Bishops

"Bishops and stake presidents, once your leaders are trained, do everything you can to ensure that they stay in their callings long enough to make a difference in the lives of the boys they serve. In 2004, LDS troops had one of the largest percentage of boys registered in the Boy Scouts of America. Unfortunately, we also had a much higher percentage of the fatalities that occurred during Scout activities. We have learned that there are three reasons for this: (1) lack of training, (2) lack of experience, and (3) failure to exercise good common sense. We plead with you [Bishops] as you prayerfully consider calling them to serve as leaders of our young men, to ensure that they are committed to receiving appropriate BSA [and Scout's Canada] training and that they serve with the youth for an extended time." (Fall 2005 Young Men Open House Address)

"For unto Such Shall Ye Continue to Minister"-Aaronic Priesthood Leadership Workshop, Spring 2008

This is a great talk on Scouting/Young Men.

Summary -  When you call leaders, make it a memorable call. Take time to discuss your expectations and
what is required of them. Talk to them about time commitments, training expectations, personal
preparation, and the need for one-on-one contact with each boy. Have in your hand a list of
young men in the quorum, and take time to discuss the needs of each boy with the new leader.

The Importance of Wood Badge Training

The Importance of Wood Badge Training

February 2007 Comments by
Charles W. Dahlquist, II
Young Men General President 
  
It is vital that we, as Priesthood and Aaronic Priesthood/Young Men leaders take training seriously. We are part of this great partnership with Boy Scouts of America for very specific reasons: If we fully participate, our young men will be blessed and better prepared for missions and for the blessings of the temple. Part of the participation is training – especially Wood Badge training.

  If we are really intent in touching the lives of our young men, in building, as Elder Ballard has challenged," the greatest generation of missionaries this world has ever seen...," then we will do whatever is necessary to help us to accomplish that — including getting trained.  For most of us, Wood Badge is life-changing because it has to do more with vision and understanding than anything else.

Just to be candid with you, I struggle with the goals of "1 per ward per year" or "two per stake per year" or "3 1/2 per unit per two - three years..."  And even more ridiculous is the goal that a leader take Wood Badge within 1-2 years after he has taken Basic Training.  Statistics tell us that by that time, 90% of our leaders will be doing something else!

I suggest that it would be helpful to re-read D&C 128:19-22 and see just how important training was to the Prophet Joseph.  Granted, his training came from beyond the veil.  However, without it, he could not have accomplished what he did.

Just because this is God's work, why do we think that we do not need to be trained in that program which the Church has espoused for nearly 100 years as the "activity arm of the Aaronic Priesthood?"  And the reason why Scouting training is vital is that, by and large, we do a very poor job in training the leaders we call to Aaronic Priesthood/Young Men callings — and yet expect them to work miracles in the lives of their young men.  One of the great blessings of our partnership with Scouting is the marvelous training that is provided.

The call is for every leader, including stake presidency members working with youth, high councilors, stake Young Men presidents, Bishoprics, ward Young Men leaders and Scouting leaders to be trained.  By my count that is, at the least, 7-10 per ward and 50-75 per stake.  I know companies that don't even allow a new employee to step into the plant or office until he has received initial training.  They do that because they know that, without training, most individuals will be ineffective in the job they were hired to do.  And yet, we call leaders to strengthen, motivate and prepare young men for missionary service and life in general — without one iota of training.

In contrast to that, I know one bishop who has 17 Wood Badge trained leaders in his ward.  Imagine the strength of their youth program.  I was in another ward the other day — a new ward with little Scout tradition.  I was there because my grandson, now 11 years old, was getting his Second Class and First Class badges.  As I spoke with a member of the bishopric after the Court of Honor, he indicated that their entire Scouting team — Bishopric, Young Men presidency and Scouting leaders were heading to Wood Badge in October.  I can only imagine what a great blessing that will be to the boys those leaders serve.  INSTEAD OF WORRYING ABOUT 1 FROM A WARD AND TWO FROM A STAKE — WHY DON'T WE JUST COMMIT TO GET EVERY LEADER TRAINED, INCLUDING FAST START, BASIC TRAINING AND WOOD BADGE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THEY ARE CALLED.  Once a priesthood leader makes that type of an investment in the training of a leader, he will be less likely to release him after 6 months of faithful service — but will leave him in long enough to have a positive effect in the life of a boy.

