So Lucky to be an American

I could not have said it better.
This is Baxter Black, my kinda guy... Just a guy in love with America just like me.
Enjoy!
Learn more about Mr. Black at his website. www.baxterblack.com

And for those of you that love the pork as much as I... here is a must see download.

Have a Great Scouting Day!

The morning after

It is the morning after another great Thanksgiving. What made this Thanksgiving great for me this year was the simplicity. Now I don't want to start sounding like a old fuddy duddy...
But, coupled with the fact the leading up to Thanksgiving I was on the "impact" subject and did a lot of soul searching finding better ways to influence the Scouts of my Troop and the fact that this Thanksgiving was near perfect. It was simple.
We went to my sisters house, my parents, my sister, her husband and kids, my family and by brother in laws mom were there.. that was it.
Mom cooked a great turkey, nice big bird cooked to perfection, my sister did her normal fantastic job of preparing the other stuff in a truly Martha Stewart fashion, and my wife did a great job with salads, sides, and dinner roles.
Dad began the meal with a beautiful talk about what thanksgiving is all about. Yeah, Pilgrims yada yada, but he passed on what Thanksgiving has always been about for him and our family and that is simply family.
For our family thanksgiving was always special. Growing up with my Dad in the Army, we moved all over the world and each Thanksgiving found us in far away lands, away from our family in "the States". So we became close, just the 5 of us finding comfort in family. I think that is why we are closer today and where the values are built that carry in our lives today. It shaped what is really important in us.
After dinner, my parents had a special treat. They converted the old Super 8 films to DVD and we sat and laughed at old hair styles, goofy action, and remembered where we were taking a stroll down memory lane. I had not seen those films since I was 12. Wow, I guess the more we change, the more we stay the same.
It was real special to see my brother as a baby and toddler. He is no longer with us, so it was nice to share Thanksgiving with him, albeit he was on the DVD.
It was a simple Thanksgiving. Just Family. Perfect.
We truly have a lot to be thankful for and yesterday we got to share our thanks with the ones we love.
As we take stock in what we have, where we are, where we have been and where we want to go in the near and far future, remember what got you there. The struggles, the happy times, and the effort that you give to make your lives the best it can be.
I popped online this morning and checked into skype. Shawn was on and his message said "Its almost 2009".
Not that I did not know that, but it sure was a reminder that time is flying by, we need to get ready for the coming year. Our Troop plans are set and we are in progress., but what about our personal plans. Don't wait till the last minute, and don't just fly by the seat of your pants. Have a plan and work that plan. In November 2009, you will be more thankful.
We had a great Thanksgiving. A special time with my family. I hope you all did too.

Have a Great Scouting Day!

Thanksgiving

I would like to wish all of my Friends in Scouting a very blessed Thanksgiving.
As you have read my blog over the last year you know a bit about who I am and I have shared on many occassions just how thankful I am.
Today is a day set aside to give thanks.

Thank you.

For Food
For Raiment
For Life
For Opportunity
For Friendship
For Fellowship
We thank Thee, O Lord.

Amen.

Have a Great Scouting Day!

Giving it back

"It's time to take our destiny and our definition back into our own hands," Mazzuca said. "We have such a positive story to tell."

I don't know why, but sometimes things happen and it seems to hover. Lately, it seems that the subject of our impact or legacy as Scouts and Scouters has been on my mind.
First, being honored at the Council Board meeting, introduced as a member of the James E. West fellowship and Life member of the Scouting Heritage Society.
Then, having the honor of correspondence with Alvin Townley. A reminder of the impact we have on Scouting and our Nation. That no matter what our role is in Scouting and especially those that have worked to achieve the Eagle Award. The message is that we owe this organization called Scouting a great deal. It has given us so much, we need to give back.
Over the last few weeks I have been caught up with the overwhelming thought of our impact on these young men. It has almost become an obsession.
I know that the program our unit offers is consistent and in keeping with the traditions and values of the Boy Scouts of America. But are we doing all that we can to ensure our program instills the value of return in our Scouts.
I had lunch with my Dad yesterday. He was an active part in my Scouting life as a youngster.
An assistant Scoutmaster in my troop and a great teacher of out door skills.
He is a merit badge counselor and a member of our Troop committee now. We were talking about our obligation to give back. He gives as he says "till it hurts" both in time and money. And don't we all, the point is we find what we love and who, how, and what we want to support. Scouting is unique though in that it is a values base that stays with us for our life time. In that set of values we find rules to live by and obligations that direct our lives. Obligations that ask us to serve. To give and give back.
By giving back we perpetuate those values, teach them, and watch as our young men grow in character and our nation benefits form our actions a Scouts.
Our Creed of Honor that grows in all of us.
This idea of impact is burning in me right now. It is a good time to be a Scout, Scouter or a supporter of Scouting. Our nation needs Scouts and Scouting and we as leaders need to do what we can to keep it alive and well.
The Board of Directors of the Cascade Pacific Council stated at the last Board Meeting that "Scouting is healthy." In a time that the economy is uncertain, war, and a general attitude that our future is uncertain, the one thing that has not changed and will remain constant is Scouting.
Our values, our program, and our commitment continues to stir in the hearts of Scout leaders and the Scouts we serve.
Now if that does not make you think...well time to head to another blog.
Ralph Waldo Emerson's observation that "an institution is the lengthened shadow of one man." Scouting today is the "lengthened shadow" of all of us that continue to give back.

