Scoutmaster Minute- 06.02.2026

I share with you a quote from American writer artist and philosopher Elbert Hubbard who said, "We awaken in others the same attitude of mind we hold towards them." When reading this quote, I think of its relevance to the Scout Law. When we are Friendly, do we not often receive friendship in return? When we are Cheerful, does it not prove infectious, and we therefore cause others to adopt a positive attitude? When we are Kind, do not we receive kindness back? Is not the reward of being Loyal the receipt of loyalty from others? As we consider Hubbard's words, I ask you to also think of what he says concerning "attitude of mind." I take this to mean that this awakening that we cause in others goes beyond our words and actions, but it extends to our gestures and perceived intentions. Therefore, we must be genuine in our care for others, with good intentions in our hearts rather than just virtue signaling or checking the box for a rank advancement. Remember the promise that you have taken freely with the Scout Oath and the promise to obey the Scout Law. A Scout is.

Scoutmaster Minute-May 12, 2026

I have already started to see tiny black and white polka dotted bugs on the railing of my back porch. Which means that it’s spotted lantern fly season. You can expect to see them more than you did last year and see them pop up in places you didn’t see them this year. The spotted lantern fly eats many agricultural crops. The damage they cause to the crops will reduce their yields, or make them vulnerable to disease. It is particularly devastating to fruit trees and grape vines. I have passed out a flyer to you all illustrating the 4 different life stages of the Spotted Lantern Fly look like. This will help you identify it as you are spending time outside this spring and summer. If you see a spotted lantern fly, squish it. As scouts we strive to practice leave no trace. Minimizing our impact on nature. When we travel to different cities, states, and countries it’s important that we don’t transport agricultural products (plants, fruit, veggies). Any time we agricultural products are transported, non-native pests that can negatively impact the ecosystem can be on those agricultural products. As you travel this summer either out of state or out of the country keep this in mind. Please join me in reciting the outdoor code: As an American, I will do my best to: Be Clean in my outdoor manners, be careful with fire, be considerate in the outdoors and be conservation minded. 

Scoutmaster's Minute, 5 May 2026

Some of you who are fans of classic rock are familiar with the band The Doors.  A few of you may be aware that its lead singer, Jim Morrison, also published poetry.  In one such poem, he wrote:  “The sniper's rifle is an extension of his eye. He kills with injurious vision.”  This is deep and can be interpreted in many ways, but I tend to think of the inability for the actor to remove him or herself from the culpability of action.  The tool (or weapon in this case) does not operate without a human in control.  The individual makes judgement calls, good or bad.  Society holds the individual accountable for bad decisions.

Just like in the physical world, we are responsible for our actions in the cyber world.  Even though one might feel anonymity on the keyboard, one is not absolved from the content of his or her texting, tweeting, postings, etc.  When we go on the Internet, we find that sometimes online content is rough.  It is amazing to witness the heartlessness and cruelty of people when reading what they post online about others.  Sometimes this horrible content includes cyber bullying, and cyber bullying can sometimes get so bad that the victim resorts to self-harm. 

Take great care with what you post or publish online.  What comes from your keystrokes is not without effects.  The keyboard is an extension of what is in your heart.  Show love – lift others up, neither tear them down in the physical nor the virtual world.

A Scout is Kind.

Scoutmaster Minute— April 28, 2026

My degree in college is in Accounting. As part of my degree I took two different classes about auditing which is about the examination about the financial records of the company. After graduating I was an external auditor examining the financial records of various companies. As part of examining companies is assessing the risk that fraud may occur. One of the methods of assessing risk is to send out questionnaires inquiring about fraud. These questionnaires get sent out to various people who work at the company. Financial fraud can happen anywhere in a company. This also assess the tone or vibes at the company. There is a saying that “tone starts at the top” which refers to the atmosphere created at the company by the CEO and executive management and leadership that dictates the company’s culture, values, and compliance with the rules. Here in this room the SPLs, ASPLs, Patrol Leaders are the ones who are responsible to setting the tone and culture of these troops. They are responsible for ensuring that the culture and and values of this troop are in alignment with the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. As scouts we strive the live out the Scout Oath and Scout Law in our daily lives both inside and outside of scouting. Everyone in this room is accountable to each other for doing that. I am accountable to you all just as much as you all are accountable to me. Mr. Henry and I are responsible for guiding you all as you move through your scouting careers. It is also extremely important when you all witness any scout whose actions and words don’t align with the Scout Oath and Law you speak with a trusted adult: parent, Assistant Scoutmaster, Scoutmaster, etc. because if there are words and or actions occurring that are not in alignment with the Scout Oath and the Scout Law it needs to be addressed immediately. A Scout Is….