There is one other reason why training is important.  In the BSA, we have approximately 17% of the boys registered nationally.  However, 50% of the fatalities arising from activity-related accidents were in LDS sponsored units.  As we have evaluated each of these, there are three reasons for these accidents:  (1) lack of training (most didn't even know what the BSA "Guide to Safe Scouting" was);  (2) lack of tenure; and (3) lack of common sense.

One final thought and then I'll stop.  With some exceptions, generally the best Duty to God progress is made in those units that also have vibrant Scouting programs.  The lessons on achievement programs learned in Scouting are the same that will make Duty to God effective.  I seldom see a ward or stake that has a vibrant, exciting, building Duty to God program, that does not also have a great Scouting program.

Not long ago, I spoke with a ward YM leader who was excited about the Duty to God program they had for their priests.  "One week we have one mission president come and talk to the boys about this subject, and the next week, we have a returned missionary come and talk about that subject, ...etc."  I asked, "Are they all lecture/discussions in the Church building?"  "Yes," was the answer.  "And do they constitute your full activity program for priests, except for the joint activities?"  Again the answer was "Yes."  Then I asked, "And are your priests excited about what you are doing?"  After some reflection, this Young Men president said, "You know, they really aren't.  We are having a very hard time getting them to attend."  Had this leader been to Wood Badge, he would have learned early that when you take "fun" out of youth programs — most of the youth take themselves out as well.  Scouting teaches us how to build character and spiritual depth in our young men, and how to help them become involved in service and making a difference in the lives of others — while they are having fun.  I, personally, am grateful for the effect of my own personal attendance at Wood Badge at Camp Maple Dell 23 years ago.  I may not remember how to make a woggle, but I can still recall my feelings experienced during the training — it was life changing for me.

Thanks for all you do to strengthen the programs of the Aaronic Priesthood withi your area.  I had not intended to be so long-winded, but have strong feelings — as if you couldn't tell.

Best wishes,
Charles Dahlquist
Charles W. Dahlquist, II
Young Men General President

IOLS

I don't get a lot of comments on here but I see that traffic is picking up.  I am glad you are here.  I hope my rants don't discourage you from returning.  And on to the questions for this post.

I honor the Sabbath.  At least I believe the Lord and I are straight with each other.  I use Sunday as a day of rest, Gospel Study, family time, PPIs with kids, time with my wife, time to cook with my family.  I watch the occasional football game on Sunday.  In November, I will be training new Scout leaders at IOLS for our District.  I serve on the training committee.  They all know I am LDS and asked me "So are you leaving on Saturday night late like all the other LDS Scouters?"  So should I go home on Saturday or should I stay and see all of the training through?

Quote - Dan the Grizzly Man

Mother Nature is a beautiful thing and a force to be reckoned with.  I cherish every moment we have together. - Dan the Grizzly Man

Waited for his Eagle for 12 years.............

I just found a man who completed all of his requirements for Eagle but due to a personality issue with the District at the time, the boy was never awarded his Eagle.  I am going to help him start the process of getting his Eagle.  This is very exciting!!

Annual Planning Aftermath

Well here is the aftermath of our Annual Planning Sleepover:

We have a 12 month theme set that the Patrol Leader Council will be soon presenting to the Scout Committee.  The Troop, Team and Crew will be replicating themes each month but will be having different activities.  Campouts will end in competition for all three against each other.   Instead of taking over 3 hours last year, it only took 1 year.  Not only have the boys gotten smarter but so have the adult leaders.  Our PLC was awesome this year.  Issues were resolved very quickly.  I didn't get to bed until 5:10 AM in the morning to then get up at 8 AM to go home and go to bed.  My son was in attendance and I am grateful for his time with the boys in our Scouting units.  He is a better young man because of it.

