Scoutmaster Minute for 25 April 2023

Organization is key for Being Prepared.  Organization is often easier with written checklists and notes.  This is why we have packing lists and pre-formatted meal plans.  Yet, I have noticed that it is rare that anyone takes notes when the SPL, PLs, Campmasters, or I put out information.  Inevitably, when one of us forgets something, I have the conversation with the individual and I get the reply, "I forgot" or "I do not remember."  Notes help us remember.  They offer an artifact of earlier conversation and increase our focus.  Sometimes I wonder if note taking is a lost art.  Yet, I stand before you and say that in a complex world, taking notes and tracking my to-do list of tasks is what helps me find success.  I manage my to-do list as a checklist, making little squares beside items to complete, and coloring in those blocks when finished.  Others find satisfaction in crossing off the completed task, forever putting it in the category of "done."  However you do it, taking notes and keeping a checklist helps you to Be Prepared.

Scoutmaster Minute for 18 April 2023

A little stress in life is a good thing.  If we recall how a diamond is made, we know it is heat and pressure that turns a piece of coal into the valuable gem.  Such is our lives.  Challenge, study and concentration makes us smarter.  Working out our muscles tears them and makes them grow back stronger.  Yet, too much stress can be deadly.  Run too much and one can get stress fractures.  Too much stress in life can cause anxiety, lack of sleep, chest pain, and stomach ulcers.  Personally, I have found that a great way to manage stress is to not worry about what I cannot control and confront the things that I can control so I do not worry about them.  This means that I try very hard to be proactive and not procrastinate.  I also find that my attitude towards a chore can make it less of a burden if I choose to look at it as a challenge versus a loathsome task and this lowers my stress.  I find this is especially important when we are camping as there is a lot of work to do and little of the conveniences of our houses.  As Scouting's founder, Baden-Powell, said:  "A Scout smiles and whistles under all circumstances."  Attitude is important; one who maintains a positive approach is not only someone that others want to be around, but also a healthier person.

A Scout is Cheerful.

Scoutmaster Minute -- 11 April 2023

Today's Scoutmaster Minute is a quote from former Boy Scout and Baseball Hall of Famer, Hank Aaron. Hank Aaron held the home run record for 33 years, finishing his career with 755 home runs. After his retirement, he appeared on national television adds supporting Boy Scouts of America. BSA recognized Hank Aaron's achievements in 1984 with the Silver Buffalo Award, BSA's highest honor for adult volunteers.

His quote that I share with you tonight is, "Failure is a part of success. There is no such thing as a bed of roses all your life. But failure will never stand in the way of success if you learn from it."

On my honor, I will do my best.