I have no comment on the results of the election. I hope that everyone voted and did their civic duty.
What I do think about the election and our election process is this. No matter who won there was a process that we the people agree is the best way to elect our leadership. It may not be perfect but it works for us. Not everyone is happy about the results.. about 49% of America is not to jazzed about the outcome, but that is how it works. If we want to change the way it works, we have the ability to do so through the process.
This is a great teaching opportunity for our Scouts, who I am sure have also had their collective fill of TV commercials, junk mail, and dinner table conversations about the election. Now is the time to answer those questions that they may not understand, encourage them to be a part of the process starting with their student government, but most importantly the fact that whether it is a school election or a national election, they must get out and vote and let their voice be heard. Even if that voice is a small oval on a ballot.
I am trying real hard to keep my political opinion to myself here. As we should when talking with our Scouts, but this is my blog and I suppose I can say what I want, but in the interest of being Loyal, Courteous, and kind… I will reserve comment on how I feel about the bad choice we American’s made… Again.
Have a Great Scouting Day
Category Archives: Character
SMMPodcast # 106 – Relevance
It’s time for another SMMPodcast. In this show we discuss a topic that seems to be on many Scouters minds, Is Scouting still Relevant?
Listen in as I share some of my thoughts on the issue.
This show is brought to you by Badge Magic.
Hope you like the show, leave feedback, send an email to tbirdironchef@gmail.com.
Follow me on twitter @smjerry and of course subscribe to the blog and leave your comments here.
Listen here or download.
Give to Get?
When I was a young boy, my family instilled in me the value of being helpful. By my parents example they showed us how to be of service to our community, to our church, and to our neighbors. They were active in social functions that typically came with a cause. My Dad is a pretty good handy man and would often drag me to helping those that needed cabinets fixed or other repairs. We spent the better part of the spring of 1979 working in a Monastery doing odds and ends and the pay was great. Onion Soup.
I never once heard my Dad complain or ask for compensation for anything he ever did. It was just a part of the deal. Even to this day my parents are advocates for helping other people at all times.
And so as I grew up this attitude of service has stayed with me. In church they always ask of people to give their time, talents, and treasure. I always jokes that my treasure is limited but my time is free.. oh.. and limited talent too.
And so it is in Scouting. Saturday at our Program and Training conference I sat in and listened to a discussion about Friends of Scouting. The presenter asked the question why do we or why do we not give to FOS? A few answers went around the room. “To attain Presidential status and get free camping”, “To get a patch”, ‘To get the free advancement patches for our unit” were just a few. The common theme.. To Get.
Most people Give to Get. And that is the wrong approach when giving. We give for the program. We give so that our Council can maintain its outreach programs, maintain the camps we enjoy, and provide program for those that maybe would otherwise be left out. We should not give because we get something in return, we give because we can.
Back in 2008 I had the good fortune to give to the Council’s endowment through the James E. West Fellowship. Many Scouters half-joking could not resist to tease that I bought a knot. It was and is not about the knot. After thoughtful discussion with my wife, we decided that we could afford in our budget to give the $1000 over the year to help our Scouting programs. Knowing where the money goes was important to me and knowing that all of it would be used for bettering Scouting programs in our Council was the answer I needed. So we gave. Yes, we got a knot, but that knot to me is a demonstration, just like my parents showing me how to give and be of service, people who know and understand what the James E. West Fellowship is see that I am a servant leader. I wear it to be an example of giving. I put my money where my mouth is.