Have a Great Scouting Day!

Thoughts from a Thankful Scoutmaster

Last night the Troop held it's monthly fun night after the PLC meeting. This month the Scouts elected to play Basketball over at the Church gym as the darkness is falling earlier and its getting cold outside.
So they held their PLC meeting focusing on the January Camp out and discussing the events of December that the Troop will be involved in. I gave my two and half cents were needed and pretty much let them be.
Then off to the gym. It didn't take long to pick teams and the game began. We had a young Webelos Scout and his parents visiting last night, it was actually good for them to see the Troop at play. They got to see the camaraderie and cheerful spirit of the Troop as well as good sportsmanship.
At the end of the game, I gathered the Scouts at center court for some comments and a Scoutmaster minute to wrap up the night. I had something prepared, but then I looked at the boys sitting there on the floor and it hit me.

I am so blessed.

So I just talked to the Scouts about that.

I am so blessed that I have been chosen to be their Scoutmaster. To be a Scoutmaster at all is a blessing. To have the opportunity to impact these young men and watch them grow in character and skills that will last a life time. I thought about an email I received yesterday in which we had gone back and forth about Scoutmastership. The emailer reminded me of a quote from the book Legacy of Honor (which I have written about earlier). The quote was about the impact that a Scoutmaster has on the young men he serves. In the book the author was interviewing a man named Jim Breedlove. Mr. Breedlove said; "Scoutmaster is the most distinguished title a man can have....When I think of those people who have the opportunity to shape the lives of individuals to produce an outcome that is relevant, the role of Scoutmaster does that better than any one position I can think of."

So of course this got me thinking about my report card as a Scoutmaster. Is what I am doing that important? Do I really have that kind of impact? And if so... How am I doing?
My Dad used to always say that the "Proof is in the pudding". So I looked at the pudding.. the Scouts. Now we are far from seeing the results of the boys progress in life, but I suppose we can call it a quarterly report. I looked at pictures of our Troops first year. Man were those guys small. The looks on their faces as they braced for adventures to come, their willingness to learn and develop skills. The fun they had.
I remember a camp out, oh way back in our first year. We went to Ft. Stevens State Park and we were working on Map and Compass. We took the boys on a 5 mile hike and as we got closer to camp, I realized we were burning daylight and we still had dinner to cook. We challenged the Scouts, that if they beat us back to camp that we would do all the dishes. They took off like there was a blue light special on candy. They beat us back to camp, which allowed the ASMs and I to drop back and have a moment to talk about the next months camp out. So eager they were.
And today, well today they still are. Now the older guys are dropping back and making that challenge, teaching and sharing their experience with those new bright eyed Scouts that are eager and willing to step on to the trail of new adventure.
I am worthy of such a distinguished title... Scoutmaster. Maybe, but I love it. Looking back at the 5 boys that we started Troop 664 with, I can say with a some certainty that Scouting has made an impact on them so far. I see it in their attitudes, their skills, and the way they act.
Last night I talked with one of the original boys. He is a leader in his High School, gets good grades, plays sports, is helpful around the house, and a genuinely caring kid, I really appreciate him. I have seen him grow as a young man tremendously.
And then there was one of our younger guys, that after the Scoutmaster minute took the time to tell me his list of things he would saying at the dinner table on Thursday when it was his turn to give Thanks. He said that he was thankful that I was his Scoutmaster. I almost teared up.
Impact? Yes. Blessed? Yes. Thankful? Yes.
So I am truly humbled by the experience of being a Scoutmaster. As I told the boys last night, I will not leave until the Knights (our CO) asks me to.
Looking at the young faces at center court last night was all I needed to understand the impact, and the huge responsibility that comes with it. Last night was all it took to snap things in perspective and realize how thankful and blessed I am.
I told the Scouts of 664 that this Thursday as they sit at the table and gave thanks that they need to remember how blessed they are. How blessed to have the opportunities they have, to wake up in the Greatest Nation, to have freedom, to have parents and know what love feels like. To be able to enjoy a meal with family and friends, to have warmth and safety.
We have so much to be thankful for. I am thankful for so much, a list too long to share, but near the top, definitely in the Top 5 is the word Scoutmaster and all that comes with it..namely the Scouts.

