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There's a real special place for folks who adopt and give a good home to one or more of those pups!

You're heading in the right direction!

I think the "plan" idea is a good one...But with all plans of action, to me it is not something I believe a 14 year old will master, and it become second nature to him...

Too many diversions and attention getters out there to cloud the mind...

And even then to have a plan, would mean it was prudent to have a back up contigency in case things change or not go as planned...I think that is too much for the age of the person to work out in a short period of time to be accepted, and comfortable with everyone...

At this point it appears to be well established that communications are good to go...And the ability to remove himself from a situation is somewhat established...That may be really all that needs to be honed...

If its unacceptable to get him out of the house during the day when you or your wife aren't there...Either at a camp situation, or job...Then the options about his well being and protection become narrowed...

Personally, I'm going to look into what my nephew is thinking he's going to do...He's the same age, and even though his mom is a school teacher, their activities will be limited, because shes got "other diversions" with his future stepdad...So if I get another idea I'll certainly float it out here and see what you think...

I'm groovy with the dog idea too...

As far as access to a firearm for defensive purposes...I would probably not, regardless of the purpose, and skill level...

I do not believe a 14 year old mind works as well as an adult (or more life experienced persons mind does), but thats just my opinion...

I also believe there are severe legal penalties that can be incurred for allowing a minor uncontrolled access to firearms...Again, regardless of reason or purpose...

I guess the only other obvious thing to keep him busy would be to find some podunk job that keeps him busy till you get home...I haven't heard that talked about yet...

I remember when I was that age, having several options/activities I attended so that my parents didn't have to worry too much during the summer break...

I would first sit down and ask him what he would like to do, 14 year olds are amazingly adept at telling you what they'd like to do, so that you can tell them what they are actually going to do...

Of course my summers were a bit longer than they are now, like most of the others here can recall...

I have a great-nephew (by marriage) and he's 14 this summer as well...

I have suggested a Christian Youth camp I used to work at up in N.E. Texas...They have short one and two week "sessions" with all sorts of activities grouped by age and gender sometimes...Its very structured (which I think fosters a good base to work on later on in the year) with a good staff of college aged folks running most of the operations, and an older staff that monitors over all of that as well...

So for at least two of those weeks, he's in good hands...I highly recommend it, and would be glad to give you more info if you like...

BTW, it is not faith restricted...The demographics over the last 40 years of "campers" has been all over the spectrum...From Catholic to Protestand fundementalist...Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran etc etc...

Its a really good experience...One that I attended for many years as a camper and staff...My Uncle ran the camp for a few years, and handed the overall management to a good friend of ours in the ministry, and he's really done a fine job of carrying on the tradition...

And the prices are absolutely a bargain, considering what you may pay in keeping a 14 year old entertained, in food, and other purchases in the same time frame...

As far as the rest of the summer...Well...I wish I had some ideas I could throw at you right this second...

BTW, anyone who is interested, is very welcome to email me and I'll be glad to steer you in the right direction...

I'll check and confirm, the place I am talking about does have a website...If there is enough response, I'll link that URL here...