Discipline

This is a great podcast on discipline by ScoutmasterCG.com.

Scout Strong

I am fat and overweight.  I am sure you have seen me in my pictures.  That is why I am participating in BSA's SCOUT Strong PALA Challenge.  You do it too and let me know how you do! 

Varsity Scout Representing!!!!

Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Sea Scouts, Venturing Scouts and Varsity Scouts at the National Scouting Museum for the 2011 Eagle Heritage Ceremony.

Court of Honor

Troop, Team and Crew Court of Honor

August 24, 2011

Varsity Pledge

As a Varsity Scout I will:
Live by the Scout Oath,
Law, motto, and slogan;
Honor the dignity and worth of all persons;
Promote the cause of freedom; and
Do my best to be a good team member.

Purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood

• Become converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ and live its teachings.
• Serve faithfully in priesthood callings and fulfill the responsibilities of priesthood offices.
• Give meaningful service.
• Prepare and live worthily to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood and temple ordinances.
• Prepare to serve an honorable full-time mission.
• Obtain as much education as possible.
• Prepare to become a worthy husband and father.
• Give proper respect to women, girls, and children.

What are the differences between these two groups of statement?  Not much.   "Scouting helps our boys to walk uprightly the priesthood path to exaltation," said President Thomas S. Monson.

 

Tonight you boys are wearing your Scout uniforms but underneath that uniform you will still see a Scout.  A real Scout doesn’t need a uniform.  A Scout doesn’t need uniform to do what is right.  A worthy Priesthood holder doesn’t need to be in a white shirt and tie.  A worthy Priesthood holder doesn’t need to be in a white shirt and tie to do what is right or magnify this calling.  

You boys, whether Varsity Scouts, members of the Troop or Crew members, have impressed me.  You are working harder and working smarter.  You are doing what not only your dedicated leaders want; not only what your parents want but most importantly what your Heavenly Parents want you to do.  Continue on your path in Scouting.  Continue down your path in The Duty to God program.  But most importantly continue on your path to your Heavenly Home.

A bit about me......... Part II

His Mom has threatened him to pull him out of Scouting completely which brought him to tears.  She told him she could do that.  I told him she could not.  I told him if she tries, we will go back to court in a heart beat and he will just come live with me.

The BSA hates Varsity Teams

In my 3 year tenure as a Varsity Coach I, humbly, have done a ton to try and change the lack of the Varsity Program in my area.  I started Varsity Huddle at Roundtable.  I am the Varsity Huddle Commissioner.  Ticket item.  I serve on the training committee to train all new Varsity Coaches and Assistant Varsity Coaches.  I have 17 Coaches in my District and 17 more assistant Coaches.  Some I don't ever hear from.  Some I have never seen.  But there are some that make me proud.  These are dedicated men who show up to Huddle, help teach, are acceptable to be taught and take that back to their units.

The BSA hates Varsity Teams and Bryon on Scouting proves it probably without knowing it.  Check out Beascout.org.  Notice at the top you don't see a single thing about Varsity Teams.  But if you plug your zip code into the Boy Scout section, you get Troops and Teams.  Now some are going to argue that Varsity is a part of Boy Scouts but if BSA actually read the program, they are very different.  Don't even belong in the same category especially if the Teams are being run right.  Granted you get to see Teams but why are they not advertising for them?  Have you ever been to the Scout Shop?  Notice the lack of Varsity Specific items to sell to me?  Not a Varsity neckerchief to be found.  Not a Varsity shirt to be found.  Obviously they don't want my money.

Mike Rowe - Letter to a Life Scout

I showed this letter to our Bishop and he printed it and put in on his bulletin board at the Church for all the Scouts to see.

