Well folks, it’s Tad here again. I’ve decided to get on here and do a little reflection on the past week.

First of all, I’d just like to say that camp this past week was awesome. As I said when the rest of the Sagamores and I addressed the camp, I really feel that all the campers at OMC followed the 4-H motto incredibly. For all you non-4-Hers, the motto is “Make The Best Better.” I felt that we took the worst, made it into the best, and then took it all a step further and made it even better.
I mean, I don’t think I put anything in my previous blogs about the meningitis “outbreak”, or the terrible storm (which I named the Gorilla Monsoon, after the old pro wrestler), but the point is this: camp started out a little rough, but we pulled it together like champions.

Something else that I want to reflect upon is my position as sagamore of my tribe. The more I think about it, the more I come to realize how much of an honor and great responsibility it is. Ever since I first started going to Alpha II about 9 years ago I’ve dreamed of being a chief at a state camp, and next year at OMC that dream will actually come true. I’m so grateful for the opportunity that has been awarded to me, and I pledge to make the most of it.

The thing that keeps me coming back to 4-H camps year after year is the people. I don’t know of any other organization that could even come close to simulating the feelings of togetherness and friendship without exclusion in the way that 4-H does. Over the past week I’ve been able to strengthen existing friendships and form new ones that will only grow stronger as I continue to camp with all those people.

Weeks like this past one are the types of things that remind me that joining 4-H has been one of, if not THE single greatest thing that I’ve ever done. It’s made me into the person that I am today. It’s given me my closest friends. It’s blessed me with countless precious memories.

Thanks.

-Thaddeus J. Light