In his 1908 book Scouting for Boys (the earliest Scout Handbook), Lieutenant General Robert Baden-Powell gave the definition for "Be Prepared." He said:
"BE PREPARED, which means, you are always in a state of readiness in mind and body to do your DUTY; Be Prepared in Mind by having disciplined yourself to be obedient to every order, and also by having thought out beforehand any accident or situation that might occur, so that you know the right thing to do at the right moment, and are willing to do it. Be Prepared in Body by making yourself strong and active and able to do the right thing at the right moment, and do it."
Later on someone asked him, "prepared for what?" He famously responded, "why, for any old thing!"
Being Prepared is a mindset. It is hoping for the best but being prepared to handle the worst. For me personally, it was the forethought to pack a wool sweater when traveling to tropical West Africa, even though the temperature was never going to drop below 80 degrees. I sure was glad to have had that sweater when a mystery illness gave me the shivers. Once again, Being Prepared and following the Troop Packing List meant that I had a jacket in July at summer camp two years ago, and let me tell you, we needed jackets two evenings because it was cold in the mountains.
Your training teaches you to Be Prepared. Don't get caught by surprise. Don't let the wish for the best conditions cause you to be ill-prepared for the worst. Prepared for what? Why, for any old thing!
Be Prepared!
Monday, January 5, 2026
Sunday, December 28, 2025
Scoutmaster Minute, 30 December 2025
As we close out this 2025 holiday season, let's talk about presents. One of the best presents you can give is presence. Spend time with mom and dad. Spend time with siblings. Be there for your friends. Unplug from the screens and plug into your relationships. Our time with one another is fleeting so let's make the most of what we have.
A Scout is Loyal. A Scout is Kind.
A Scout is Loyal. A Scout is Kind.
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Scoutmaster Minute — December 16, 2025
There are a couple of things that I have come across or happened in the past couple of days that have really made an imprint on me in the last couple of days that I would like to share with you.
The first is the story of a retired police office who converted an old hotel shuttle into a mobile laundry facility.After retiring as a canine officer he wanted to continue to serve his community. He drives around Frederick, MD to where unhoused folks live to wash, dry and fold their laundry. Providing the service of clean laundry to the unhoused people within his community allows them to feel better about them selves and be comfortable in the clothes they are wearing.
The second came as a total surprise this afternoon. My youngest son has been sick and we don't know why, which is frustrating. This afternoon a folder of cards from his classmates was delivered to our house. Card after card telling him how much he was missed, how the D&D campaigns was going, about Stranger Things, and how school has been boring without him. Sitting there watching him open and read the cards I saw some brightness come back.
What may seem to be a small act can have a huge impact on the people. As we enter into the darker parts of the year with less day light each day, be the light in someone's day with an act of kindness. One small act can have a huge impact.
A scout is kind.
The first is the story of a retired police office who converted an old hotel shuttle into a mobile laundry facility.After retiring as a canine officer he wanted to continue to serve his community. He drives around Frederick, MD to where unhoused folks live to wash, dry and fold their laundry. Providing the service of clean laundry to the unhoused people within his community allows them to feel better about them selves and be comfortable in the clothes they are wearing.
The second came as a total surprise this afternoon. My youngest son has been sick and we don't know why, which is frustrating. This afternoon a folder of cards from his classmates was delivered to our house. Card after card telling him how much he was missed, how the D&D campaigns was going, about Stranger Things, and how school has been boring without him. Sitting there watching him open and read the cards I saw some brightness come back.
What may seem to be a small act can have a huge impact on the people. As we enter into the darker parts of the year with less day light each day, be the light in someone's day with an act of kindness. One small act can have a huge impact.
A scout is kind.
Sunday, December 7, 2025
Scoutmaster Minute -- 9 December 2025
When I was a young man, a much older gentleman told me that he learned something new each day. He stated, "when I cease to learn, I will lose the reason to live." This sentiment stuck to me, and I endeavored to be a life-long learner. This meant self-paced learning from books and later software or on-line sources and taking advantage of courses and classes offered to me. This later paid off in a big way as two of the courses I took when I was in my early twenties provided the necessary qualifications and edge to secure key jobs in my forties.
Flash forward to now. This past weekend I had to take a Scout leader class on how to be a better trainer as it is a prerequisite for me to serve on the staff of an upcoming Wood Badge Course. I was not looking forward to this class because it was scheduled to be all day on Saturday and I wanted some time off. Yet, as I got into the course, I again found joy in learning. I was reminded of the sage wisdom of this gentleman from so long ago and reminded myself of the privilege that I had to be privy this information needed to better hone my skills in instructing.