This is a letter from Mike Rowe (the guy on Discovery Channel’s Dirty Jobs) to a 13-year old Scout who was trying to decide if he wanted to get his Eagle.

Kelby,

Your Dad asked me to drop you a line and say something inspirational that might persuade you to dig down deep and find the determination to make the rank of Eagle Scout. It’s a reasonable request, from a father who obviously wants to see his son succeed. But here’s the thing — the Eagle Award is not really meant for people who need to be dragged across the finish line. It’s meant for a select few, and I have no idea if you have the guts to see it through.

Statistically, I suspect you do not. Only one out of a hundred Scouts make Eagle, so if you fail, there will be lots of other people with whom you can share excuses. Quitting now might disappoint your Dad, but I doubt that he or anyone else will be overly surprised. Anytime 99 out of 100 people do the same thing, it’s not exactly a shock.

I’m not trying to be cute with a bunch of reverse psychology. When I was 15, there was nothing that anyone could have said to me that would have inspired me to do something I didn’t want to do, especially a stranger with a TV show. So I’m not going to assume you’re any different, or pretend that I have some influence or insight that you haven’t already heard from a dozen other people who actually know and care about you. I’ll just tell you straight up, that doing something extraordinary can be very lonely, and most people simply aren’t cut out for it. Being an Eagle Scout requires you to be different than most everyone around you, and being different is really, really hard. That’s why the award is called “an accomplishment.”

Personally, and for whatever it’s worth, the best decisions I’ve made in my own life, are those decisions that put me on the outside of being cool. Singing in the Opera, working in home shopping, staring in the school play when the entire football team laughed at me, and especially earning my Eagle, were all choices that required sacrifice, hard work, and delayed gratification. I have no idea if you possess those qualities, or even envy them. But I can tell you for certain, that NOT getting your Eagle, will be one of the easiest things you’ve ever done.

Whatever you decide to do Kelby, it’s important to remember that the decision is yours. Not your Dad’s, not your friend’s, and not your scoutmaster’s. And you’ll own that decision for the rest of your life.

Good Luck, Mike

When asked about the letter, Mr. Rowe said “The truth is, the letter was really meant for the father. There’s a fine line between encouraging a kid when he’s stuck and dragging him across the finish line because he doesn’t feel like running. I wanted to suggest that the journey is supposed to be difficult, and the odds are very much against you. That’s what makes the award an accomplishment.”

In essence to me to me, Mike was trying to help the Scout learn to be accountable for his actions or inactions.  A good lesson for the Dad to learn.  A great lesson to learn at 13 when the world seems to be trying to tell you that it is "always someone else's fault".  There is a reason only 5% of Scouts become Eagles.  Some boys only attend Scouts.  Others are true Scouts no matter whether they attend regularly or not.

Stephen Colbert

I DVR this show every night.

The Colbert Report
Get More: Colbert Report Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,Video Archive

A bit about me.........

I am going to reveal a bit about me.  I have tried to keep my personal junk out of this blog but this has a bit to do with Scouting.

I have a blended family.  My wife has two children (two daughters) and I have three (two boys and a girl).  Our kids have been together for about 6 years.  They are right now 13.5 to 8 years old.  They act like they are actually brothers and sisters.  I found my wife in my ward after my divorce and a member of the Bishopric invited me over for dinner ~ probably because I looked lonely.  His wife asked me if I would ever consider dating a women with children.  I told her probably not even though my father had set a great example for me of marrying my mother who had already had my brother.  I don’t think of my brother as a half brother.  My brother is my brother.  I had to eat my words about dating and marrying a woman with children.  Anyway, our children all come in and out of our home because of visitation (my wife has primary of our two daughters and I have secondary of our other three).  I don’t think of my wife’s daughters at step children.  They are mine.  I dry their tears.  I help with homework.  I give blessings.  I will beat the boys that will come to the door asking for dates. 