Many families take advantage of all that Scouting has to offer. We teach that “A Scout is Thrifty” and he pay’s his own way. But many families make excuses that the economy is bad, or we can’t afford this or that. I understand that times are tough, but times get tougher when we make bad choices. This may offend, but tough times are tougher when we make a choice to be lazy, wait for hand outs, or not accept our part in whatever it is that you value. Time and time again I hear Scout parents talk about how expensive Scouting can be. How much did you pay for those cigarettes? The average price of a pack of smokes today is $4 to $6. For the $60 spent on a carton of cigarettes you could send your kid to camp in a month. But who am I to tell you how to spend you money? The fact is, smokers value it over other things. No one needs to smoke, they make a choice to smoke. But for the money they literally burn, they could help their son have a great Scouting experience. Now, I’m picking on smokers here, why? Because they are the easy targets. You can see the dollars physically being burned with them and I can’t help but pick that out when they say they can’t afford Scouting. Truth be told, It pisses me off when they make excuses about money then light up a cigarette. I wonder about priorities and that obviously they are being selfish. That goes for lots of things. How many times do you eat out a week. I know for my family that’s at least a $40 to $50 trip. So you limit that activity and use the money for something better. I’m not suggesting that a night out is not called for here and there… but isn’t Scouting worth it?
Dollar for dollar you will not find a better value than Scouting. If you believe that, and make an effort to support that, than doing what it takes to keep it going should be a priority of yours. If not, then keep letting others do it for you…and the beauty is that you can expect everything that is offered.
I give, and expect nothing.
I love the Scouting movement and think that there is no better place for our young people to learn and practice what they learn to be productive members of our Country. Learning skills, teaching, practicing leadership, developing a sense of citizenship, and becoming men and women that value Character and understand that it certainly does matter.
I do this without pay or the expectation of compensation. My reward comes in seeing these kids grow up.
The fact of the matter is that to do this it costs and who better to provide than people who know and understand the value of the program?
But why expect something in return? Is that the spirit of giving? I have heard it said that “The only thing that take with you is what you leave behind”. I saw a great example of this in August down at the Philmont Scout Ranch. Now I do not think that I will ever be a millionaire, and I don’t think that I will ever be donating major tracks of land to the Boy Scouts of America. But what I do know is that my time is free, my talents are available, and my treasure, well I give what I can. And I think that is all one can ask for. With no strings attached, and nothing expected in return.. We give.
I am once again on the Wood Badge staff, and once again I give of time and talent, and I am sure some of the treasury will be spent. This is something that between my wife and I we have decided is good. It is good for us, it is good for those that come to the course, and it is good for Scouting. We both understand that the value of Scouting is greater than any dollar amount. The program is greater than any one leader. Scouting is life changing and worth every penny, every hour, and everyone’s talent.
Give. Not to Get, but because it is part of being a servant leader.
Have a Great Scouting Day!
And the beat goes on…
Today I received a comment on the blog about my last post. It seems that an Irish Scouter is a bit unclear as to my position and/or does not see consistency in my opinion. He asked 4 questions and I thought.. just to kick this horse a little more.. I would not just hit ‘approve’ on the comment and leave it at that. Nope, you all will get the pleasure of reading my response and lets see where it lands.
His questions are as follows.. oh.. and my response.
1. If this list that is due to be released has someones name on it that has never broken any law nor can they be seen as a danger to a youth how are they able to clear their name.?
First of all, lets remember where this list comes from. No one’s name is on the list unless they put it there. The files are generated from applications submitted by the person to become a member of the BSA. It is during the checks that the person is deemed ineligible. So, they can clear their name by not getting into trouble in the first place. NO.. I have no sympathy for anyone that has or will hurt a child. In short the person in the file or list will have “self identified” themselves as someone who may potentially be a risk.
Second point on the files. Who is going to see them. These files are not going to be released to the local newspaper and will not be placed on bulletin boards in lunch rooms across the city. The BSA has been instructed to make the files available upon request. I know for certain that I will never see these files, nor will 99% of the public.
2. If someone who is public about their homosexual yet was a member as a youth but as soon as they turn 18 they must then leave because they may be a risk and find themselves on a list.
That is the current policy, has nothing to do with the files. Nowhere on the Boy Scouts of America Application for membership is there a question about sexual orientation. So given the current practice of background checks it will never come up. Most of us in Scouting really don’t care about the sexuality issue. But to answer the question.. Nope they would not “find themselves on a list” as this is not a piece of information that is on the application and I am sure not part of a background check either.