We live in a time where knowledge is accessible on an unparalleled basis. In many cases, ignorance boils down to personal choice. All one needs is the judgement to discern what is coming from a verifiable source as truth and that what is fiction, a misinterpretation, or an outright lie. I challenge you to continue to better yourself and seek out opportunities to expand your horizons. Remember the two stars on the Scout badge – Truth and Knowledge.
On my honor, I will do my best.
Flash forward to now. This past weekend I had to take a Scout leader class on how to be a better trainer as it is a prerequisite for me to serve on the staff of an upcoming Wood Badge Course. I was not looking forward to this class because it was scheduled to be all day on Saturday and I wanted some time off. Yet, as I got into the course, I again found joy in learning. I was reminded of the sage wisdom of this gentleman from so long ago and reminded myself of the privilege that I had to be privy this information needed to better hone my skills in instructing.
We live in a time where knowledge is accessible on an unparalleled basis. In many cases, ignorance boils down to personal choice. All one needs is the judgement to discern what is coming from a verifiable source as truth and that what is fiction, a misinterpretation, or an outright lie. I challenge you to continue to better yourself and seek out opportunities to expand your horizons. Remember the two stars on the Scout badge – Truth and Knowledge.
On my honor, I will do my best.
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Scoutmaster Minute-- December 2, 2025
We all have different roles and responsibilities, depending on what part of our day we are in. You all have roles and responsibilities with school and your schoolwork. When you are at home, you have different roles and responsibilities as a member of your family doing chores, taking care of animals, helping out with younger siblings, helping out with older siblings, etc. Myself as an adult I have different roles and responsibilities here I'm a scoutmaster, at home I'm a parent, and at work I'm the owner of a small business. Each of the roles we have throughout our day comes with different responsibilities and expectations as we go through our day.
In the performance of our duties in these various roles, it's easy to fall into the pattern of getting things done and everything being similar day today. While we go about fulfilling our duties we may no think much of it.
Let me ask you a question. When was the last time you told a teacher that you appreciate them? When was the last time you told your parent you appreciated them cooking dinner, giving you a ride? Showing appreciation for the people you interact with is important. Telling people I appreciate you means that you see the work and effort they put in and it's valued.
As you move through your week this next upcoming week, let the people around you know that you appreciate them and the work that they are doing. As you move through life and take on leadership roles. I want you to remember to appreciate and recognize the work of the people around you.
A Scout is Courteous.
In the performance of our duties in these various roles, it's easy to fall into the pattern of getting things done and everything being similar day today. While we go about fulfilling our duties we may no think much of it.
Let me ask you a question. When was the last time you told a teacher that you appreciate them? When was the last time you told your parent you appreciated them cooking dinner, giving you a ride? Showing appreciation for the people you interact with is important. Telling people I appreciate you means that you see the work and effort they put in and it's valued.
As you move through your week this next upcoming week, let the people around you know that you appreciate them and the work that they are doing. As you move through life and take on leadership roles. I want you to remember to appreciate and recognize the work of the people around you.
A Scout is Courteous.
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Scoutmaster Minute 11-18-2025
I find myself bogged down in current events and overall adult stress. To bring a little joy and cheer to the end of your day I present you all Christmas Tree themed jokes.
Why are Christmas trees bad at sewing? They always drop their needles!
2. What do scientists decorate at Christmas? A chemis-tree!
3. How do Christmas trees get ready for a night out? They spruce up!
4. What do you call a computer that grows on a Christmas tree? A PineApple!
5. What do Christmas trees get when they go numb? Pines and needles!
6. What do Christmas trees get when they're ill? Tinselitus!
7. How are Christmas trees more noticeable in December? They have more presents!
8. Why did the Christmas tree go to the dentist? It needed a root canal!
9. Why didn't the Christmas tree perform well on it's algebra test? It got stumped by all the questions!
10. Where do young trees learn to become Christmas trees? Elementree school!
11. What did Luke Skywalker say after he planted a Christmas tree farm? May the forest be with you!
12. What was the Christmas tree's favorite subject in high school? Treegonometree!
13. Why was the Christmas tree's friend so sad? It was a weeping willow!
14. How do Christmas trees get their email? They log-on!
15. Why was there ice cream under the Christmas tree? To go with the pine cones!
16. What looks like half a Christmas tree? They other half!
17. What was the Christmas tree's favorite shape? A treeangle!
18. How did the two rival Christmas trees get along? They signed a peace tree-ty!
19. What happens to Christmas trees on Valentine's Day? They get all sappy!
20. How do Christmas trees make their feelings heard? They o-pine up!
A Scout is Cheerful
Why are Christmas trees bad at sewing? They always drop their needles!