My divorce/marriage was relatively nasty.  I was accused of everything from rape to murder.  I cheated on her so many times I couldn’t even tell you.  At least that is what she thought and told my parents and my Bishop each time she accused me.  She told the judge I beat her.  I beat the kids was an accusation that would live with me up until about 2 years ago.  CPS was called so many times it wasn’t even funny even as I have started a new family.  Only as the children have been able to speak, the truth has CPS stopped coming and the accusations have stopped coming.  My favorite though was that I put the youngest son in handcuffs and put him in the corner all day.  Does anyone one know of a pair of handcuffs that will fit a 6 year old boy at the time?  Scouts honor, I am innocent.

Everything being said, finding my wife Shell has been a true blessing for both families especially for kids that don’t have a great mother example in their lives.  She has spent months reading the Harry Potter series of books to them at night.  She took them to the Harry Potter midnight release.  She cooks them what they want to eat.  She dries tears.  My wife works closer to where my ex lives and goes and gets them for me during our possession time.  She lets me Scout more than she probably should.  This is the kind of woman she is.

Anyway, on to the Scouting portion of this post.  My son is dual registered in my ex’s Ward Troop and registered in my Ward’s Troop as well.  I did this to make sure no matter where he was he could be working on Scouting and if one Troop failed another could pick up the slack.  He is now almost 13 and he is only a Tenderfoot due to my son’s other ward not having such a great Scouting program.  In two months with our Troop he has done more to advance than in 1 year with his other Troop.  I have volunteered to serve on the Scout Committee in her ward, do Board of Reviews in her ward, etc. and they won’t use me.  In fact, they won’t even use my ex wife.  He said to the Bishopric of my ward after going to Scout Camp with my Ward’s Troop that he wanted to go to Scouts in my ward.  My ex would have none of that.  But my son sees the benefits of a program that is actually working.

3 weeks ago during my summer possession he told me he had a Court of Honor in his other ward and wanted to go.  I didn’t………….but like a good dad I piled the family in my car, with my Scout uniform on and took him.  My ex didn’t even show up.  He now has a Court of Honor for the awards he earned at Scout Camp in my Ward this Wednesday and my ex won’t bring him.  So I told him I would come and get him.  We are in different Stakes but literally live 11 miles apart.  He is going to have to pin only one of his mothers with their Tenderfoot Mother’s Pin. 

This morning I went to the first day of school for two of the youngest and the youngest told me when his brother asked to go to the Court of Honor, his mother started yelling at him.  So much so that she said she felt bad for her old brother that his Mom was yelling at him. 

I am so upset.  Scouting is a good thing.  Scouting is a wholesome thing.; it is fun, builds character, is leadership oriented, mission preparation, etc.  Scouting teaches character, leadership and a good work ethic.  It teaches their duty to the country, their family and their spiritual responsibility. Any parent should be glad to have a boy in the program and push them out the door to help get them there!!!


And she is working against all of that.  Instead of being an active parent, she has decided the easy path is the right path.  My heart aches.

My heart would ache if this were one of my Scouts.  Parents shouldn’t fight against the “good” in life.

Book

Since I have read every Scout book out there on Teams and Troops, I think this is going to be my next book to read.  Maybe I can crack into their heads and maybe figure my boys out a little more.  My kids, I am sure, will also benefit from me figuring out their love language.  My wife and I have read the marriage version of this book and it is great. 

Follow up to: Why Won't He Just Earn His Eagle

This is a follow up to this blog entry.

Granted I realize that advancement (ie earning your Eagle) isn't the end all be all for Scouting.  It is only one of the methods of Scouting.  My concern was that this boy had done everything but collect his reference letter and was then "putting my EBoR off as long as I can".  There is no wisdom in waiting.  Our District and Council never approve time extensions past the three months.  Get it done.  His Mom tried to help motivate but he waited.

I posed a question to a boy who was 18 and 3 weeks at his Eagle Board of Review (I work on the advancement committee for the District).  I asked him "What would happen if we realized you didn't complete all the requirements before your 18th birthday?"  He just stared and me and you could tell my question got to him.  Better to have some time to fix things than to not.

