Scoutmaster Minute, 30 August 2022

Author John Maxwell said, "A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way."

How appropriate as we start the new term for our SPL, ASPL and PLs in the Troop. The expectations of the Scouts in the Troop are that these newly elected leaders have made preparations before meetings and outings to lead their organizations effectively and efficiently, that these leaders provide the example in behavior and effort, and that they teach their fellow Scouts in Scout Skills and leadership.

May these Scout leaders be successful in their new terms, as the health of our Troop depends upon it.

A Scout is Loyal.

Scoutmaster Minute, 23 August 2022

Among the rights that we hold dear in this Republic we call the United States of America is the right to cast a vote towards the selection of lleaders who represent us in the Executive and Legislative branches of our government.  Likewise, tonight you have cast a vote to select your leadership in the Troop and your Patrols.  For the newly-elected leaders, your fellow Scouts have entrusted you to represent them in the Patrol Leader Council and to make sound decisions regarding planning of events, running of Patrol Corners, and the execution of campouts and other outdoor events.  You are charged to be present, be engaged, be wise, and be fair.  With your leadership, the Troop runs; with your absence, the organization suffers.  Be the leader that inspires others.

A Scout is Trustworthy.

Scoutmaster Minute, 9 August 2022

Some of you have heard me say how unlike many mammals, our lack of fur, fangs and claws leave us less prepared for the rigors of the outdoors and it is our mind that prepares us and allows us to develop shelter, clothing, and tools needed to survive the wild. That mind is a double-edged sword as it is connected to a tongue that is different than any other in the animal kingdom. Though we do not have fangs, claws or horns, we have the capability to injure others deeply with the words we say. Sometimes the wounds we leave with words heals much slower than any physical trauma. From the words they hear from people who matter, some people carry mental scars for their whole lives. Now, how do we keep from hurting others? We choose our words wisely. We refrain from anger. We treat others like we want to be treated. As we are not perfect, when we do insult or hurt others, we apologize.

A Scout is Kind.

Scoutmaster Minute -- 2 August 2022

Last week, one of our former Scouts was on a new job when his fellow employee suffered a bad cut from a circular saw.  Undeterred by the large amount of blood, the Scout rendered aid from the first aid kit in his truck, as the business did not have its own first aid kit.  In talking to the owner of the business, he stated, "I guess I should have expected that of a Boy Scout, and I guess we should go buy our own first aid kit, too."

On a much larger scale, in June of this year 16 Scouts and eight adult Scouters returning from Philmont Scout Ranch and en route back to Wisconsin on an Amtrak train with 287 occupants.  In Mendon, Missouri, the train collided with a dump truck, derailing the train and causing it to flip on its side.  Climbing from the wreckage, the Scouts sprang into action, extracting trapped passengers and performing first aid.  Ultimately, four people died in that crash and 150 were injured.  The 15 year-old Senior Patrol Leader attempted first aid on the dump truck driver and stayed by his side until the driver passed due to his injuries.  Firefighter Battalion Chief Todd Covington, on the train and en route to Chicago for training, commented on the Scouts' skill and bravery, "This Boy Scout group was fantastic.  They probably saved 20 or 30 people's lives."  Scott Armstrong, BSA Director of National Media Relations, stated about the Scouts, "These Scouts are highly trained.  They would have received advanced first-aid training prior to going [to Philmont], including their adult leaders, would have had people with wilderness first-aid certification, which is a pretty advanced course.  Luckily they had that training because I'm sure they put it to use [that day]."

Sometimes I hear a lament from an older Scout – "We're doing Scout Skills again…"  Yes, we do Scout Skills a lot.  Incidents like those in Missouri and in our neighborhood are why we practice.  The reactions from Scouts and Scouters are a product of training and repetition.  Repetition drives mastery and mastery produces instinctive reactions.  Those instinctive reactions are lifesaving, particularly in instances where blood and injuries would cause the untrained to hesitate. 

Do not take your training for granted, as many youth are not getting what you receive.  Pay close attention to your first aid training, practice, learn to teach and Be Prepared to act when called upon.

A Scout is Helpful.

A Scout is Brave.