Have a Great Scouting Day!

Backpacking Tip of the Week

Fuel consumption in the cold.

No matter which type of fuel you use for cooking, in the winter you need to plan for more.
This is an important part of planning your Patrol's meals, as you need to account for the amount of fuel you will burn, which impacts the amount of fuel you need to carry.
Plan on burning twice as much fuel in the winter months.
Canister fuel, liquid fuel, even burning wood doubles in the winter.
Here are a few tips to conserve fuel and use it more efficiently in the winter.

1. Never have a flame without a pot over it. Prep your food ahead of time, get it in the pot...then light the stove. Burning fuel without producing something is a waste of fuel.
2. Keep your fuel as warm as you can. Store your fuel in an old sock while it's in your pack.
At night keep your canisters or fuel bottles in your tent. Canister fuel in a sock placed in your sleeping bag can be a life saver in the morning. Fuel gets cold and hard to burn. Keeping it warm insures quick lighting and more efficient burn.

3. Use a wind screen. Block the wind to keep your flame where it needs to be.
4. Plan for quick, one pot meals. The faster you cook (prep and boil etc) the less fuel you use.
5. Always use a lid on your pot. This helps retain heat for quicker cooking.
6. Learn how to use your stove..before you go. Learn how to set your stove to simmer, this uses less fuel also and for some meals you may need to cook using a lower heat so as not to burn.
7. When boiling water...crank it up.. get it boiling... and shut it down.

Use these simple tips and you will burn less and get the heat where it belongs in the winter... YOUR BELLY!

Have a Great Scouting Day!

Sleeping while the Wind Blows

As we repeat the Scout Oath each week at our meetings and try every day to live the values and promises it contains, sometimes it is worth putting it in perspective and coming to a better understanding of what we promise when we say those words that begin with ON MY HONOR.

To keep myself Physically strong, Mentally awake, and Morally straight.
The last part of the Scout Oath, the part in which we make three promises to ourselves. Those final promises that shape character and set direction in our lives. That last part of the Oath that keeps us Prepared... for anything.

A friend of mine sent me this short story. I do not know who the original author is, but it is worth the read, I modified it at the end to maintain relevance in a Scouting setting.

Years ago, a farmer owned land along the Atlantic seacoast. He constantly advertised for hired hands. Most people were reluctant to work on farms along the Atlantic. They dreaded the awful storms that raged across the sea, wreaking havoc on the buildings and crops. As the farmer interviewed applicants for the job, he received a steady stream of refusals.
Finally, a short, thin man, well past middle age, approached the farmer. “Are you a good farm hand?” the farmer asked him. “Well, I can sleep when the wind blows,” answered the little man.
Although puzzled by this answer, the farmer, desperate for help, hired him. The little man worked well around the farm, busy from dawn to dusk, and the farmer felt satisfied with the man’s work. Then one night the wind howled loudly in from offshore.
Jumping out of bed, the farmer grabbed a lantern and rushed next door to the hired hand’s sleeping quarters. He shook the little man and yelled, “Get Up! A storm is coming! Tie things down before they blow away!”
The little man rolled over in bed and said firmly, “No sir, I told you, I can sleep when the wind blows.”
Enraged by the response, the farmer was tempted to fire him on the spot. Instead, he hurried outside to prepare for the storm. To his amazement, he discovered that all of the haystacks had been covered with tarpaulins. The cows were in the barn, the chickens were in the coops, and the doors were barred. The shutters were tightly secured.
Everything was tied down.
Nothing could blow away. The farmer then understood what his hired hand meant,
so he returned to his bed to also sleep while the wind blew.