Scoutmaster Minute -- 21 April 2026

Recently, Scouting America issued new guidance on what is appropriate for campfire skits. This new guidance prohibits skits that depict people getting shot, robbed at gunpoint, and dying. It also prohibits skits that waste food and anywhere someone is getting humiliated or bullied. My initial thoughts were, ‘wow, this sure eliminates many of the skits I have seen in the past.’ As I continued to think about it, the more I understood the rationale. In what world should we be finding entertainment in someone dying? What is funny about a robbery and seeing people in distress about being held at gunpoint? Why should we laugh at someone being bullied or belittled? It makes sense. A Scout is Kind and these things are inconsistent with our values.

We live in a world of filth. Litter on the sides of the street, graffiti on bridges, and pollution in the water and air. Impurities extend to speech, images, internet content, jokes, and entertainment. Yet, we have a choice of whether we want to wallow in the mud or rise above the filth. Our Scout Oath and Law provide a basis for behavior and an azimuth for how we should live our lives. In our conversations, in our interactions, around our campfires and in our patrol areas, let’s keep it clean and appropriate. It is hard to soar with the eagles if one is emulating turkeys.

A Scout is Clean

Scoutmaster Minute-April 7, 2026

On a crowded highway in bumper to bumper traffic. An ambulance with its sirens blazing and lights flashing. I am going to tell you a tale of two cities. The most recent one I was coming back from the vet with Nicholas and the dogs. I was driving in the left most lane. I slowed downed pulling my car over out of the lane to make space and allow the ambulance to go through. Some of the other cars around me did that. Unfortunately many people kept traveling on the path they were already on. For the next several miles while driving not only did I see that ambulance, I watched it struggle to make its way through traffic as car after car failed to move over to allow the ambulance pass through traffic. The ambulance only disappeared from our sight when it exited the highway. The second one city Honolulu, HI. I hear the sirens and watch cars create a an open lane in the middle of a crowded highway with bumper to bumper traffic. Everyone created space for the ambulance. This happened several moments before the ambulance easily drove through traffic and vanished on the road ahead. To this day it is one of the most amazing things I have seen on the road. These two experience highlighted some important things: When working together for a common goal a group of people are capable of doing incredible things. While one person not getting out of the way doesn’t cause the largest inconvenience. When it happens over and over again the cumulative affect can have a large negative impact. You as a member of this troop, your school community and this planet know that your actions matter and impact others around you. A Scout is Courteous.

Scoutmaster Minute -- 24 March 2026

I am excited to see my resident chipmunk. 'Mini-bears' as we sometimes call them are scarce in the winter. Yet unlike bears and groundhogs, they do not hibernate. They go into a lighter dormancy called 'torpor.' In torpor, chipmunks drop their heart rate, breathing, and body temperature to conserve energy in the cold. Every few days they wake to eat, warm up, and relieve themselves of waste. This period of torpor lasts roughly from October to mid-March. Now that the weather is finally mostly nice, I can count on seeing my chipmunk running around the yard.

Like that chipmunk, it is time we transition from torpor. We need to leave the burrows of our home and run around outside, enjoying the sun's warmth and breathing fresh air. Yet some people live in a permanent state of torpor, rarely leaving the comfort of four walls and a roof. As such, they miss both the beauty and the benefits of the outdoors. This is very unhealthy; it leads to a shorter lifespan marked by missed opportunities. Don't let this be you. This is the season of rebirth – seize the day!

I will keep myself physically strong.

Scoutmaster Minute— 3.17.26

This year we have welcomed 31 new scouts across both troops. We now have a large number of scouts. All of you are leaders regardless of rank.

All of you serve as roll models and leaders to people outside this Troop. You also serve as a role models to Cub Scouts and younger siblings.

If you have earned the Scout Rank please take one step forward. You can help new scouts get orientated at a meeting. You can show them where the bathroom is. Make them feel welcome and let them know you are glad they are here.

If you have earned Tenderfoot please take one step forward. You have been camping with the troop. You can assist new scouts with what they need to do when they first get to the campsite. You can lend a hand if they get stuck putting up a tent.

If you have earned Second Class please take one step forward. You can assist if there is a first aid need that comes up. You have the ability and skills to demonstrate your knowledge.

If you have earned First Class please take one step forward. You are considered an older scout. You have the ability to sign off on requirements for scouts. You help scouts learn those basic Scout skills.

