We like to think that we are always forward looking and unencumbered by our past, but it is human nature to be haunted by what is later seen as a missed opportunity. Have you ever heard someone say, "I wished I bought Bitcoin when it was cheap," or "I really messed up when I traded that ultra-rare baseball or Pokémon card"? Most everyone has at least one regret in life.
Let me tell you something you will not regret – spending more time on screens. Spring has just sprung. Trees, bushes and plants are flowering as our region emerges from a cold winter and the tilt of the Earth on her axis brings us closer to our sun's warmth. The sun's rays bring us some of the necessary Vitamin D that we need to thrive and improves the way we feel. Put your phone in your pocket, or better yet leave it on the nightstand. In the grand scheme of things, your Clash of Clans streak or Candy Crush score does not matter. TikTok videos are not going to make you smarter, no matter how many you watch. Go enjoy the outdoors. Run around. Stretch your muscles. Get out of breath. Challenge your body and see how it responds. The time is right. Put the 'Outing' in 'Scouting.'
I will keep myself physically strong and mentally awake.
Saturday, March 22, 2025
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Scoutmaster Minute— March 18, 2025
March is Women's History month. Women have been present in scouting from the early days of scouting. The ability for females to fully participate in scouting as a scout and as a leader owes a debt of gratitude to trailblazing female volunteers and scouts.
It's important to highlight these trailblazing females who have broken down barriers that impeded participation. These brave volunteers and scouts have made it possible for for all youth and adults to fully participate in the program and leadership opportunities Scouting America has to offer.
In the 1930's when the Cub Scout Program was formed women served as Den Mothers in partnership with Den Chiefs. In 1967 titles were changed, women and men were able to serve as Den Leaders. For the next 20 years Den Leader would be the only leadership position females could hold.
1973-1975 Catherine Pollard served as unofficial Scoutmaster for Troop 13 in Milford Connecticut. Her role as Scoutmaster wasn't formalized until February of 1988
Mary Portis in 1990 became the first female scout executive in the history of Scouting America. When submitting her application she submitted it as M. Portis to avoid any bias due to her being a female applicant.
Ellie Morrison in 2018 became the first female national commissioner. During her time as commissioner included February 1, 2019 when females were official welcomed as scouts into Scouts BSA program.
Ella Holdcroft, Eagle Scout, February 8, 2021. Ella is one of nearly 1,000 scouts in the inaugural class of female Eagle Scouts. Scouts in the inaugural class of Eagle Scouts made the rank of Eagle between October 1, 2020- February 8, 2021.
May 29, 2024 Ella Holdcroft, Alice Petrakis, Isley Todd, Braya Okujic, Evelyn Okujic are the first 5 members of Troop 1396 G. Allegra Weaver, Charlotte Riechers, Anabelle, Kohler, Elle Brooks, Sophia Boyer, Olivia Mitchell, Natalie Jakubowicz, and Danielle Taisiemski joined along with their fellow scouts in member ship of 1396 G. These scouts have started to blaze the path for future female scouts of Troop 1396. These scouts are founding members of 1396 G.
Keep bravely blazing the trail ahead.
A scout is brave.
It's important to highlight these trailblazing females who have broken down barriers that impeded participation. These brave volunteers and scouts have made it possible for for all youth and adults to fully participate in the program and leadership opportunities Scouting America has to offer.
In the 1930's when the Cub Scout Program was formed women served as Den Mothers in partnership with Den Chiefs. In 1967 titles were changed, women and men were able to serve as Den Leaders. For the next 20 years Den Leader would be the only leadership position females could hold.
1973-1975 Catherine Pollard served as unofficial Scoutmaster for Troop 13 in Milford Connecticut. Her role as Scoutmaster wasn't formalized until February of 1988
Mary Portis in 1990 became the first female scout executive in the history of Scouting America. When submitting her application she submitted it as M. Portis to avoid any bias due to her being a female applicant.
Ellie Morrison in 2018 became the first female national commissioner. During her time as commissioner included February 1, 2019 when females were official welcomed as scouts into Scouts BSA program.
Ella Holdcroft, Eagle Scout, February 8, 2021. Ella is one of nearly 1,000 scouts in the inaugural class of female Eagle Scouts. Scouts in the inaugural class of Eagle Scouts made the rank of Eagle between October 1, 2020- February 8, 2021.
May 29, 2024 Ella Holdcroft, Alice Petrakis, Isley Todd, Braya Okujic, Evelyn Okujic are the first 5 members of Troop 1396 G. Allegra Weaver, Charlotte Riechers, Anabelle, Kohler, Elle Brooks, Sophia Boyer, Olivia Mitchell, Natalie Jakubowicz, and Danielle Taisiemski joined along with their fellow scouts in member ship of 1396 G. These scouts have started to blaze the path for future female scouts of Troop 1396. These scouts are founding members of 1396 G.
Keep bravely blazing the trail ahead.
A scout is brave.
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Scoutmaster Minute -- 11 March 2025
It is easy to justify one's own shortcomings if one chooses the wrong comparison. Have a messy room, watch an episode of 'Hoarders.' Feel out of shape, watch 'My 600-Pound Life.' Wonder if you have what it takes to make it through college, watch a Tic Toc video. Jokes aside, we sometimes select bad examples that at best perpetuate mediocracy and keep us from reaching our full potential. I challenge you, don't go for the low bar, reach higher and aim for the stars. Rather than looking for an example where you can say, 'hey, at least I'm not that bad,' find positive role models who inspire you to be the best that you can be.
A Scout is Clean and a Scout is Brave.
A Scout is Clean and a Scout is Brave.
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Scoutmaster Minute— March 4, 2025
Today was a beautiful day. It was a warm and sunny.
Days like today are a favorite of mine. They remind me that warmer days are ahead. Spring is coming.
With the arrival of spring means that the earth and animals arounds us will be waking up from their winter slumber.
Song birds have started to beckon the rising sun in the morning. The bright warm smell of the air. While the mornings still may be chilly the breeze that moves the bare limbs of trees has the whisper of warmness on its breath.
In the weeks to follow we will see Daffodils and Tulips begin to emerge from the ground. From the brown mulch of the leaves of autumn annuals will begin to slowly reemerge from the soil. Small insects will begin to journey out from under the leaves and journey out from the soil.
Squirrels and chipmunks will begin to forage around for the nuts and seeds, they buried in the autumn, hoping to find a snack. Birds will begin to build nests for eggs they will be laying. Using the twigs and grasses on the ground for their new perches.
There is a flurry of activity that will be happening all around us in the coming weeks. Take a minute or two and observe the activity around.
A Scouts is Cheerful.
Days like today are a favorite of mine. They remind me that warmer days are ahead. Spring is coming.
With the arrival of spring means that the earth and animals arounds us will be waking up from their winter slumber.
Song birds have started to beckon the rising sun in the morning. The bright warm smell of the air. While the mornings still may be chilly the breeze that moves the bare limbs of trees has the whisper of warmness on its breath.
In the weeks to follow we will see Daffodils and Tulips begin to emerge from the ground. From the brown mulch of the leaves of autumn annuals will begin to slowly reemerge from the soil. Small insects will begin to journey out from under the leaves and journey out from the soil.
Squirrels and chipmunks will begin to forage around for the nuts and seeds, they buried in the autumn, hoping to find a snack. Birds will begin to build nests for eggs they will be laying. Using the twigs and grasses on the ground for their new perches.
There is a flurry of activity that will be happening all around us in the coming weeks. Take a minute or two and observe the activity around.
A Scouts is Cheerful.
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