MORAL OF THIS STORY

When you’re prepared, spiritually, mentally, and physically, you have nothing to fear. Can you sleep when the wind blows through your life?
The hired hand in the story was able to sleep because he had secured the farm against the storm.
We secure ourselves against the storms of life by grounding ourselves in the in the Scout Oath and Law.

The Scout Oath and Law grounds us against every storm. It ensures that we are Trustworthy and Loyal, like the farmer in the story. Brave, so we can sleep while the winds blow, standing up to that which challenges us. And Reverent. We know that when we ground our selves in a belief in God, or a higher power that we know and love, that we will ultimately be alright. We know that we have a protector in our Savior and that by maintaining our faith in him, he will take care of us.
I love in the story that it speaks to BEING PREPARED. Baden Powell challenged us to BE PREPARED for anything. It is our motto. We prepare for the storms in our life by living the Oath and Law.

What a great story that sums up our promise, OUR HONOR.

Have a Great Scouting Day!

The Eagle Reserve Initiative

I am not one to just promote something for the sake of promotion.. and since I don't get paid to do this Scouting stuff when I do promote something, it is because I believe in it and think it is worth while and worth passing on.

I received an email from Alvin Townley, the author of "Legacy of Honor". You will notice that it is on by bookshelf. Great book and worth the read. If you have not read it... please do. Again, I have no dog in the fight, just read the book.

Alvin has a new book coming out in 2009. I can't wait to get my hands on it. But the email prompted me to check out his website again. I had not been in a long time. As I perused the site I came upon a section called the "Eagle Reserve Initiative".
Basically he is call all Eagle Scouts to give back. Great idea.

He writes on the web site;
"In my travels across the country, I've heard again and again that Eagle Scouts of my generation want to give back to Scouting, but serving as a traditional weekly leader often doesn't suit our situation in life. I've also seen that many troops lack the outdoor skill and leadership to provide their Scouts with the high adventure so crucial to a good experience.
So, we attacked both problems and developed a program where a group of Eagle Scouts can help chaperon a local troop on a camping trip, once a year.
The pilot took place outside Atlanta in Fall 2008 and the Eagle Reserve program is being rolled out nationwide. We just need Eagles to volunteer to get back into their element and go camping with their friends...and take along a group of Scouts.
This is our generation's chance to give back and create this Movement's future."

Learn more about this great program at the Legacy of Honor website.

I think Alvin Townely has truly grasped the concept and true spirit of being an Eagle Scout.
Less about ink on a resume, more about giving back and demonstrating Scout Spirit throughout your life time.
Thanks Alvin, I appreciate what you do.

Have a Great Scouting day!

Mike Rowe, Eagle Scout

As most of you are already aware, Mike Rowe, host of the TV series Dirty Jobs posted a great letter on his blog.
My good buddy Steve posted something about it, as did a new friend in Scouting Jeff
You can read their posts here: STEVE and JEFF.

There is not much I can add that has not been said, I would encourage you not only to check out my friends blogs, but also the blog of Mike Rowe.

I think Mikes response was spot on! I only hope the young man got the point and earned...yes EARNED his Eagle award!

Have a Great Scouting Day!

The Scoutmaster Minute Podcast Show #25

Troop Junior Leader Training. A valuable tool to give the Youth leaders of your troop. A must do every year to insure you have effective leaders that can provide Purpose, Direction, and Motivation.
This show is a discussion of how our Troop (Troop 664) conducts TJLT annually.
Enjoy.

Listen or Download here

Standard Podcast [27:09m] mp3 format

This show is Sponsored by Badge Magic.
The Scoutmaster Minute is Hosted by Scoutdata.com

Have a Great Scouting Day!

Lots of Flavors

Yesterday we held our first ever Open House. In the past recruiting has come easy, and for the most part it still is. You see, "If you build it...they come". Yeah, I am referring to a solid Scouting program. If you build a good program, the word gets out and the Scouts come.
This year, however, we thought it would be a good idea to open our doors and show our Troops flavor. Not with the expectation of getting more boys to join, but to show our program and allow them to make the decision. We also thought it would be a good idea to help some of those Webelos that were looking at wrapping up those last few requirements for their Arrow of Light.