3. Should all military service personal be barred from American scouting. Some have fired on innocent children in a combat zone some may suffer from ptsd at a future date. ?
Yes All military service personnel should be barred from American Scouting… ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME? NONE have fired on innocent children in a combat zone. OH… unless you served with LT. William Calley in My Lai Vietnam.
This is a non issue. A soldier that commits a crime is a criminal and the Military, unlike civilian courts drop the hammer. This would make him a convicted felon and therefore he/she would be ineligible to serve in Scouting..just like any thug that would fire at innocent children.
I did two back to back tours in Iraq and served in the Army for 21 years. Never saw what you suggest. Stop watching Vietnam war movies. I am sure you think we all smoke dope and drink too. I have been diagnosed with PTSD.. but then again, they diagnose everyone with a combat identifier.. I earned a CIB (Combat infantryman’s Badge) and a Bronze Star. My PTSD only flairs up when people that don’t know what they are talking about pop off. If you want to talk about firing at innocent civilians I have story I could share about British Soldiers in the Basra area that would make you puke… but that is neither here nor there…. we are talking about Scouting right. Oh and don’t forget our founder served in the Army.. I am sure that his soldiers were angels.
4. How can you stand by as your organization prevents personal who follow the scout law and are being honest about being gay and then kicked out and their name added to a list FULL of people who break the law. ?
John, you claim to read the blog. I outlined my position on this issue in this post REACTION. Again. They would not be “on the list”.
OK this horse is now officially kicked. In John’s opening statement of his comment he said, “I read your blog and have done so for a while, this is the second time that I nearly deleted all links to your site…” I hope that you find my response satisfactory John, if not then I invite you to delete my feed from your reading list. I am not changing my thoughts and ideas because of comments. You asked how I can stand by our organization? Well that is simple. Even if it has issues, the Boy Scouts of America, the Scout Association, Scouts Canada, and all of the other 160 some odd Scouting organizations are still the best youth program on Earth and I am not willing to throw the baby out with the proverbial bath water.. are you?
Have a Great Scouting Day!
People…Please
OK. Everyone take a deep breath and step away from the ledge. There is way to much chatter about files being released and who is going to have to answer questions in the media etc. Relax.
Once again, I have been poked and prodded to give my opinion on the subject and true to form I have one and I will be consistent in my measure.
1. Who cares that the list or files have been released? Let me tell you who cares. People that are on the list. If you are on the list, how did you get there? If you got there because you are a threat to Scouts.. I Love that you are on the list. So who cares. The people that care are people I want to see on this list and I really don’t care that everyone knows it.
2. So what? What is the big deal that the list or files have been released. Well I get why the BSA looks at is as a big deal. And so do I. We don’t want kids getting hurt. It’s that simple. Who among you want a Scout to get hurt. None, right, so when the BSA puts in a “file” system designed to protect our Scouts it is a good thing. This is only an issue because people that hate Scouting is getting their grubby paws in it. I would first ask them why it’s not a good thing to keep a file on an ineligible person. The reason is for protection. If only we could have a file in our Schools and Church’s. I was asked why the BSA needed these files and to me it’s simple. The BSA unlike any other youth program actually cares enough not to allow potentially bad people in the organization.
People that would argue that these files are not necessary do not understand youth protection.
3. Now what? So the files are out there. Does that change anything? Nope. We are still going to do background checks, we are still going to screen for potential issues when it comes to youth protection, and we are still going to turn away people that may do harm to our Scouts. There will be no concession given to a previous offender, and there will be increased awareness and training to prevent bad things from happening in the future. If you don’t like that.. Oh Well. Go somewhere else.
So now what. The BSA is the best youth organization out there.. hands down. It will continue to be the greatest well into the future, because it cares about our Scouts.
Everyone take a deep breath and get back to doing the work of Scouting. If the media calls, direct them to the Scout Executive. If your friends ask, tell them what we do to protect our youth, and if you can’t handle it. Do nothing, Either way, Scouting will be just fine.
