​We’re safely back home from an excellent week. We did a lot all close to home. Abingdon, Virginia proved to be a perfect selection for our base “camp” as we experienced an amazing selection of activities. This was our largest group of boys ever – 33 amazing kids all ready to participate in whatever would unfold each day. And as with all MTA programs, every day is different than the one before. We biked, kayaked, zip-lined, and hiked. We went to a drive-in movie, had a night of “burgers & bingo,” and had our own bowling tournament. We saw a production at the Barter Theatre and had a walking ghost tour. We’re not sure if we saw ay ghosts, but our guide sent us photos showing proof. We enjoyed the luxury of being driven around in our chartered motor coach, another MTA first.  And boys spent the entire week without an iPhone, iPad, iPod, or game system! 
 
I can say without hesitation that everyone had a great week. Thanks to my leaders: Howard Yarborough, Doug Williams, Don Silleman, Andy Lammers, and Andy Clack. Thanks to our bus driver, Don Teague. And thanks to all the wonderful people in Virginia and Tennessee who were so helpful in making this trip so wonderful and safe.
 
I’m already looking forward to 2019.
 
Mark