Before he broke his collar bone, the Oldest Island Boy did the physical fitness requirements for a scouting badge.
He was to do the requirements at one meeting and then do them again a month later. He had to improve his scores in order to earn the badge.
But because he broke his collar bone he wasn't able to complete the second half.
So at a Saturday carpentry badge workshop his leader tested him and two other boys so they can get their badges.
The Oldest nailed the situps. He did almost twice as many as he did on his original test.
We went outside for the long jump and he got ready.
Ad he beat his previous score by 3 inches.
Then it was time for the 1/4 mile run.
As we walked to the starting point he told me he was worried that he wouldn't beat his score on this one because he was pretty out of shape.
I told him not to worry and to just do his best.
They lined up
And were off.
The Oldest's friend H is an absolute beast and it wasn't long before he came back around the corner.
The Oldest and the other boy were no where in sight.
We waited and a bit later they came around the corner.
I thought they were going to pass out when they finished.
And neither of them beat their time.
They rested for a while and then it was time for the worst test of all.
Chin-ups.
The Oldest has been nervous about these for a while. He was only able to do 3 on his first test so he needed to do 4 to pass and didn't think he could do it.
I gave him a pep talk, wished him well and crossed my fingers.
He was off to a good start.
Yes! One down and three to go.
But then he tried to go up for number 2 and it all went downhill from there.
He hung there trying his best, kicking his legs and using every bit of strength he had but eventually gravity won and he was down.
He was a little bummed but his leader told him not to worry about it that he could try again next week and if needed every week after until he succeeded.
Then the leader asked "Do you think this has anything to do with your collar bone?"
And my son looked him right in the eye and said "No sir, this has to do with potatoe chips."
I don't think I've ever been more proud of him. He could have gone with the collar bone story but he looked the man right in the eye and told him the truth.
I saw the look in his leader's eyes and I'm not the only one who was impressed.
He didn't say anything but I know the Oldest may not have passed his test yet but he moved up a notch in the leader's opinion of him.
On the way home I told him that he may not have passed his test but that he won a lot more than a merit badge when he told his leader the truth.
Good job son, I'm very proud of you!Labels: Staying