2. What do scientists decorate at Christmas? A chemis-tree!
3. How do Christmas trees get ready for a night out? They spruce up!
4. What do you call a computer that grows on a Christmas tree? A PineApple!
5. What do Christmas trees get when they go numb? Pines and needles!
6. What do Christmas trees get when they're ill? Tinselitus!
7. How are Christmas trees more noticeable in December? They have more presents!
8. Why did the Christmas tree go to the dentist? It needed a root canal!
9. Why didn't the Christmas tree perform well on it's algebra test? It got stumped by all the questions!
10. Where do young trees learn to become Christmas trees? Elementree school!
11. What did Luke Skywalker say after he planted a Christmas tree farm? May the forest be with you!
12. What was the Christmas tree's favorite subject in high school? Treegonometree!
13. Why was the Christmas tree's friend so sad? It was a weeping willow!
14. How do Christmas trees get their email? They log-on!
15. Why was there ice cream under the Christmas tree? To go with the pine cones!
16. What looks like half a Christmas tree? They other half!
17. What was the Christmas tree's favorite shape? A treeangle!
18. How did the two rival Christmas trees get along? They signed a peace tree-ty!
19. What happens to Christmas trees on Valentine's Day? They get all sappy!
20. How do Christmas trees make their feelings heard? They o-pine up!
A Scout is Cheerful
Monday, November 10, 2025
Scoutmaster Minute -- 11 November 2025
World War I was a particularly brutal war. From 28 July 1914 – 11 November 1918, it saw 30 million military casualties. In the late fall of 1918, Germany was the last of the Central Powers left fighting. With a revolution brewing in back in Germany, Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated on 9 November, and the war ended with the Armistice of 11 November 1918. Parties signed the armistice at 1100 Paris Time.
In1919 President Woodrow Wilson delivered a commemorative message to the American public on the first anniversary of Armistice Day and we have taken pause ever since, as have many of the countries who fought in that terrible war. In some nations the observance is known as Remembrance Day, with some wearing a poppy flower to commemorate the war dead. As the Armistice formally ended the major hostilities of World War I at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, many countries hold a moment of silence at 1100. In the US, Title 36 US Code 145 sets 1411 hrs. (2:11 p.m.) Eastern Standard Time as an observation of two minutes of silence.
In 1938 Congress made Armistice Day a federal holiday. In 1954, Congress renamed Armistice Day to Veterans Day. In the US, we hold a distinct holiday to remember our fallen Service Members – Memorial Day in May, an observance in the US since 1868. Veterans Day honors the service and sacrifice of all who served in our Nation's Armed Forces. In light of many retailers using the day to offer sales and it being a day off from school or work, this message is sometimes lost. How can you observe Veterans Day? Most of you have a veteran living in your neighborhood and possibly one in your family. I encourage you to thank them for their service, wish them a Happy Veterans Day, and if you have time ask them to tell you about their time in uniform. This will enrich both your life and theirs. Happy Veterans Day!
A Scout is Friendly and a Scout is Courteous.
In1919 President Woodrow Wilson delivered a commemorative message to the American public on the first anniversary of Armistice Day and we have taken pause ever since, as have many of the countries who fought in that terrible war. In some nations the observance is known as Remembrance Day, with some wearing a poppy flower to commemorate the war dead. As the Armistice formally ended the major hostilities of World War I at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, many countries hold a moment of silence at 1100. In the US, Title 36 US Code 145 sets 1411 hrs. (2:11 p.m.) Eastern Standard Time as an observation of two minutes of silence.
In 1938 Congress made Armistice Day a federal holiday. In 1954, Congress renamed Armistice Day to Veterans Day. In the US, we hold a distinct holiday to remember our fallen Service Members – Memorial Day in May, an observance in the US since 1868. Veterans Day honors the service and sacrifice of all who served in our Nation's Armed Forces. In light of many retailers using the day to offer sales and it being a day off from school or work, this message is sometimes lost. How can you observe Veterans Day? Most of you have a veteran living in your neighborhood and possibly one in your family. I encourage you to thank them for their service, wish them a Happy Veterans Day, and if you have time ask them to tell you about their time in uniform. This will enrich both your life and theirs. Happy Veterans Day!