Have a Great Scouting Day
Learning by listening
One of my favorite things to do as a Scoutmaster is sit with a Scout and have a Scoutmaster Conference. It is not only a requirement for the Scout to advance, but a great opportunity to learn.
I learn so much each time I sit down with a Scout and listen to them during the conference. Tonight I sat with two Scouts and learned more about them, the troop, and their development as Scouts. I learn when I listen to the Scout.
So here is how I do it. Keep in mind, I am like most Scouts (and leaders for that matter) in that I am a scatter brain. Back when I was a kid, it was called hyperactive.. now-a-days.. it’s grounds for medication.. but either way.. I really have to work at staying focused. So when I sit with a Scout, I need to give them 100% of my attention. So, I take their book, make sure that everything is signed and dated, sign my two boxes and then put the book away.
Then we start the conference.
The Scout then has all of my attention. I know what’s in the book, and it really doesn’t matter anyway. The Scoutmaster conference is not a retest, so we talk about what challenged him, what he learned, and what he is doing to get to the next level. Then we talk about leadership. I ask them, yes even at the Tenderfoot level, what they are doing to demonstrate leadership. This typically sparks lots of talk about where the Scout thinks he is in the spectrum of being a leader.
Using the EDGE method to teach is a Tenderfoot requirement, so I figure that he had to learn something about leadership there.
We discuss spiral learning and reinforce the skills that were learned along the way. This discussion usually leads to what the Scout is looking forward to.
We talk about School. Not because the Scout wants to, but because I want to know. We talk about girlfriends, and sports, and even how the Scout law works on a little sister. The conference is a talk that we have to learn. The Scout learns and I learn. I get to know them and they get to know a little more about me and how I see the world. They get to see how I demonstrate the Scout law in my life, and I get to learn how they are struggling to make the Law a habit in their lives.
The Scoutmaster conference is one of my favorite things as a Scoutmaster and I am lucky that I get to do them every week.
Have a Great Scouting Day!
Reaction
I suppose it is time to poke at the hive again. I reposted an article by Doug Metz the other day called Honoring the Scout Law. Now I did not write one word of the original post, but I thought it was well written and expresses the views of many Scouts and Scouters currently serving in our organization. I knew that by putting this post on my blog I would get emails, comments, and other communications regarding the content. And yes I did. Most of the emails I received were in line with the sentiment of the post, I wonder how much communication Doug got.
Either way, while it was not my post, and since I received multiple, let’s call them “opinions”.. I figured it was my turn to give you mine.
Now, if any thing I about to write upsets you of causes you to unsubscribe from this blog, well, I understand and I thank you for the time you spent here. I hope that you got something out of the blog or at least enjoyed reading it until now.
So.. here it goes.
The Boy Scouts of America have policies, I understand and agree to live by those policies. What I think is more important than policy is living the Scout Oath and Law. And I think that all policy should stem from them. The policy that excludes certain people from being a Scout or Scout leader is just that and certainly there is room for interpretation in it.
When it comes to homosexuality. I just don’t care and don’t think the BSA should either. I understand the apprehension that the BSA has, but don’t think it is thought through completely. My guess is that the policy is directed at adults and not the youth. Again, I understand, but don’t necessarily agree. Examples of non homosexual adult abusing children out weigh those of homosexual ‘predators’ I think. Now I don’t have the numbers to prove it, but you never really seem to hear of it.
Besides if the BSA was really concerned there would be better checks on who can and can not be an adult volunteer. Really, the current process is lacking if we are really that concerned.
My opinion is allow the Charter Partner to make the decision on who is a leader. Let them go through the vetting process. Ensure that good interviews are in place and background checks. But even background checks are not enough. They will not tell what a person is capable of.. right.
Anyway.. when it comes to sexual orientation, the church, the government, the PTA, and the Boy Scouts of America should stay out of it. As a private organization, the BSA has the right (upheld by congress) to decline membership to anyone.. and I agree with them having the right to do so. I think the screening process needs to be tightened up.
The other argument here is that of a Scout being Reverent and Duty to God.
