By Ellie Wilke, Scranton Journal
Most kids are anxious on the ride to summer camp. For Caden Etherton of Scranton (pictured, left), the trip was twice as special as his friend, Greene County sheriff Steve Haupert (pictured, right), personally escorted the sixth grader to a week’s worth of fun at the YMCA overnight camp in Boone.
Every year, the Iowa State Sheriffs’ and Deputies’ Association hosts the camp to which each county can send a boy and a girl. The youngsters have an opportunity to meet new people, try different things and make long-lasting memories at the camp.
Caden first became interested in the event when introduced to the idea by “Nature Mike” and others from the sheriff’s office after they presented at his school in May. “I am very happy Caden wanted to go. Now he wants to go back,” said Haupert. “We would love to sponsor him again.”
Even with intense June thunderstorms pounding the area, Caden had a wonderful time. Rising with his 11 cabin mates between 6 and 7 in the morning, Caden joined some of the camp’s other 217 members, ages 9 through 14, to eat breakfast before starting the day.
In the morning, campers chose from three activities called pathways, including fishing, canoeing, outdoor living skills, archery, drama and cheerleading, among others. In the afternoon, Caden participated in cabin time with his counselors and bunkmates. Much of this time was spent challenging other cabins to sporting competitions and swimming.
Caden found “Football Fridays” and Wednesday night cookouts, where the group collected timber for a fire before making pizzas, to be two of his many favorite memories. The first time camper was hooked from Day One, keeping busy throughout the eventful week, greatly enjoying the camp’s food, especially desserts like scotcheroos topped with a scoop of ice cream.
“The counselors were great,” said Haupert. “They seemed to easily handle situations with the kids.”
Counselors flooded in from all parts of the nation, some even making the trip from overseas. Caden recalled funny moments when a losing cabin’s counselor got pied in the face or when another had to wear Spiderman pajamas to the mess hall for breakfast.
With so many possibilities at the camp, Caden admitted that some of the activities seemed daunting, like rock climbing and zip lining. Upon hearing from her son about a messy evening of mud fighting in a creek, Caden’s mother Sara Etherton was glad the camp handled the laundry.
Caden recalled one of his favorite games being Gaga Ball, rather like dodge ball, where if you get hit in the knee or below, you are out. At one point during a particularly intense match, Caden’s team had a four on one advantage against an opposing cabin. Just when it looked like his team had clenched a victory, the lone opponent made “a huge comeback” to single handedly knock out the rest of Caden’s team for the win.
The camp, always looking for improvement, has started making repairs and renovations for campers next year. The grounds will boast new equipment such as water slides and upgrades to existing buildings.
Haupert was personally amazed with the organization’s clean and well-run faculties. He encourages other kids to attend in the future. “Its one of those summer time experiences he (Caden) will never forget.”
“I definitely want to go back,” said Caden.
