glad it’s now Meg’s turn to have tween-age boys!!!

It’s that time of year – the YMCA Camp Grady Spruce Partners Campaign is in full swing. CGS has been an important part of our lives for nearly as long as we’ve lived in Texas.

It wouldn’t be saying too much to say the CGS has had a significant impact on shaping who Alex and Sam are as caring, engaged young people. YMCA Camp Grady Spruce’s mission is to deliver exceptional outdoor programs that inspire, build and strengthen relationships with God, His creation and each other. Visit our Campaign page to learn more. There you’ll find any easy way to donate to the campaign.

Traveling south of Jacksboro, TX on FM 4 we ran across this rickety old bus painted like the Texas flag.