This is where the argument should just stop. Why? Because the BSA does not define God or how to worship that God. The Boy Scouts of America have a Declaration of Religious principle. It states: “The Boy Scouts of America maintains that no member can grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing an obligation to God and, therefore, recognizes the religious element in the training of the member, but it is absolutely nonsectarian in its attitude toward that religious training. Its policy is that the home and organization or group with which a member is connected shall give definite attention to religious life. Only persons willing to subscribe to this Declaration of Religious Principle and to the Bylaws of the Boy Scouts of America shall be entitled to certificates of membership“. This is wide open for interpretation and allows for pretty much anyone to participate. Further the BSA does not define who God is or how we are to worship and so that is up to the member and his family to decide.
Once again, when it comes to religion. The Boy Scouts, the Government, the PTA, and the local Ice cream shoppe should mind its own business. I have seen Scouts have greater connections to their God in the out doors than they will ever find in a church.
Now to the point of a Scoutmaster not signing a book because the Scout “comes out”. SHAME ON HIM. The Scout did the work, as far as you know he has faith in something (as defined by him and his family). You, MR or MRS Scoutmaster I know for certain are NOT God and you need to get out your pen and start signing.
YOU Mr or Mrs Scoutmaster are not allowed to make the decision of faith or sexual preference. If you will decline his membership at the end than you were wrong all along. As far as you know this Scout has been a good Scout, completing all of the requirements as laid out by the BSA. Over the last 7 Scoutmaster conferences you approved all this work and determined that this Scout was worthy of advancement.. now.. you would change you mind? I work with an individual that goes to church every Sunday and is gay. You see in her church it’s ok to be homosexual. I know that her son is being raised by good person and it is my hope that one day she may even consider bringing him to Scouting.
All of this rings of the civil rights movement to me.. what ever happened to judging a person by their character and not their color, sex, sexual orientation? Hmmmm are we going to preach being helpful, courteous and kind and turn our backs on our neighbor?
We make a promise to live the Scout Oath and Law. Do we keep it? I suppose that is what Doug was asking in his post. To keep myself morally straight does not mean I turn my back on those that live in our community. And who are we to decide that homosexuality is immoral? Again, if are not to discriminate when it comes to our religious declaration than we need not make that call. Morality is shared values and I am certain that even homosexuals find that being Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent are good values. I am sure that all of us agree that Doing unto others as we would have done to us is a Golden Rule. But we are willing to make these decision based on… what?
So do I think Homosexuality is wrong? I have no idea.. truth is, I don’t really care. The older I get the more live and let live I get. Right or wrong is immaterial to me in this case as it is up to the individual and his family. NOT the Church, the Government, and certainly not the Boy Scouts of America. This whole issue to me comes down to Scouts. How do we treat them and how do we handle a Scout that may be searching for answers both in religion and sexuality. Both of those discussions need to start at home, but we all know that sooner or later, they end up in Scouts. How will you handle that conversation? It’s easy to avoid it, but that Scout is looking to you for guidance. You are a mentor, you are a role model. What is your answer.
So that’s where I am on the subject. We can discuss. But I have always been told to be careful when talking Politics and Religion… and the BSA should not engage in either and so neither will I. We can talk about Scouts and how this effects them and I am certainly glad to hear your thoughts on the issue, but I won’t argue this issue with you. Opinions are many on this, share yours… but when you do remember the Scout Law when you hit the submit, send, or enter key.
Have a Great Scouting Day!
Are you a Messenger of Peace?
Last week I was surprised when I was given the patch for the messenger of peace initiative. This is a unit and individual recognition, and so when I got it while I was down at out council office, I was humbled. The person that submitted it said that it was for the “Work I do using media to improve our Scouting world”. Again, I am thankful, and I am sure that our unit is going to get this also for a recent project we completed.
The question came to my mind, why have I not seen anyone wearing this? Are units unaware? Are they just doing it? It’s obviously not about the patch, but the initiative is such a worthy one, that we in the Scouting world should be embracing it.