If you you have earned the rank of Star please take one step forward. You are honing your leadership skills. You may be serving in an elected leadership position. You are actively involved in teaching scouts skills and setting the example of what leadership looks like.

If you have earned the rank of Life please take one step forward. You have successfully served in a leadership role in the Troop for 6 months. You are continuing to serve as a leader in the Troop. You are a scout who younger scouts look up to.

If you have earned the rank of Eagle please take one step forward. You have lead your peers and adults through a service project. You have demonstrated you leadership ability. You are able to act as a peer mentor to the other Scouts in the troop.

Look at the scouts that lay before you and after you. You all are the troop. You are responsible and accountable to each other. Scouts who are father along on their journey you have the responsibility to help the scouts behind you. For those of you just starting on your journey, you have the responsibility to be your best advocate. Ask questions when you need help. Learn to lean on the resources and the people around you. Leadership can come from anywhere.

A scout is Helpful.

Scoutmaster Minute -- 10 March 2026

Sometimes analogies create lasting impressions. Twenty-five years ago I was sitting in an Officer Professional Development session in Kosovo hosted by our brigade commander. During the session, a fellow officer lamented about a recent Army decision that was unpopular. Our brigade commander delivered a response that has stuck with me to this day. He said that we were like ships moving on open water. We cannot change what is in front of us, yet our movement across the water creates a wake and that wake gets increasingly larger as it emanates outward. Like that ship moving, often we do not have the power to change what is in front of us, but we do have considerable influence on those who we train, coach, teach, mentor and lead. This is a true ripple effect and this is how we affect change.

Oftentimes when we talk of loyalty, we speak to loyalty to the powers that be – government, parents, schoolteachers, coaches, scoutmaster, senior patrol leader, patrol leaders, etc. We are reminded that loyalty is a two-way street and we should also be loyal to those we lead. This means presence and investment in training, counseling, feedback, and assurances, as well as providing the necessities for success.

It is important to be aware of events happening around you, but I submit that stressing about things one cannot control is not healthy. Instead, one should focus on what he or she can control and make positive change. When in a leadership position, this includes putting those who you lead above yourself and ensuring they are developed to make right and ethical decisions and become positive influences themselves. This is how the world becomes a better place.

A Scout is Loyal.

Scoutmaster Minute— 3.03.2026

I was at a Cub Scout meeting the other day. I was wearing my Den Leader uniform. A Tiger scout looked up at me and asked "Are you an Eagle Scout?" I looked back at them and said "No, I'm not an Eagle Scout. When I was your age girls weren't allowed to join." Internally I felt a familiar pang of sadness that I have felt many times over my Scouting career as an adult.

It is the same sadness that I feel when they ask anyone who has reached the rank of Eagle to come forward. It's a feeling of sadness that comes with being told you are less than because of qualities and characteristics beyond your control. It's the internalized feeling of being unworthy because you have been told you can't because "You're a girl".

My sister wrote a letter to The Boy Scouts of America petitioning for girls to be able to join in 1998. They responded to her letter with a polite no. My sister isn't the first person to petition for female participation in this Scouting program. In 2019 females were finally allowed to participate in the Scouting program and provided the opportunity to be able to earn the rank of Eagle Scout.

In the fall of 2018 my oldest son, Nicholas, joined Cub Scouts as a Wolf. That fall I went camping in a tent for the first time in my life. I was 36 years old. As Nicholas learned outdoor skills I was there right beside him learning. We have been camping together more times than I have fingers and toes.

As Nicholas has progressed with is Scouting and so have I. Over the years I have become more and more involved as an Adult Scouter. I love all the things that I have learned in Scouting. I have learned how to tie a half hitch. I can confidently and easily start a fire. I can identify at least 10 plants when out hiking. I can identify animal tracks and signs of animals out in the wilderness. I spent 12 days backpacking through the New Mexico backcountry.

Today I stand before you as a Scoutmaster of a Girls BSA Troop, who does not have any daughters. I have two children, both are male.

The reason why I became a Scoutmaster is that I believe that Scouting America offers an amazing program. I'm here to provide the opportunity my sister and I weren't allowed to have. I'm here to support you in all of the adventures and opportunities that come your way. I'm here to encourage to you to grow in your confidence, encourage you to take up space and use your voice. I'm here to help as you to learn how to lead. I'm here so that you are supported, safe, and loved on this journey. Know that all of you belong here and are welcomed here however you show up.

I am here to make sure when you have a Cub Scout look up at you and ask "Were you in scouts when you were a kid?" You're able to respond back with a really big smile and say "Yes, I was! It was really fun!"

