The Legend of the Backpack*

There's a legend told around these parts. It involves a young boy scout (who shall remain nameless) going off to summer camp for the first time and two boy scout moms with much gusto for camping and humor. The story has been retold countless times** by one of the moms, Marsha, (who many years later would become said boy scout's mother-in-law) and her dear friend and partner in boy scouting fun, Mary.

Once upon a time in a far away land called Camp Ingawanis a group of parents and scouts from Troop 43 were heading off for a week of boy scouting fun. Two supportive, camp-loving moms were escorting the boys up a monstrous hill to arrive at their campsite. While some of the older boys (their own sons) had run up ahead, they had stopped to rest on a log with some of the younger scouts before completing the trek uphill.

Upon sitting down, too exhausted to take off his backpack, the young scout breathed a sigh of relief and toppled over backwards. The moms turned around only to see two little legs kicking in the air and the boy scout stuck on the ground, overcome by the weight of his backpack. The moms helped the boy up, picked up the backpack and investigated. Noticing that it was unusually heavy and wondering if there was a small child or pet hiding in the pack, they peaked inside. And what did they find? A backpack full of books. Just in case there wasn't enough outdoor fun to keep him busy for a week of camping he had brought an entire backpack full of books.

And why, you may ask, do I tell this story now? Well, a certain little someone got a new backpack for Christmas. And she's been stuffing it full of books. And then staggering around the house saying "Whoa. Whoa!" as she attempts to prevent herself from falling over backwards under the weight of her books.




*Not all parties believe this story to be true.
**Only Marsha and Mary can do justice to how funny this story really is when retold for the umpteenth time.