It's Summer Camp time! All of us in the weather department do a lot of school visits during the academic year but, more and more, we can stay busy visiting summer schools and summer camps, too. While I enjoy the chance to go to all these places, where I am usually used as a science exhibit gone terribly awry...as a kid, I was not summer camp material. The bottom line: I would get home-sick. During my brief career as a Boy Scout, I went on an overnight trip to the camp-ground just about a mile from my house. As the night came on, I missed my house...my dog...my parents...my TV...even my brothers. So, while not lying outright, I convinced the Scout leader I was not feeling well and would hate for anyone else to get sick, just in case I was coming down with something like the flu or that strange malady that can attack at times of stress, like test day at school, "Latent Intense Acute Response" or LIAR, for short. I think he saw through my story but decided I would probably better serve the Troop by maintaining a lookout post in town, in my living room. If they gave merit badges for obfuscation, I'd have had one...my only one. The ability to fudge the facts has come in handy, however, in my current position on FirstNews: "Well, we talked about the chance for rain...somewhere...sometime....that one time...back awhile....now, back to you!"

A couple years later, I went to a Youth Leadership Summer Camp at the University of Wisconsin in Stevens Point. (I know...you're wondering how I would ever get chosen for a "leadership" camp. Believe it or not, I was president of my class in 8th grade. Mostly, by default as all the cool kids were in the Future Farmers of America.) We lived in dorms for a week and I hated every second. The other kids were nice...the camp counselors were great...but I wanted to be home with my Nestle's Quik and Skippy peanut butter. For the end-of-camp talent show, the group I was in decided to perform You've Got A Friend. "When you're down and troubled...." guaranteed to launch a thousand tears especially among middle school age kids. When you are 12, 13, 14...your emotions can be pretty easily manipulated...sad...happy...angry...loving...sassy...caring and that's just before breakfast. It's as though the Flying Wallendas have commandeered the part of your brain that keeps things in perspective. Well, we knew our off-key rendition, with me hacking away at the upright piano, would be a sure-fire show-stopper. My musical abilities have always driven people to tears, anyway. But, while everyone else was entering the group-hug zone by the end of the tune...I was already standing outside, my bag packed...waiting for the bus to take me home. After this camp experience, I was a true leader...as long as you wanted to be led to my house.

I never have gotten any better at this being away from home stuff. For a number of years, thanks to ABC, I had the opportunity to fly to Hollywood, stay in a terrific hotel and interview TV stars. That will be a subject for a future blog. But, as cool as that all was, I hated being gone and worried every minute. Other than when required, I never left my room...no pool...no dining out. I was convinced that, if I left the room and had even a little fun, something horrible would happen at home and the flashing message light would haunt the rest of my life.

When I would watch movies like Meatballs and Little Darlings camp always looked like a ball and I am glad that just about every kid I meet when I visit, appears to be having fun. But, for me, it just didn't work. It is no better now that I am on the other side of the summer camp deal. One of my kids will be gone all next week to Dallas, to participate in the National Forensics League tournament. I am very proud that he has achieved this level so soon in his high school life and he is excited about going. Later, this summer, the oldest boy will be at a comedy camp in Chicago for two weeks. Again, I am proud of and happy for him. But, I wish they'd both just stay home. I would rather be incredibly aggravated by their presence than depressed by their absence. Don't even get me started on the agitation I develop when the younger two kids are away on sleep-overs!

Well, all this talk of summer camps and being away from home has made me nervous. I think I hear the chocolate milk and peanut butter toast calling my name. I have to go home. NOW.