Scoutmaster Minute , 17 June 2025

What I am about to say will come to no surprise to most of you: Human beings can be very cruel. I was reminded of this during the rainy weekend as I spent way too much time reading social media posts. In so many threads, I witnessed 'keyboard warriors' virtually and viciously attacking strangers. Zero signs of civility. No signs of a society focused on a common good. This current level of divisiveness is disheartening.

Imagine if we spent the same energy picking each other up that some currently spend tearing others down. Imagine if we as a society all decided to 'Do a God Turn Daily' and make it a point to deliver a complement rather than a condemnation. What would it be like if we focused on finding others' attributes rather than their flaws?

It is a sad state of affairs. Yet, we have the choice of whether or not we want to participate in the hatred. For we have taken an oath to be cheerful, courteous and kind. We may not be able to change the world, but our actions can make a difference in our families, our communities, and our circle of friends. It takes strength and determination to be kind. To that end, I leave you with a few quotes to consider:

"Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you." — Princess Diana

"We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give." — Sir Winston Churchill

"Be the reason someone smiles. Be the reason someone feels loved and believes in the goodness in people." ― Roy T. Bennett

"Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world." ― Bishop Desmond Tutu

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about." ― Wendy Mass

"Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or softened the fiber of a free people. A nation does not have to be cruel to be tough." ― Franklin D. Roosevelt

"In a world where you can be anything, be kind." ― Clare Pooley

"Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud." — Maya Angelou

"Try and leave this world a little better than you found it." – Lord Robert Baden-Powell

A Scout is Kind

Scoutmaster Minute, 10 June 2025

Kindness is its own reward. The things we do for others on a volunteer basis pay dividends in benevolence, reputation, and gaining the trust of others. People know they can count on a Scout to pitch in -- always. Helpfulness is not defined by an event on the calendar or a mode we transition into when we put on our Scout uniform. Helpful is who we are.

A Scout is Helpful; A Scout is Kind.

Do a Good Turn Daily.

Scoutmaster Minute, 3 June 2025

Invasive species can affect an entire ecosystem. Once introduced invasive species generally don't have any natural predators allowing them to dominate the ecosystem. Here in the DC area there are several different invasive species that have been either purposely or accidentally introduced to the environment.

Bradford Pear Trees were intentionally planted as an ornamental tree in the suburbs. ,These trees have roots that spread and propagate more trees. They are not particularly strong either. The branches snap very easily making them more of a liability than an asset. Also the flowers in the spring smell like rotting fish, so they really detract from the outdoor experience.

Right now in our area we have a new invasive species introduced unintentionally to the eco system, the spotted lantern fly. This fly eats many agricultural crops. The damage they cause to the crops will reduce their yields, or make them vulnerable to disease. It is particularly devastating to fruit trees and grape vines.

I will admit that I find the pattern on the flys wings rather attractive. If there was fabric that looked like that I would buy it in a heartbeat. I have passed out to you what the 4 different life stages of the spotted lantern fly look like.

If you see a spotted lantern fly you can now know what it is and eliminate it.

As scouts we strive to practice leave no trace. Minimizing our impact on nature. When we travel to different cities, states, and countries it's important that we don't transport agricultural products (plants, fruit, veggies). Many times we will transport non-native pests that can negatively impact the ecosystem.

Please join me in reciting the outdoor code:

As an American, I will do my best to Be Clean in my outdoor manners, be careful with fire, be considerate in the outdoors and be conservation minded.