Another Eagle

Our Crew (and Team) got another Eagle on Thursday.  It is a boy I first served with I was called into the Scouting Program.  He was a great kid when I was with him just at times very distracted.  He loves his family very much.  I tracked through 4-5 miles of Dallas boonies bike trails with this boy for his Eagle Scout project and earned 2 blisters because of it.

During our tenure in the YMP we have now had 2 Eagles.  I am so proud of these men.  They are heading off to college and missions.  So weird that over 3 years ago they were Varsity Scouts while I was trying to figure out how the program worked.

There are more Eagles coming relatively soon.

He asked that I present him his Eagle Badge.  I was honored and here is the story I shared before I had his Mom pin him.

The Story of Stephen Wampler

Stephen Wampler took 6 days to climb El Capitan in Yosemite National Park.  El Capitan is twice as tall as the Empire State building (1483 feet X 2).  It took 20000 pulls by his hands to get him to the top.  And for those of you that are into math, he climbed the mountain vertically 4 to 6 inches at a time.  You see, Stephen couldn’t walk to the top of the mountain because he has cerebral palsy.  He had been confined to his wheelchair for a long time.  Stephen had 2 friends along the vertical trail to the top of the mountain.  He didn’t take this challenge on alone.  Not only did Stephen have to overcome the mountain but also his fear of heights.  Stephen’s dedicated family slept at the foot of the sheer mountain he was climbing for six days keeping in contact with him via poor cell phone reception.  His wife constantly worried about him.  His climb to the top of the mountain was so inspiring that a group of Marines decided to meet him at the top.  They climbed the conventional way.  They brought his 10 year old son with them to greet his Dad at the top.  These Marines then showed their charitable love by strapping Stephen to their backs and carried him down the mountain by foot to the rest of his waiting family. 

You, AP, are just like Stephen Wampler.  You climbed the Scouting Mountain at times 4 to 6 inches at a time.  At some times you were running up that mountain.  Your family was there for you to help you and encourage you.  I know you had Mom, Dad, brother and well trained Scout leaders along the way to help you up your Scout Mountain.  Sometimes your parent and leaders strapped you to their back and carried you.  Sometimes they wanted to strap you to their back when you didn’t want to be carried.  Today, just like the day Stephen Wampler finished climbing that mountain, is a great day.  It is a time to reflect and relax but only for a moment.  Today you enter into very small alumni of Eagle Scouts.  But your trek is not over.  Bring an Eagle means some will look to you for more.  Do not fear though.  "What makes a family is not the number of people in it or whether they are related.  More important is that they care for each other and hope to share their lives with one another. - Scout Handbook"  Help is always all around you.  All you need to do is ask that family.  Remember what Grover Cleveland said “Honor lies in honest toil.”  I congratulate you on earning your Eagle.

 

Is it about the boy??

Is Scouting about the leaders, the boys or both?  Granted as a leader we should be having fun just like the boys (what is the point of doing stuff with boys if we are going to be such a party-pooper?).  Scouting isn't about the leader.  It isn't about the program.  It is about the boy and his needs.  The great thing about the Varsity Program is flexible enough to adapt to each boys needs.  Without the boy, there would be no program.  There would be no need for the program.  Everything we do, we should be doing for the boys.  I, personally, would be doing things a bit different (at times a TON different) as compared to the boys but this is their training ground.  This is where they will learn to become effective adults.

Something similar is the fact that the other day at a District event it was brought up for the crowd that I had earned my Wood Badge Beads.  Granted it was a huge achievement for me and I am more proud of those beads than my Eagle (no Mom putting a saddle on me and riding me to the finish line of Eagle).  I was so embarrassed when they clapped for me.  I just didn't do it for the applause.  I did it for me and I did it for my boys--so they would have a trained leader.

Silver Beaver

On Sunday I got to meet a Silver Beaver with more experience than I will every have.  30 years in Scouting in many different jobs.  And then the icing of all icings to his cake................

