Father & Son Campout
My campsite, a tranquil oasis nestled among tall, skinny pine trees, is a haven of peace. The crackling campfire casts a warm glow on my truck and my unfolded chairs. Rusty, my Jack Russell companion, sits and stares into the foresty darkness, a picture of serenity as we both bask in the finale of our weekend camping trip.
The following morning, as sunlight peeks through the dew-covered branches and leaves, a sudden humming noise from down the path shatters the morning serenity. Six off-road vehicles arrive, an unexpected sight, and circle up at a nearby campsite as practiced during the Old West. Men and boys unmount their rides, their arrival a sudden burst of activity in the otherwise peaceful forest. I whisper to Rusty, "Uh Oh."
It's agreed, "This is the spot!" the adventuring men proclaim.
Moments pass, and men and their Sons are busy with typical camping chores: setting up tents, building a field kitchen, creating a small fire pit, and unpacking supplies. Laughter and exciting chatter fill the forest. As Rusty and I view from a distance, we curl up in our chairs nearest the truck, out of sight. I'm not really interested in the latest tents or gadgets, but the sound of male laughter draws me in.
Suddenly, a change in tone: a man's voice rises above the rest of the group. It softens, becoming more story-like, a shift that piques my curiosity. We move closer, careful not to interrupt. I see a single vested man holding a well-worn Bible, surrounded by father and sons. Their faces react to the tone lit by this one man, rapt attention etched on them. He motions to recline around him. He then reads scripture, maybe about David and Goliath, the calming presence of Noah's Ark, or the lessons learned by the Prodigal Son; I realize that the base camp of about 25 men is rooted in faith.
What began as a simple camping trip in the lush South Texas woods evolved into something far richer than just a campfire and tranquility. For me, this experience underscored the significance of community, storytelling, and the bonds of faith, making it a truly memorable adventure for everyone involved.
When was the last time your campout shifted into something different?