Scoutmaster Minute -- 23 February 2026

If you study Ancient Greek mythology or theater, you will encounter the term 'hubris.' Hubris has come to mean excessive confidence or pride, and arrogance. Hubris can cause a person to do foolish things.

I recently thought about this because I was listening to song that I recognized from the original Karate Kid soundtrack. The song is called "You're the Best" and the chorus states: "You're the best! Around! Nothing's gonna ever keep you down." I argue that this is a bad message, but a message that is too often repeated and it leads to overconfidence, and overconfidence leads to failure. This overconfidence is fed by input – moms, dads, grandpas, grandmas, friends and fans telling us, "oh, you are the best." Unfortunately, statistically this is simply not true. If you play a sport, you discover quickly that there is always someone quicker, stronger, or more skilled. Likewise for scholastic competitions and mock trial teams – someone is smarter or quicker with an answer. It is humbling.

Back to Karate Kid, Daniel LaRusso (the Karate Kid) was not the best. Johnny Lawrence from Cobra Kai was bigger, stronger and more experienced, but he had hubris and Daniel trained harder and tried harder. This is the key to victory – not to be overconfident and believe you can, but to do the things to win. Do not get caught up in the hype that you are the best, rather do the things that cause you to be the best version of you. In Cub Scouts, we recited the motto of "Do Your Best" and across Scouting we pledge our honor to do our best when we say the Scout Oath. We do not say that we are the best. Scouting's founder Baden-Powell said, "We never fail when we try to do our duty, we always fail when we neglect to do it." Do your best, but stay humble.

On my honor, I will do my best.

Scoutmaster Minute— February 17, 2026

This week has quite a few holidays and holy days.

Today is Lunar New Year, which marks the beginning of a new year on the lunar calendar. In many Asian cultures Lunar New Year is a celebration of of welcoming in the new year, luck and prosperity and spending time with family.

Tomorrow Wednesday February 18th is the first day of Ramadan. Ramadan is a month-long spiritual practice of fasting during daylight hours, spending extra time reading the Qur'an, reciting special prayers, cultivating gratitude and compassion for those less fortunate. During the month the focus is on spiritual growth, strengthening faith, practicing patience, breaking bad habits, spending time with community and family.

Tomorrow is also Ash Wednesday, which marks a 40 day period of spiritual renewal for those of the Christian faith. People often spend the period of 40 days fasting or giving something up during the season of Lent in which people spend time in spiritual reflection, and repentance.

As we enter into this time of year of spiritual renewal and physical renewal. The season of spring will bring new physical growth. Take a moment to express gratitude and thankfulness for the people in your life and the bounty of nature around you.

A Scout is Reverent.

Scoutmaster Minute— February 10, 2026

A scout is helpful. As scouts we serve our country as well as the community we live in. We develop the habit of helpfulness to where it becomes second nature. When you see a need you step right in and help. Helping others becomes instinctual.

What happens when you are the one that needs help?

My personal response 90% of the time when someone offers help to me is "No, it's ok I've got it" because I have internalized receiving help as a sign of weakness and incompetence. If I can't manage to do this by myself there must be something wrong with me. I have personally failed somehow.

Let me tell you how wrong I am.

After my spinal surgery I have found myself asking for help more in the last 8 weeks then I have in my 43 years of existence. There is a breadth and depth to the help I have asked for to which I never thought was possible. I drop medication on the floor I ask for help to pick it up so that Letty and Sprinkles don't eat it. At the grocery store I have asked complete strangers if they are able to help me get items off low shelves. I have asked family and friends to help out with household duties. Professionally I'm asking my clients for patience as a slowly get back into the groove of working. After having major surgery I don't have the physical endurance or capabilities I had prior to surgery. Here at scouts I ask for Adult Scouters to help cover my responsibilities of mentoring, Scoutmaster minutes, camping, etc. In every part of my life and in my day I am asking for help.

It's not a sign of weakness to realize you need help. It is brave, to be vulnerable, to open yourself up to receive help. It's brave to say I can't do this all by myself.

Receiving help allows you to stay physically strong and mentally awake. You help yourself by asking someone to help you carry a heavy load rather than injuring your body. You preserve your mental energy by asking for help when you get stuck on a math problem.

The next time you find yourself getting struggling to carry something heavy, getting frustrated at homework, infuriated trying to tie a knot. Be BRAVE! Ask for help. You're not in this life alone. Look to the left, look to the right and look across the room, you have people in your life that are here to help you and support you in this life's journey.

A scout is helpful.
A scout is brave.