A Scout is Friendly and a Scout is Courteous.
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Scoutmaster Minute —November 4, 2025
Today is election day. All US citizens who are 18 and older have the right to vote. Exercising your right to vote is an act of patriotism and of duty to your country. It is through this democratic process that we the people elect our leaders. It's important that as you grow older that you exercise your right to vote in county, state and federal elections. Your voice is important and your vote matters.
A scout is loyal.
A scout is loyal.
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Scoutmaster Minute -- 28 October 2025
We work our whole lives building a reputation. A good reputation is a cumulative effort of reliability, trustworthiness, kind acts, hard work, and loyalty, among other things. Conversely, a bad reputation can include non-reliability, a history of lying, laziness, vulgarity, selfishness, and mean spiritedness among other things. A person cannot take your good reputation – it is yours and yours alone. To lose it, you must give it away.
Group dynamics are different. In the group, all contribute to the good reputation through acts of virtue. Yet, the act of a single individual can tarnish the reputation of the whole. You may have heard that one 'ah crud' can erase a bunch of 'atta-boys,' or 'one bad apple can spoil the whole barrel.' That is why when we serve on a team we consider our fellow teammates and seek not to let them down. We feel the pressure of being part of something larger than ourselves and 'up our game' to contribute, not hinder, to the well-being, achievements and reputation of our team.
In Scouting, we are in many teams. Our patrols. Our troops. Our district. Our council. Our national Scouting America. The World Scouting Movement. Let our actions and our hearts prove to contribute to the good reputation of Scouting at every level.
A Scout is.
Group dynamics are different. In the group, all contribute to the good reputation through acts of virtue. Yet, the act of a single individual can tarnish the reputation of the whole. You may have heard that one 'ah crud' can erase a bunch of 'atta-boys,' or 'one bad apple can spoil the whole barrel.' That is why when we serve on a team we consider our fellow teammates and seek not to let them down. We feel the pressure of being part of something larger than ourselves and 'up our game' to contribute, not hinder, to the well-being, achievements and reputation of our team.
In Scouting, we are in many teams. Our patrols. Our troops. Our district. Our council. Our national Scouting America. The World Scouting Movement. Let our actions and our hearts prove to contribute to the good reputation of Scouting at every level.
A Scout is.
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Scoutmaster Minute— October 21, 2025
I look out here tonight at scouts, scouters, family members and it reminds me of the saying "Rome was not built in a day"
We celebrate the accomplishments of our scouts this evening and I see the results of the time, effort, and hard work that each scout, scouter, and parent puts forth each day into these scouts.
We are sitting here in a very large group of scouts because every day each of us makes the choice to live by the scout oath and the scout law. Scouts you make the choice to not only be here but to actively and faithfully participate. Older scouts you make the choice to spend your time helping out younger scouts learning their scout skills. You embrace the EDGE method.
Scouters you make the choice to invest your time and effort into these scouts Tuesday evenings, weekends, and all the other days in between.
It's through these consistent efforts all of us here celebrate these scouts earning merit badges as well as advancing to the next rank. All of the progress these scouts have made wasn't instantaneous. It have been accomplished through consistent and deliberate effort.
A scout is Loyal.
We celebrate the accomplishments of our scouts this evening and I see the results of the time, effort, and hard work that each scout, scouter, and parent puts forth each day into these scouts.
We are sitting here in a very large group of scouts because every day each of us makes the choice to live by the scout oath and the scout law. Scouts you make the choice to not only be here but to actively and faithfully participate. Older scouts you make the choice to spend your time helping out younger scouts learning their scout skills. You embrace the EDGE method.
Scouters you make the choice to invest your time and effort into these scouts Tuesday evenings, weekends, and all the other days in between.
It's through these consistent efforts all of us here celebrate these scouts earning merit badges as well as advancing to the next rank. All of the progress these scouts have made wasn't instantaneous. It have been accomplished through consistent and deliberate effort.
A scout is Loyal.
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Scoutmaster Minute, 12 October 2025
In writings and philosophy, you will encounter the concept of Utopia. In a general sense, Utopia is a perfect world where all are treated equal and everyone works towards the common good with everyone else's best interests in mind. Unfortunately, Utopia does not exist on this world – it is like Unobtainium. Greed, self-centeredness, selfishness, ego, mean-spiritedness, and xenophobia keep Utopia as a fictional place.