I went back and reread the letter at the BSA web site. I suppose I have always been one that is impressed with the grand scope of the Scouting movement. In short I think it is cool to be apart of somehting this big and something that is world-wide and yet has shared values. There is not much else in our world, save religions, that can say that. And look what a mess religions have made in the world. I am not suggesting that faith in a higher power has screwed things up.. I am saying however that people tend to screw it up. Scouting seems to have stood the test of time. Yes, we have our ups and downs, but the values and mission of the Scouting movement have not changed. People come and go, but those that “Run Scouting” at the World and National levels all seem to understand the good that will come from Scouting when allowed.
I have talked with many Scouters about our National office and our Council/ District. There seems to be an overwhelming idea that they are in it for the money and numbers. And to that I say.. yes.. yes they are. And then I say I am glad they are promoting the program, getting money and sponsors, pushing recruiting and retention, and developing relationships in our community. If they didn’t do it.. who would. ME? No way.. I am to busy working Scouting where Scouting matters. Being a messenger for peace starts at the unit level. Where the Scouts are. Too many Scouters get wrapped up in the wrong things. They worry about what everyone else is doing, most of the time with little or no impact of them.. but people are people and you have to worry. If they spent as much energy in their units, growing them, teaching them, letting them learn and develop, their unit would be world-class. But they choose to get wrapped up in politics and he said she said. This is how things get screwed up. I guess that’s how things get messed up globally.
So back to my thinking about why I don’t see this patch around. Well that thought led to our global Scouting community and how many Scouts and Scouters in the 220 countries and territories that are participating in this. Just think. Take 220 countries and have all their Scouts and Scouters working toward peace. There would never be war again. Oh silly me. We would have to get the politicians out-of-the-way… but wait… we could. The people could force this change. I really believe that it could happen.
Remember that in 1920 there was a world Jamboree.. just a few years after the First World War. If you know history, just because the war was over does not mean that things were peaceful, especially in Europe. 34 countries showed up
As most of you know, I am a combat veteran and I certainly support the efforts of our military and those that lead it, sometimes begrudgingly. And I am believe that what we did in Iraq was just and worth it. I have no regrets. But when I look back at the pain that wars cause, the ripping apart at families, the destruction and the lives that have to be repaired after these conflicts it is it not uncommon to ask, Why? What for? Now there are bad people in the world and I for one am glad to know that the world no longer has a guy named Saddam Hussein on it. Those people need to be stopped and removed. The Hitlers and Stalin’s of the world need to go. But dealing with the “Bad vacuum” is the next issue. Enter Scouting and people with real good values.
As a messenger of peace I think it is up to us to do what we can to fix our Three meter zone. We all can do it. We just don’t.
I guess it all comes down to people. How do we change them? How do we effect that change in our community. Baden-Powell had that idea back in 1907 and started seeing the reality of a world-wide peace movement as Scouting grew. It is now up to us to carry that torch. Will you?
Stop worrying about the things you can’t control. Control the things you can and be an influence. Influence this change in your units and community. Demand more of your elected officials.. you know the folks that swear to work for you. Hold their feet to the fire and don’t settle for men and women that lack character to be our leaders. Work hard to fulfill the mission of Scouting. Be a messenger of peace, let your actions speak louder than your words. And for goodness sake let people know that we are committed to being an instrument of peace.
So what does it mean when I challenge you all to “Have a Great Scouting day”? Live the values of Scouting. Keep the promise that you make in the Oath. Be a messenger of peace.
Have a Great Scouting Day!
Effort
The other day I went to the high school to pick up my youngest son from Football practice. Practice was running late, so I hung out and watched as the players ran sprints and did up downs. Now, for those of you that have played a little football, you know that after 3 hours of practice the last thing you want to do is wind sprints and up downs. But the team seemed to run and run and run. After each lap and set of up downs the coach would tell them to watch the ball and then they would get in a ready position. The idea was to be disciplined and ready to finish games in the fourth quarter. He asked the players to give more effort.
The longer they ran.. the less effort the coach would see. They were tired and as they got more tired, the less effort they would give.. the less effort they gave, the more mistakes they would make, the more mistakes they would make, the more they ran… and so went the cycle.