At age 70, he took 6 boys and his adult son to Philmont for a 10 Trek.  I freaked out.  How?  Why?  He did WHAT????

People amaze me.  Scouting is inspired.  Great men should be "shackled" to these Scout callings forever.  If it ain't busted, don't try to break it.  This man is a genealogy consultant for the ward as well as a ham radio expert.  Granted he is 91 but why the heck not put this man in the Scouting program in some shape or fashion?  Egh!  The things the boys could learn from this man!

Quote - Lord Robert Baden-Powell

"I have clearly stated that our objective in the Scout movement is to give such help as we can in bringing about God's Kingdom on Earth." --Lord Robert Baden-Powell

Lost Scout

http://news.yahoo.com/boy-scout-found-building-tree-branch-shelter-231903921.html

Where was his buddy??

I am a Scout.

It is amazing that some people think that they can't add Scouting to their routine.  They can.

Fizz Ball!!!

This was a ton of fun for the boys.  It has been a long summer and we just got our some aggression by beating the heck out of some shook up soda cans.  Great Scouting fun!!

That is me!!

Equipment

Today I made a trip to Dick's Sporting goods to just look around for any steals to inform my parents about.  After looking around I have decided that with hiking and camping you can skimp on some stuff but definately not on others.  The things I would not skimp on are:

• Tent
• Sleeping bag
• Ground pad
• Backpack

You don't have to spend a ton on these items but you usually get what you pay for!  Today they had some great and decent priced backpacks and sleeping bags.  Tents usually need to be specific for climate and what you all are doing with them.  I have a 2 man tent that works great here in Texas where it is hot and doesn't rain too often.  It would be a poor tent for rain.  It is small.  Barely fits my son and I but is perfect for a one man tent with room for my stuff so I don't have to leave it outside.  The rain fly is a joke to be honest.  Now it has rained and snowed on it and it does OK but I wouldn't go packing it for the rains of Florida.

Quote - E.E. Cummings

“To be nobody-but-yourself—in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else—means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting.” - E.E. Cummings

Take the family to Philmont for an outdoor vacation!

Go to Wood Badge!! Part III

Go to Wood Badge!! Part II

Annual Planning

Our annual planning event is coming............which for me means that I won't be sleeping that night.  It basically is a night full of boys running around, eating everything that isn't hammered down and staying up all night playing video games after they plan.

Last year I attempted to sleep but my boys made it a point to poke me to keep me awake.  This year I will be doing ear plugs and hiding in the bathroom to sleep.  Hopefully this year's plan will be as successful as last years.

Go to Wood Badge!!!

A great prayer...........

Dear Lord, Bless all those everywhere who contribute to shape the hearts, minds and bodies of young people. Let us remember what they have taught and apply it daily.

When facing deceit and dishonesty, let us be Trustworthy.
If we see hypocrisy and faithlessness, let us be Loyal.
Where disregard of others and mere materialism prevail, let us be Helpful.
When we find people in despair, let us be Friendly.
In an atmosphere of ill manner, let us be Courteous.
Where some measure manliness in brutality and crudeness, let us be Kind.
Though lawbreaking and rule-scoffing are common, let us be Obedient.
While others grumble and grouch, let us be Cheerful.
In an environment blighted by waste and extravagance, let us be Thrifty.
When confronted with danger and temptation, let us be Brave.
As we see filth and pollution everywhere, let us be Clean.
While witnessing impiety, let us remember to be Reverent.

In short, in a world that has for generation after generation lamented the lack of good examples, let us, as Scouts, stand out, grow up, and be real adults.

Amen.

Quote

“Leaders aren’t born they are made. And they are made just like anything else, through hard work. And that’s the price we’ll have to pay to achieve that goal, or any goal” – Vince Lombardi

Train them, trust them and let them lead.

A great article on trusting boy leaders. 

The role of the Scoutmaster (or Team Coach)..........

This is a great article on the role of a Scoutmaster and what he expects everyone else to do.