Scouting is a Legacy

Starting next month and most of the way through 2010 we will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of Scouting in the United States. It is amazing to think of the millions of people who have gone through the program in the years since founding. I still remember telling my 80+ year old neighbor about being a volunteer. His face immediately lit up as he began to tell me stories of what it was like to be a Scout back when he was a youth.

Our Troop here in OKC has been chartered for 45 years and has second and third generation Scouts. This really hit me when the dad of first year Scout sent me the picture I have included with this post. He is standing near the sign back in 1990. Now flash forward 19 years and his son recently stood in that same spot for the same picture just by chance. Another Scout in that 1990 picture is also back with the Troop serving as an ASM.

Things change over the years and in many ways they also stay the same. Isn’t great to belong to an organization that will continue from generation to generation? Certainly something to think about!

What about you? Are you a second, third or more Scouter? What are some of your favorite encounters with former Scouts? How do you plan to pass your legacy on to the next generation?

Scouting is Family

I love this picture I took of our adults at a campout last year. I think it visually sums up one of the things I have enjoyed most about being part of the Scouting movement and Troop 168. These folks have grown to be some of the best friends I have ever had in my life and it seems I am always learning from them.

Together we share the common goal to support the Values Scouting represents and provide opportunities for the boys to grow as leaders as well as men of integrity. Somewhere in between, there is time to learn about each other's lives. Struggles at home, work, and life in general are often discussed and counseled. Successes in these same areas are even more often celebrated. I know it can be said that we truly care for and respect each other.

What has been your experience? Are you taking time to connect with the Scout parents as well as the boys?

Headed back to Gilwell

Looks like I am going to be a Troop Guide for the Spring 2010 Woodbadge Course. I am excited to be a small part of this first class training program. I enjoyed my experience a couple of years ago as a participant but I have always known that you learn even more by teaching.
The next few months are going to be hard with a lot of sacrifice of time and a lot of effort. My prayers start now that our session and our staff will make a real difference in the lives of those who participate and in turn in the lives of the youth they serve.
Stay tuned here to the Ol' OKCScouter blog and I will keep you up to date on my Journey and I will be seeking the advice of those who have served on staff in the past. It is going to be a lot of fun!
Have you been a Troop Guide on a Woodbadge Staff? Did you enjoy the experience?