Just because there is no such place as a perfect world in this life, it does not mean that you cannot work towards making a perfect world. You can treat others with the kindness you would like to receive. You can help those in need. You can show courtesy and extend friendship to all. You may not change the whole world, but the impact of your actions will have a ripple effect and create more change than you know.
Build your Utopia around you.
A Scout is Kind, Helpful, Courteous, and Friendly
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Scoutmaster Minute— October 7, 2025
I quilt as a hobby. Quilting is taking smaller pieces of fabric and making a larger piece of fabric to make a blanket.
Quilting can be a very sustainable creative endeavor. It allows you to take clothing that may benefit at the end of it's useful life as a pair of pants and give it new purpose.
Quilting brings together fabric of different types, colors, and shapes and brings it together for one purpose…becoming a blanket to keep you warm.
I would like to think of all of us in this room as pieces of fabric. We all have different educational backgrounds, families, friends, professions etc. We are all here united in living out the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
We should all endeavor to work together to keep ourselves warm with scout spirit while we live out the Scout Oath and Law.
Quilting can be a very sustainable creative endeavor. It allows you to take clothing that may benefit at the end of it's useful life as a pair of pants and give it new purpose.
Quilting brings together fabric of different types, colors, and shapes and brings it together for one purpose…becoming a blanket to keep you warm.
I would like to think of all of us in this room as pieces of fabric. We all have different educational backgrounds, families, friends, professions etc. We are all here united in living out the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
We should all endeavor to work together to keep ourselves warm with scout spirit while we live out the Scout Oath and Law.
Monday, September 29, 2025
Scoutmaster Minute, 30 September 2025
In his inauguration address in 1932, President Franklin D. Roosevelt stated, "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself." Many of you have heard this quote and are aware of FDR's daunting task at the time of bringing America out of the Great Depression. What is less quoted, but arguably as important is the definition of fear that he gives in that same speech, calling it "nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance."
Now fear is an interesting thing, as it creates a barrier to getting stuff done. Likewise, it is important to note, as FDR said, how often fear is irrational. I'll give you two examples of how this is so.
In a previous job, we were constructing a large building with a plexiglass wall that gave a view from the top layer all the way to the basement – six stories in all. Do you know that many people would not walk close to the glass wall because of the fear of heights and falling? We solved this problem by installing a waist-high decal stripe on the glass, giving the appearance of a rail, yet with no change to the structural integrity of the glass wall at all. Amazingly, more people would walk close to the wall because their minds perceived it differently, thinking it more solid. Now consider this past weekend and the irrational fear of sleeping in a lean-to instead of sleeping in a tent. A tent is a thin fabric barrier between you and the outdoors and some of you have over 100 nights sleeping in a tent. Yet when imaginations run wild about what creatures are out and about, that tent is a safe zone, just like that sticker on the plexiglass wall, when in fact, it is not much different than sleeping in an open shelter.
The key to overcoming fear is to employ rational thought and to train to build confidence. This is the foundation of bravery. Continue to challenge yourself. Think: "why am I afraid?" If it is a lack of a certain skill, do something about it. If it is illogical, do a gut check. Do not let fear paralyze you and keep you from being the best version of yourself.
A Scout is Brave
Now fear is an interesting thing, as it creates a barrier to getting stuff done. Likewise, it is important to note, as FDR said, how often fear is irrational. I'll give you two examples of how this is so.
In a previous job, we were constructing a large building with a plexiglass wall that gave a view from the top layer all the way to the basement – six stories in all. Do you know that many people would not walk close to the glass wall because of the fear of heights and falling? We solved this problem by installing a waist-high decal stripe on the glass, giving the appearance of a rail, yet with no change to the structural integrity of the glass wall at all. Amazingly, more people would walk close to the wall because their minds perceived it differently, thinking it more solid. Now consider this past weekend and the irrational fear of sleeping in a lean-to instead of sleeping in a tent. A tent is a thin fabric barrier between you and the outdoors and some of you have over 100 nights sleeping in a tent. Yet when imaginations run wild about what creatures are out and about, that tent is a safe zone, just like that sticker on the plexiglass wall, when in fact, it is not much different than sleeping in an open shelter.
The key to overcoming fear is to employ rational thought and to train to build confidence. This is the foundation of bravery. Continue to challenge yourself. Think: "why am I afraid?" If it is a lack of a certain skill, do something about it. If it is illogical, do a gut check. Do not let fear paralyze you and keep you from being the best version of yourself.
A Scout is Brave
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