The Flapjack 20 is a Boy Scout sanctioned 20 mile hike at night that culminates with a pancake breakfast.
Personally, eating pancakes after walking in the woods for 20 miles and 8-9 hours at night makes me nauseous.
But back to Samuel.
He was decked out in his long johns, wool socks, coat and hiking boots. (Yes, jeans and a shirt) Stephen was in charge of providing hot chocolate and snacks at the 10 mile mark. So, he left sometime after 11:00 ( I had to sleep, so I’m really not sure what time he left) and went to prepare everything for the guys.
10 boys and 2 adults started the hike and at the ten mile mark, 4 boys and 1 adult were left.
Samuel was one of the ones that stayed. Sometime while Stephen was gone to provide snacks I prayed that God would give Samuel the will to persevere and have endurance. Samuel isn’t known for perseverance in other areas of his life, namely school work, and I really wanted him to see that he could complete something that seemed so very tough.
He came home at 6:30, after eating pancakes and sausage (GAG!), and went to the bathtub and then to bed. He slept for a few hours, got up to eat, and slept for a few more hours.
I was so proud of him for completing the 20 mile hike in the dark with a flashlight whose battery was waining at the end of the hike. He said he lost sight of one of the leaders for the last 5 miles.
But he kept on. I of course made a life application out of this hike. It is my job as his mother and his teacher. But I also let him now how proud I was of him. And how gross I thought it was that he ate pancakes after hiking 20 miles.
Life With My Sister 
Congrats to Samuel! I couldn't walk 20 miles in the light and then eat pancakes let alone walk that in the dark. Way to go!
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Tell Samuel how proud his Aunt Janet is of him!!!! I can't imagine accomplishing that! Wow!! What a guy! And kudos to you Julie and Stephen for raising such a wonderful man!Love You AllYFATBEO
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This is unbelievably impressive. I know you are so very proud.
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Samuel is following in his Aunt Abby's footsteps (Miss San Francisco marathoner) and his Great Aunt Donna's footsteps (Miss Anchorage, AK marathoner). Be careful, those marathons can become addictive – he may just decide to keep doing them. We are proud of him!Aunt Donna
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Great training for my future MARINE ! He is a fantastic young man and I mean that. I am so proud of the man he is becoming.I know his brothers and his young cousin will be just as awesome men.And, his little sister will break alot of hearts.I am so proud of all five of them.Granddaddy
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I was a little worried about him doing that, but I guess he did good even though i had to worry. He may end up being the youngest Eagle Scout ever!!!!Way to go Samuel!!!!!!
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