12/13/2022
Well, today is a day of reflection.
After nearly 45 years in Scouting, I am going to be hanging at up for a bit. Maybe I will return as grandkids get older.
This has little too do with the current state of Scouting; instead, this is about realizing I am now once of those old guys that says - I remember when.
I remember when...
I was young and enjoyed camping.
I was young and played until then lights came on.
I was young and made new friends.
I was young and played baseball.
I was young and learned about possibilities.
I was young and was encouraged to dream and reach.
I was young and earned Bobcat and Tiger cub.
I was young and moved to different places; met more friends.
I was young and earned Wolf and Bear cub.
I was young and was mighty might in baseball.
I was young and enjoyed soccer.
I was young and enjoyed choir and acting.
I was young and enjoyed Church youth group.
I was young and enjoyed summer camp and family vacations.
I was young and learned the Scout Laws and the meaning.
I was young and learned the Scout Oath.
I was young and learned guiding values - while having fun.
I was young and joined a Troop in 5th grader.
I was young and became a part of a bigger family.
I was young and camped at least once a month.
I was young and learned how to swim, canoe, row, hike, pack a backpack, make a hiking stick, cook, plan, help others, white water raft, gaze at northern lights, see rededication of Statue of Liberty, go to Buckskin, join order of the Arrow, build a shelter, use dutch ovens, tie knots, sail a boat, water ski, snow ski, talk to adults, motivate buddies, build a team, and so much more.
I was young and learned it was more fun to show and help others.
I was young and learned character is how you treat others and integrity is what you do when noone is looking.
I was young and learned if you are going to do something, do it right the first time.
I was young and went to district camporees, national jamborees, scout show and tells, order of the arrow conclaves, international jamborees, summer camps, served on staff at camporees, OA events, summer camps, Buckskin and numerous trainings.
I was young and helped at special olympics, church functions, service projects, youth church retreats, community events (greek festival - yummy!) and so much more.
I was young and then, I started being a young man.
As a young man, I just enjoyed life.
I enjoyed the experience I had already had.
I enjoyed the friends I liked hanging out with.
I really didn't think about clicks or groups of friends.
I just simply enjoyed hanging out until then lights came on.
As a young man, I realized the journey was more exciting than the destination.
I started to understand more and more that those you journey with shape you, support you and encourage you.
I started to understand programs like Scouting is not just an outdoor program or advancement and awards; it is about helping you unlock your potential.
It is about increasing confidence, providing support and building your definition of character.
It is about being a part of something and removing your ego and pride.
It is about understanding the beat leadership (for me) is servant leadership.
In 1989, I earned Eagle Scout, albeit under protest as others earning Eagle at the time only considered at a badge, so, in true Alec fashion, in refused to finish my Eagle as the other scout earned his. In the end, a wise Scoutmaster and a great Buckskin scoutmaster knocked me over the head and said - you earned Eagle years ago; now, finish the badge so you can start your next journey.
Since then, the journey has been great.
I have enjoyed every minute of it.
The experiences in have gained; the connection to others; the community across the globe I am a part of is inspiring.
The passion people have for your youth, our future, is just as amazing!
Setting reach goals and helping people to achieve has been wonderful!
From helping youngins to cook for the first time over an open fire to providing an environment for kids to be kids to watching our youth (AND adults) evaluate and refine their values, this has been a joy!
To those that have been a part of the journey, I say thank you...you helped me more than you know.
Lastly, as I wrap up a post 45 years in the making, I share a few special moments that shaped me in regards to Scouts:
Completing my Arrow of Light was one of the hardest things I had to do as a 4th and 5th grader. I was hell on wheels in the 4th grade - almost expelled from Catholic school. Completing Arrow of Light and crossing over to a Troop was much more about me realizing if I applied myself, good things would happen; if I allowed others to help, life wouldn't be as hard; and, if I set a goal, I can achieve it.
Being a part of Buckskin staff for nearly 20 years. Leadership development is not something that happens overnight. It is a journey. You have to learn about yourself first so people can see you and really hear you. It is about passion and sharing that passion with others. Example of leadership to me... Set a goal to have an all Eagle staff (or you cant continue on staff). When this was done, at was not to only have Eagles on staff, it was to help others achieve Eagle. It was to bring on new staffers that needed a bit of encouragement and support to realize they can do it. Just like my Scoutmasters and role models did for me, then Buckskin staff did it (AMD continue to do it) for others. Thus, passion and purpose combined to create awesome outcomes!
Lastly, but definitely #1 on my journey, as my family involved in Scouts. The support my wife had provided for nearly 30 years has been awesome. Just 1 hour a week - 🤣. On average, is would spend over 2,000 hours a year on scouts. In down years, around 500 hours. Without her support, this would not have been possible. My wife and daughters also helped beyound belief with scouts as a sibling patrol, helping setup activities and even in venture crew and ROTC programs. Ultimately, the journey of Scouting reached new heights when I watched before my very eyes my son, David, participate in a program I loved so much. The best I can do to explain it, it is like having your child hang out with their grandparent and loving it. Scouts was like a father to me and to share that with my son was awesome. To be a part of this journey was amazing. To see him be the man he has become is inspiring; and, yes, he is an Eagle Scout.
So, thanks for reading and listening to the rampkes of an old school scout. The journey has been great! Now time to continue the journey of life.
Yours in Scouting always,
Mr. B
