Scoutmaster Minute for 23 May 2023

Can you be counted on? Many times when discussing the first point of the Scout Law, a Scout will tell me that he is Trustworthy because he tells the truth. I ask that you consider that trustworthiness extends beyond speech and into actions. Have you ever told someone that "I'll get to it," and you did not do it? Even if it is a "I forgot," consider that telling someone that you will do something and not following through can be perceived as dishonest. Earning trust and having someone's faith that you will in deed do what you say is arguably one of the most important facets of a good reputation. Follow through with your promises. If you are truly forgetful, take notes and keep a list of your commitments so you can refer back to your 'to do' list. No one can take your reputation -- you have to give it away to lose it. Keep your commitments so you can command others' trust in you.

A Scout is Trustworthy.

Scoutmaster Minute for 16 May 2023

Consider this quote from motivational speaker Zig Zigler, "You can literally force yourself to be courteous, happy and enthusiastic with every person you meet.  After you have forced yourself to be so for a short period of time, the habit takes over."  Isn't this the way of many things?  If one runs often, he or she becomes faster.  If one lifts weights regularly, he or she becomes stronger.  If one reads and studies, he or she will become smarter.  Likewise, if one practices being a better person, then a better person he or she will become, and this leads to self-fulfillment and personal happiness.  Additionally, being courteous makes others happy, particularly as it reassures them of the potential of humanity from humanity.  

It is hard to measure the true value of a good act.  Just remember, it was the courteousness and kindness of a single British Scout escorting William Boyce through the London fog, refusing pay as he was performing his Good Deed Daily, which inspired Boyce to start the program in America.  This act of kindness 114 years ago enabled an estimated 110 million Americans to participate in the Boy Scouts of America.  Like this Scout, let your courteousness serve as an example for others and as a catalyst for positive change.

A Scout is Courteous.

Scoutmaster Minute -- 9 May 2023

This Friday I retire from the Army after 30 years.  As I reflect on my time in service, I have to credit Scouts with my preparedness to serve my Nation in uniform.  Beyond the obviousness of the Rifle Shooting Merit Badge, many of the other things I got from Scouting that carried over.  Scouts taught me teamwork and gave me an opportunity to lead.  When I was a cadet in college training to be an officer, I was always selected to be the compass man on patrols, because Scouts taught me how to read a map and use a compass.  Undoubtedly the Personal Fitness Merit Badge and Swimming Merit Badge came in handy, and the First Aid Merit Badge gave me a solid basis when learning life-saving skills.  During field training exercises, I was no stranger to sleeping on the ground, and other looked to me for help with field craft.  Knot tying proved invaluable when I learned how to pack a parachute and how to rig loads to be picked up by helicopters or to be dropped by airplanes.  New to the Army, I was no slouch at ruck marches, because Scouts provided me many opportunities to carry a heavy backpack.  Lastly, but surely not least, the Scout Oath and Law provided a solid foundation to help me make the right choices and keep out of trouble.  Concepts of Kindness and being Friendly undoubtedly made me a better leader.

I am not here to recruit anyone in the Army, but I am happy to talk about my career if anyone is interested, just as the other adult leaders in the Troop are happy to tell you about theirs.  No matter what you do in life, I am willing to bet that something (or many things) you did in Scouts will help you achieve success.

Be Prepared!