All the nags I didn't nag

I practically bit my tongue off during this week of Boy Scout camping, trying hard NOT to tell Teddy what to do, wear, say.  I didn't want to embarrass him in front of his friends, and also wanted him to exercise some independence on this trip.  To get it off my chest, here's all the nagging I wanted to do but held in all week:

• You've eaten 11 pounds of sugar today...brush your teeth! (OK, I did say that to him one night, but I didn't say it the other 5!)
• Don't read--hang out with the other boys
• Wash your face, there's dirt on your nose, chin, cheek, ear, etc...
• Rinsing in water does not remove much dirt if you don't use soap
• Is that the same pair of pants you wore yesterday, the day before, 3 days ago, 4 days ago?
• I packed you enough socks and underwear for each day...how many have you actually used so far?
• If you are cold, wearing my black sweatshirt (I promise, I don't have cooties!) will keep you warmer than standing there shivering
• Tuck in your Class A uniform shirt
• Tie your shoes
• Listen to your counselors

I was thankful to realize there were surrogate parents all around us.  The Senior Patrol Leader enforced the mandatory shower day mid-week.  The camp staff checked hands before every meal, sending those with dirty hands to rewash and stand at the back of the line.  Older scouts reminded younger scouts to brush teeth, and not sleep in their uniforms, etc.  The scouts also checked in with each other to make sure everyone was where they were supposed to be at class times.  While not the same level of care/nagging that a devoted mother like myself will provide, his basic needs were taken care of.  I might not have to stay the whole week next trip.  Thank goodness for that!