So we put together a nice package that accomplished many goals.
First, introduce the troop. Second, help the Webelos, and Finally recruit, if not to our Troop, but then to another troop that would fit the Scout and his families needs in Scouting.

Now we view Scout Troops as Ice cream with many flavors. Our troop is Rocky road. Other troops may be vanilla, chocolate, or cookies and cream, none of them better than the others, just different. Some folks like chocolate better than vanilla, and some like nuts in their ice cream. each flavor is great when that is what you like. And that is what we sell. We sell our flavor. We do not try to be better than anyone else, we do not try to offer what others offer, other than then what is outlined in the BSA program. We all know that troops are different, but we also know that there are certain things that all troops have in common. We offer all the common things, but do it with our flavor.

We had a good turn out, I would not say it was fantastic, but I think that no matter what Troop those boys go to, they will have fun, but more importantly, they will stay in Scouting.
And with that we all win.

Will we do it again.. I am sure we will. Will we change our flavor... probably not... not just to get turn out at an open house. We love rocky road, the Scouts like it and come back every Monday to get more. Is it the nuts? Is it the marshmallow? Or is the chocolate?

All of the above.




Have a Great Scouting Day!

Gay's, Gun's, and God...

Yesterday I had the pleasure of defending the Boy Scouts of America, well it was not to hard to do as the BSA's program pretty much speaks for itself, but none the less I found myself standing in the check out line of a local store on my way to Round table. I was proudly wearing my uniform patiently waiting as the clerk once again called for a price check.
A lady behind me commented on the new uniform and how it was not a "Flashy" as the red tabbed and numbered shirt. She asked if it was a down play to not look as "Scouty" (what ever that means).
I explained that I really was not part of the decision making process, but I thought the intent was to be more "Outdoorsy" To blend in, not in a camouflage way, but more subdued, like the camping gear we use (See Leave no trace).
She said that her was a Cub Scout, but they had to remove him from the program because of the issues that the BSA would not flex on.
Fully knowing were this was going, and not trying to get into it, I smiled and nodded and said that was too bad.
She poked again asking why the BSA was so inflexible, forcing young boys to believe in God. I replied that the BSA does not force anyone to do anything. The BSA just believes that for a young man to make ethical decisions throughout his lifetime that there should be a foundation of faith, any faith. It is not restricted to God, it could be Alla or Buddha, or a Tree. But an understanding that a Higher power has gifted us these great things on Earth so that we can be good stewards of it, that we live by the Golden rule, that we should be Reverent is an important part of a Scouts foundation.
As I could see that it was not sinking in, I again turned and waited as another price check was called for.
She then poked and asked... well what about Gays? I asked her, what about them? The BSA does not want Gay's in the program she said. I tried to explain to her that the Boy Scouts of America believes that homosexual conduct is inconsistent with the obligations in the Scout Oath and Law to be morally straight and clean in thought, word, and deed. Scouting’s position with respect to homosexual conduct accords with the moral positions of many millions of Americans and with religious denominations to which a majority of Americans belong. Because of these views, the Boy Scouts of America believes that a known homosexual is not an appropriate role model of the Scout Oath and Law for boys.
She asked if I thought that was discrimination, and I answered, it sure is, and I think it is an appropriate way to discriminate as I want my own Sons to have role models that are consistent with our faith base and family values.
Then she said...yeah well.. I did not want my kid around guns. They are harmful and the Boy Scouts should not be gloryfing guns and killing.
I asked were she thought the BSA did that? There is not Hunting Merit badge, we only shoot at targets (Paper targets), and safety is paramount on the BSA's ranges. I told her that in all my time, I have never had to pry on to a range, but have had to kick them off so others can get a shot.
The BSA teaches respect and safety of firearms. That it is ok to participate in Shooting sports, and that by teaching and encouraging proper fire arm safety, we actually reduce the risk of those guns turning into something harmful.
She said, well I just don't like guns...why can't the Boy Scouts just be flexible?

At that point I had finally reached the checkout and was feeling pretty good about the way the BSA looked. A few other ears were now in the conversation and so I parted ways saying, the Boy Scouts of America is a private organization that welcomes everyone that wants to participate in ITS program, the program that encourages values and character. A program that wants its Scouts to be safe and provided with positive role models. An organization that wants a young man to grow up with an understanding of servant leadership and that he can see that model of servant leadership in our God.
The BSA is flexible... it's may not be your cup of tea if you can't live the values set out in the program. There are other opportunities for your son, the YMCA, Boys and Girls Clubs, Police Activities Leagues etc. Maybe the Boy Scouts just was not for you.

