Scout Camp & Tornados

Summer is here! School has been out for two weeks and the Cav's are loving it. No more early mornings. No more homework. Yes!
I've been thinking a lot about the scouts that were involved in the tornado up north. It reminds me of Zac's experience a few years ago and just how different things might have turned out for his troop.

At Camp Helaman a few years ago a tornado blew through camp, causing a huge mess and destroying tents, etc. Zac was scared, cold and wet when he got home. He was able to take shelter in the rodeo grounds, underneath the bleachers. Zac called me to tell me that there had been a 'storm' and that they were sending everyone home. Did I want him to bring our tent home? Of course I did. It was a brand new tent! He left out a very important detail.......the tent was in tatters and the metal poles were bent like pretzels! He brought it home and we threw it away. :-) I didn't realize the 'storm' was a small tornado until Zac told me later in the evening. I have a feeling that the leaders coached the scouts on what to tell their mothers. They didn't want us all panicking! And panic I would have!!
President Dallenquist, Young Men's General President, was in attendance at Camp Helaman during the tornado. He has become one of Zac's heroes! President Dallenquist was just as wet and cold as everyone else. Yet, he helped serve the young men hot soup before they hit the road for home. Everyone's needs were met before President worried about his own needs. A great lesson was learned by Zac and I'm sure other scouts. Leadership isn't about authority and control. It's about service, love, compassion and putting the needs of those you serve ahead of yours.