Scoutmaster Minute -- 26 September 2023

When I was in college and taking classes to become an Army officer (not much older than your ages now), one of the things I had to learn was Rogers' Standing Orders. Robert Rogers was an officer in the rank of Major in the British Army in the French and Indian War. He led a company of Rangers in the war. Even though the references are somewhat archaic (more than 200 years prior), the context is still so important that 19 of his orders are still a part of the US Army Ranger Handbook. Let me share a few of the rules so that you see what I am talking about:

"Have your musket clean as a whistle, hatchet scoured, sixty rounds powder and ball, and be ready to march at a minute's warning." This means keep one's gear in good shape. I take this lesson to heart and when I get back from a campout, I dry my tent, give my mess lit and coffee cup a good cleaning, wash my clothes, sharpen my knife, and repack my pack so I am ready to go on the next campout.

"Don't forget nothing." Yes, this is a double negative, but I thought of this on our last campout when I found that I forgot my backpacking pillow. Call me soft, but both nights I was kicking myself for not packing my backpacking pillow. You can bet that the next time I pack, I'll double-check my packing list and tell myself -- "Don't forget nothing."

"When you are on the march, act the way you would if you was sneaking up on a deer. See the enemy first." Yes -- bad grammar, let's get that out of the way. When we hike, I am not looking for the enemy, but I do like to walk quietly enough that I am able to see the deer and the fox. Some of you were with me when we practiced hiking quietly in Pennsylvania, and we were rewarded with seeing a bald eagle that we would have otherwise scared away.

"Don't never take a chance you don't have to." Yes, another double negative. Yet, this is my favorite. There is a time and a place to be brave and to be bold, but to take risks for the sake of taking risks is not smart. My mentor said this meant things like stepping around puddles rather than splashing through them -- why test to see if your boots are waterproof or water resistant if you don't have to? Also, often one cannot see the bottom of the puddle and neither knows the depth nor the content of the bottom. Inherently, we take 113 years of Scouting and we manage risk. We use programs like Safe Swim Defense, Safety Afloat, and Climb on Safely so we can do the activities we like to do, but in a safe manner, leveraging the lessons we have learned as an institution over the years. As George Santayana said, "Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it."

To this end, I encourage you to read, think about what you read and learn. Leverage the fact that you have the most capable brain in the animal kingdom so that you can make the most out of your life, and so that you do not end your life or reduce your quality of life due to avoidable mistakes.

I will keep myself mentally awake -- Be Prepared!

Scoutmaster Minute 19 Sept 2023

Today, I'd like to reflect on the events of our recent weekend adventure on Survivor Island and share some important lessons we can take away from a tragic incident that unfolded not too far from where we were this past Sunday.

First and foremost, our weekend on Survivor Island was a great success. We embraced the challenges of the outdoors, honed our survival skills, and built even stronger bonds within our troop. We practiced "Safety Afloat," which is a fundamental principle in scouting. Our commitment to safety ensured that our adventure was not only thrilling but also secure.

However, in the midst of our own journey, tragedy struck nearby. We learned about the unfortunate kayaking accident that claimed the life of Ella Mills, a Columbia University student who was part of their whitewater kayaking club. Ella, an international student from Dublin, Ireland, had come to New York City to pursue her dreams.

The news of Ella's passing reminds us of the unpredictable nature of the outdoors and the importance of safety measures. Even though we had our own challenges on Survivor Island, we were vigilant in following safety guidelines and looking out for each other. This incident serves as a stark reminder that nature can be both beautiful and unforgiving, and we must always prioritize safety above all else.

As Scouts, it is our duty to be prepared for anything, to learn from our experiences, and to share these lessons with others. In honor of Ella Mills and the tragic incident on the Potomac River, let us reaffirm our commitment to safety in all our outdoor activities. We must be vigilant, knowledgeable, and always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Let us take a moment of silence to remember Ella Mills and send our thoughts and prayers to her family, friends, and the entire Columbia University community. May her memory serve as a reminder of the importance of safety, preparedness, and looking out for one another as we continue our scouting adventures.

Scoutmaster Minute - 12 September 2023

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.