She stood and stared for a moment, and simply said, I guess not.
I told her to have a Great evening and we parted ways. My oldest son, who was with me, asked what her problem was? I told him that she just did not get it. He smiled and we left.

Scouting is for everyone. Everyone that believes in the Oath and Law and that the world would be better if there were more Scouts.

Have a Great Scouting Day!

Tbird National Jamboree Blog

For those of you that follow my blog, I have created a blog for the members of the Thunderbird Area that have registered for the 2010 National Jamboree!

It will be a conduit of information and news to keep up with National Jamboree events, time lines, and news.

You can follow the blog here.

Have a Great Scouting Day!

Backpacking Tip of the Week

Backpacking puts you out into the wilderness, away from the hustle and bustle of every day life.. away from cars and phones and immediate care.

It is important that we enter the wilderness area with a solid foundation of camping skills.
First Aid, Fire building, Orienteering and most important Common sense.

As we entering the winter months it is always worth revisiting common first aid issues.

So this weeks Backpack tip is about Common signs of Cold weather injuries.

Common cold weather injuries when backpacking are Hypothermia, Frost Bite, and Frost Nip.

Symptoms of hypothermia are:
Signs and symptoms include: Shivering, Slurred speech, Abnormally slow breathing, Cold, pale skin, Loss of coordination, Fatigue, lethargy or apathy, Confusion or memory loss.

To treat a Scout with hypothermia, first move the person out of the cold. If going indoors isn't possible, protect the person from the wind, cover his head, and insulate his body from the cold ground.
Remove wet clothing. Replace wet things with a warm, dry covering.
Don't apply direct heat. Don't use hot water, a heating pad or a heating lamp to warm the victim. Instead, apply warm compresses to the neck, chest wall and groin. Don't attempt to warm the arms and legs. Heat applied to the arms and legs forces cold blood back toward the heart, lungs and brain, causing the core body temperature to drop. This can be fatal.
Offer warm drinks like hot chocolate or even just warm water, unless the person is vomiting.
Don't massage or rub the person. Handle people with hypothermia gently, because they're at risk of cardiac arrest. Monitor breathing, be prepared to administer CPR.

The key is prevention. Stay dry, change your socks often and when you do get wet, change right away.

When exposed to very cold temperatures, skin and underlying tissues may freeze, resulting in frostbite. The areas most likely to be affected by frostbite are your hands, feet, nose and ears.
You can identify frostbite by the hard, pale and cold quality of skin that has been exposed to the cold. As the area thaws, the flesh becomes red and painful.
If your fingers, ears or other areas suffer frostbite:
Get out of the cold.
Warm your hands by tucking them under your arms. If your nose, ears or face is frostbitten, warm the area by covering it with dry, gloved hands.
Don't rub the affected area. Never rub snow on frostbitten skin.
If there's any chance of refreezing, don't thaw out the affected areas. If they're already thawed out, wrap them up so they don't refreeze.
Get emergency medical help if numbness remains during warming. If you can't get help immediately, warm severely frostbitten hands or feet in warm — not hot — water. You can warm other frostbitten areas, such as your nose, cheeks or ears, by covering them with your warm hands or by applying warm cloths.

Recognizing the symptoms of Hypothermia and Frost bite will keep you and your buddies safe. Cold weather injuries are painful and can result in loss of limbs, fingers, and death. Prevention of these symptoms, knowing how to prevent falling victim to the cold can save your life.

Your experiences camping in the winter can fun and enjoyable.. as long as you are watchful for cold weather injuries. Don't let the cold scare you off.

Just BE PREPARED!

Have a Great Scouting Day!

To those that served

Today we honor all of those that have served in the forces that protect our Country and preserve our way of life with Pride and Honor.
Thank you for your commitment, selfless service, and dedication to keeping our Nation free.

Last night we had a National Jamboree meeting. All of the Scoutmasters, Assistants, and the Council Contingent met, as we do monthly. Last night was a special meeting as we were all asked to bring our Wives, Husbands, Girlfriends, and in the cases of the 3rd Assistants... their Moms and Dads.
My Troop was tasked last night with the opening ceremony.
I thought long and hard about how I could tie in "Climbing the Mountain" which was the theme over the last two months. The fact that we are embarking on this amazing journey to the National Jamboree. But then I thought about our families, and why the Council wanted to meet and speak with our significant others to let them know just how much they are appreciated.

