The Kevster is away for two weeks at a program run by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation for gifted and talented junior high kids, exploring the Patuxent and Choptank estuaries and learning about the ties between the rivers, bay and ocean and the food we eat, among other things.

We dropped Kevin off at a farm run by the CBF in Upper Marlboro, Maryland–it was once a working tobacco farm–on Sunday. It was hot–almost 100 degrees F, and humidity above 90%. After a short orientation, it was time for us to go–and Kevin was eager to get rid of us.
Kevin had to write an essay to get into the program, and get two teacher recommendations. He worked hard for this; it’s his first big solo adventure in life, the longest he’s been away from home by himself ever. He’s supposed to complete a project of some sort during the trip, and do something to share his experience with kids at school when he goes back at the end of August.

I’m really proud of him, in case you hadn’t figured that out.