It all came down to effort. Who was willing to give more when it counted.
I stood there and watched and thought.. yep, it is about effort. Life is about effort. You can over come many things with more effort. The harder you work, the more you will be rewarded. If you apply the effort to any task you will eventually see results.
In the fourth quarter, weather that is on the football field, in the classroom, or in a Scout troop effort matters.
Here is what I see way to often… a lack of effort. I see this in most things in life. Way to many times we see our young men just try to get by, to “Max the Minimum”. To give the least amount of effort and expect the same results.
We see that a lot in our Scouts.. Way to often do we see them avoid patrol chores, planning, or pitch in when they are needed. Way to often do we see them demonstrate a lack of effort when it comes to finishing tasks like service projects. And then there is advancement. I see a lot of Scouts that expect to be moved along, just like when they were in Cub Scouts, with their peers. Or I see the effort coming from their parents. That lack of effort will not get the work done. I suppose that’s why only 4% become Eagle Scouts.
Now, we won’t make them do wind sprints and up downs.. no we just encourage them to “Do their best”.. well, I guess what I am saying is that maybe “Their best” is not good enough. Maybe they need to apply more effort and make their best better.
This is the game of life and where do we want them to be in the fourth quarter. I want them to be winning.
I want them to be successful. I want them to work hard for what they get, not expect a hand out or to be “moved along” with their peers. No I want to see them give the effort to their lives. It is then that they will appreciate the things that they earn. It is with more effort that they will be great men.
I love these teachable moments they seem to pass in front of us each day. Watching as my son and his team mates ran until they proved that they wanted to be winners made me look at other areas of our life. Wouldn’t it be great if every one in the School gave that much effort, or in the neighborhood and community.
Living the Scout oath and Law takes effort. It’s not easy and it’s not designed to be. People that do not give effort just get by. Those that give extra effort succeed.
Have a Great Scouting Day!
Scouting is Simple
As I have been digging into my copy of Aids to Scoutmastership the last couple days, I have become more and more a fan of both Scoutmastership and of Baden-Powell.
There is a chapter in the book called “Scouting is Simple”… here it is:
To an outsider Scouting must at first sight appear to be a very complex matter, and many a man is probably put off from becoming a Scoutmaster because of the enormous number and variety of things that he thinks he would have to know in order to teach his boys. But it need not be so, if the man will only realise the following points:
- The aim of Scouting is quite a simple one.
- The Scoutmaster gives to the boy the ambition and desire to learn for himself by suggesting to him activities which attract him, and which he pursues till he, by experience, does them aright. (Such activities are suggested in Scouting for Boys).
- The Scoutmaster works through his Patrol Leaders.
And yes ladies and gentlemen, it is just that simple. I think the message of the last couple days and weeks has been leading to this thought.. keep it simple.
To many well-meaning committee members, district folks, and those that feel the need at the council level to get into Troop business, they have clearly not read Aids to Scoutmastership.
The role of the district and council are not to get into troop affairs. The Aim of Scouting is to develop Character, Citizenship, and Fitness. That is all Troop and Patrol business. The Council and District are there to support the units when needed.. not to replace the Troops annual planning (boy led) it is also there for administrative functions as a ‘go between’ to the National organization.
So far as giving the boys the ambition and desire to learn. Once again.. Troop stuff. Providing opportunities at the council and district level does not promote desire and ambition. This has to occur in the context of the Patrol. Troop guides, Patrol Leaders, and Senior Patrol leaders that have been trained to provide purpose, direction, and motivation, for the unit to be the best it can be. Again… Troop stuff.
And finally.. and my favorite!!!! Working the Patrol method. In all its pain and agony, its fun and success, its trial and error. The Patrol is where Scouting happens. It is that simple.
So, as BP says.. Scouting is Simple. Don’t complicate it. If your unit is not keeping it simple, it may be time to evaluate what’s going on in it.
Keep the conversation going.. let us know what you think.
Have a Great Scouting Day!