So I told a story about home. You have heard that home is were the heart is. Well it was a warm.. extremely hot morning just south of Baghdad. We were heading back to our camp after a long patrol that turned out to be pretty exciting.
As we approached the highway and turned South we could see in the distance, about 8 miles away a small object fluttering in the breeze.
The sun broke through the dirty sand blown windshield of our HUMMV and as we got closer and closer we could see the object more clearly. It was the flag of the United States of America. Sun bleached and tattered it was like a beacon guiding us back to camp... back to home. Camp was safe, it was protected, it was were we could relax, breath easy, and sleep knowing that it would all be ok.
Every time we went on Patrol we would look forward to seeing the flag, flying over our camp. IT meant we were safe.
The Flag doesn't mean anything unless you make it mean something, otherwise it is just cloth, nylon or cotton. A few bars and a handful of stars that someone thought looked good.
But to me, and the men I served with..it means HOME. Which means the world to me..to us.
I have that flag and I showed it at the Jambo meeting last night. As I held it in my hands, a feeling of safety, comfort, peace fell over me. I am home.

My Great Grandfather served his Country, my Grandfather served, my Father served, and I dedicated 21 years of my life in the service of this wonderful Nation.
Today is Veterans Day and today I thank all those that served with honor, to those that have had to go abroad and face the enemies of our freedom, to those that understand what it means to love our home.

Happy Veterans Day!

Have a Great Scouting Day!

Greatness

In the Shakespeare play Twelfth Night Malvolio reads; "Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them."

Like I have said before, Leaders are not born they are made. Some men seem to be born to greatness however, whether that is due to family bonds and position or the person is born with the attitude of greatness. Now what is that?
Well we see those people that seem to have plenty of attitude, positive or negative, but it manifests early in life. You would think that this person was destined to be great.
On the football field there are those player that seem to be natural in a certain position, in a Scout Troop there are those Scouts that have no problem standing in front of a group and leading. They seem comfortable in group situations and never shy away from leadership.

Some athletes achieve greatness with practice and dedication to skills, some Scouts achieve greatness or become leaders through practice and skills development. They may not have been comfortable, but as time goes by they develop that confidence and set of skills that allow them to dare to be great.

Our advancement program at times Thrust greatness upon the leader. Situations that we put our Scouts in to be successful help the Scout achieve greatness. Putting the Scout in a position that may be slightly uncomfortable, a situation to make tough decisions, a position to make a difference, a change, a positive impact on the troop or patrol. These all thrust the Scout into a position that he can achieve greatness.

Now we can debate the word greatness, and we can argue that we should not put our Scouts in that position, but if we don't... someone else will, and at least in Scouting we can control the elements to a certain degree. We can focus the task and coach through the outcome, we can set the conditions to allow for success.

This weekend my Troop will be conducting Troop Junior Leader Training. Our Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, and our most recent past Senior Patrol Leader will be thrust into greatness. They will be the trainers. They will be put in a position to make a difference, and impact on the Troop. Being the trainers they will be looked upon by the Adult leaders and the youth leaders alike to be an example of leadership... of greatness.

I am proud of them and all of our Scouts. They probably have not read Shakespeare, they more than likely have no desire to be great, and they certainly don't ask for greatness, but the things they do, the positions they are thrust into, and the desire and willingness to lead make them great in my eyes.

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader."- John Quincy Adams.

Have a Great Scouting Day!

Election Day

Hope that everyone of you that are eligible to vote did so.

Voting is not just a Right...it is a responsibility.

Have a Great Scouting Day!

Decisions and influence

There are things in our lives that influence every decision we make. Whether that influence comes from within, as in those experiences we have from places we have been, things we have done, that which we have learned, or from outside sources like people we come in contact with, the weather, or conditions that we can not always control.
Your experiences play a major role in the decisions you make. If you learn solid values and live them daily the decisions you make will be guided by those values. Once you have mastered skills the decisions you make when faced with situations becomes easier and require less and less thought.
Peer pressure can play a major role in the decisions our Scouts make. Our Scouts are not under any more pressure than we were when we were kids. Perceptions of Scouts being geeks or nerds have not changed in the last 30 years.
Where our Scouts can have an edge though is when they are taught that Scouting is in fact cool. The things that we do, the experiences that we have and share, the leadership that we develop and the Character that is created in our Scouts pulls them through, just as it has for years.

