A whole lot of buzz

“I’m a teacher and work as a camp counselor during the summers. One year, as I led a group of 7-year-old campers on a hike, it began to rain, so I lifted a low-hanging branch and motioned for the kids to come stay dry under the tree.

“Unfortunately, I didn’t realize a beehive was perched under the limb. Suddenly, what seemed like hundreds of bees flew out and made a beeline straight for me. I started screaming and flailing my arms. As I zigged and zagged, trying to evade the angry bees, I could hear my kids—as well as other campers—laughing hysterically. Luckily, I didn’t suffer any bee stings, but the ribbing I took later sure stung my pride.

“Fast-forward to the next year, while walking the trail with a new group of campers, I cautioned the kids to be careful of beehives. Suddenly, one boy excitedly said, ‘You’re Dances with Bees! My brother told me about you!’ As he shared the story, mimicking my flailing arms, all the kids burst out laughing. I was embarrassed, but I also liked my new cool nickname— I’d earned it!”