Our Scouts need to understand that what they are doing is cool and that becoming a real man is more important than being a "Cool guy". I know that this is "Dad speak"... but the fact is that if our Scouts do not hear from us, they won't.
I think it was Chief Justice Story that said that "Majorities are not always right".
This is true for our Scouts that deal with peer pressure. They need to understand that smoking under the bleachers is not cool. They need to know that drugs are harmful and so is anyone that pushes them on you is not a friend. Even if they say "Everyone is doing it".
Our Scouts know what Right looks like. We need to reinforce it.

The decisions that we make are influenced by many things. Scouting teaches us how to deal, process, and make sound decisions.

Have a Great Scouting Day!

Can you believe it?

It's hard to believe sometimes how time flies...
We had a Troop committee meeting today, and as I sat and listened to the committee conduct it's business, I realized that it is November. Now before you think I am a total dope...
Realizing it's November was a contextual thing.
Here we are, a few short weeks from Thanksgiving, a month from the Christmas rush, and we are already into the 2009 plan for the Troop.
Summer Camp reservations are in, monthly camp outs are planned and as we looked forward tonight to Scout Sunday in February and our annual Red and Green Dinner for Scout week, it only took a few flips of the calendar to get there. Wow..time flies. It seems as though we just home from summer camp at Baldwin. It seems as though the group of Webelos that crossed over in March just got here, but looking at them now.. they have grown a lot.

I suppose the moral of story is don't blink... Time seems to just fly by, and if we are not careful, it will pass you by.
There is too much in our Scouting lives that just seem to pass by. We need to stop sometimes and see what we are doing, catch the moment and enjoy it.
Tonight my sons and I were talking about National Jamboree and how quickly it is approaching.
We reminded ourselves that there is much to do before we go...
My youngest son was not that worried about the preparation, he was excited about the event.
He said that once we get there, it will be like summer camp... it will go quickly.. and he wanted to make the Jamboree last.
I thought about how smart that was, and that we need to take advantage of the time that we do have and make everything we do last.
There are so many opportunities within Scouting that we should take this approach on. So many times I have been to an event and the objective turns to how fast we can "get out of there".
How quickly we can get it cleaned up and get home. How fast we can get through a meeting.
But what happens when we do that?
We rush, we forget, we leave things out. That, and we loose focus on the reason we do it. To have fun, build those lasting memories, and make a difference.
I know that with the upcoming National Jamboree it will be all about just that. Lasting memories, fun, and making a difference in the Scouts that we take to A.P. Hill. Two of which live in my house.

So time flies.. remember that and let it guide you to slowing down and getting the most out of everything.

Have a Great Scouting Day!... All Day... Every Day!

Why? Why?

I received an email the other day asking why I focus so much on leadership in our program. Now to be fair, the emailer was not from my unit, just a faithful reader of the blog.
The reader asked why I focus on leadership and am so adamant about the methods. Well as to the latter.. I think the methods speak for themselves. They are the tools or steps that we use to reach our goal (or Aim) of providing a program that teaches and develops Citizenship, Character, and Fitness.
As to the former.. Leadership. Well it's pretty simple in my opinion. In larger part Scouting is about leadership. You see when we teach leadership we teach the Scouts how to be good servants.
We teach them responsibility, not just personal responsibility, but how to care for others.
We teach them about commitment, and how they must be committed to lead. Not for the sake of leading, but for those that they lead.
We teach them that to be a good leader, you must first be a good follower. This develops Citizenship in our Scouts. It also reinforces Character traits that allow the Scout to grow and develop into a good person. One that is part of a team, one that understands success and failure and how to overcome obstacles in the way to success.
Leadership teaches principle to use throughout their lives. Those things like "Knowing what right looks like". Planning, Preparing, and following through with something.
Taking responsibility for ones actions and being a positive influence for others.

Yes leadership is fundamental in Scouting.
The reader asked why... "isn't it all about Camping and Fun?"
Yes it is. It is all of that and more. As BP said..."It is a game with a purpose". We wrap all the camping and fun up in this neat package that includes leadership.. or is led by those that want the most and best out of Scouting.

Thank you to the emailer, and thank you to all of you that take the time to read the blog, shoot an email, and make Scouting better every day!

Have a Great Scouting Day!