OKCScouter

Going to Philmont--This year!

2012-01-11T06:12:00.000-08:00

The calendar has turned and now we are finally in 2012. This simple little change is making the reality of going to Philmont seem closer and more real. Our crew is continuing to prepare with winter training that includes a session of walking stairs at a downtown building follow by a learning session led by our Scoutmaster. We are fortunate that he has been to Philmont several times and has extensive knowledge.

During the meeting this week, he had several handouts for the Scouts about the various Trek offered and programs. Time was spent in detail discussing each option. Being Scout run, it is up to the guys to decide our Trek and they left with worksheets to prioritize what they would like to do. I like the point of the Scoutmaster---There are many great places to go hike but there is only one and the difference there is the programs. I know they will chose well.

Wrapping up Woodbadge

2011-11-14T06:40:00.000-08:00

My time as a Troop Guide for Woodbadge Course 1017 officially came to a close a couple of weeks ago. In some ways it seems like eons ago since the actual course and in some ways it seems just like yesterday. I am proud to have had the great privilege to be the Troop Guide for the Owl Patrol and to have seen them grow together as a team during the course. Next, I saw the Owls put their learning into practice through the implementation of their goals (Tickets).

In my non- Scouting life I am a Human Resource Development manager (training) for Sprint. I therefore speak from many years of training experience when I say that Woodbadge is a leadership development course on par or better than any course you will find in corporate America. I wish that during my tenure as a leadership trainer I would have had at my disposal courses that teach theory(weekend one), practice application(weekend two) and then had the participants show effective use of the training out in the real world(Tickets) with accountability for successful completion. Scouters get all of this and more with Woodbadge.

I wonder if any other non-profit organization has as great and effective training as does the Boy Scouts of America. We are fortunate indeed.

It is my hope that the Owls and others of SR 1017 will take the many lessons from Woodbadge and will continue to apply them in practice to benefit Scouting, their family, and their professional life. I know as a Troop guide, I personally took away experiences that have helped me grow. Truly life is a process of continual learning.

Good Luck Owls and all the participants of SR 1017. Thank you for taking such a commitment for to improve your effectiveness as Scout volunteers and as mentors to the next generation.

They did it!

2011-11-10T07:08:00.000-08:00

Wow they did it! Our Scouts participating in the hiking merit badge hiked 20 miles last week. This was their final hiking requirement for the merit badge and last Philmont urban training hike before moving on to winter stair climbing.

As we walked I thought back to the first 5 mile hike we did way back in summer. I know at that time the thought of going a full 20 in a single day seemed a little far-fetched. Heck I have run several marathons but the idea of walking that far seemed crazy and painful in my mind. There is power in youthful exuberance and the guys had so much fun on all the hikes that the time seemed to fly by. I especially enjoyed the variety of locations around OKC and Edmond they chose for us to walk. It was not very many years ago that walking these trails would have been impossible since they did not even exist.

I was shocked really to read in a Philmont Advisor guide “Rangers that we talked to say that, based on their experience, 80% of the adult advisors coming to Philmont are not adequately prepared for the physical demands of the backcountry and that 50% of the adult advisors had not exercised at all prior to their arrival at Philmont.” Ouch!

I know from my own miserable experience as a youth at Philmont that being physically prepared is a key to actually having fun. I was not in the right shape as a kid at Philmont and my memories now are mostly of blisters and pain on the trail. Our Scouts and adults will be ready.

Perhaps my favorite part of the hike was the look on the faces of folks we passed by as they stared at this group of 14 crazy folks walking with packs on through OKC. I guess it is pretty unusual to see youth hiking 10 -20 miles starting at 6AM. There were also the whoo hoos! from people that would yell “go Scouts!” or people that would say, “You guys must be Scouts!”. Kind of good to know that even out of uniform they can be recognizable by the community is such a positive way.

Now it is time to move on to stage two of the fitness training plan. Hiking stairs at a downtown high rise building. Now that is going to be hard. (well and a lot of fun I am sure)

Final Philmont 10 mile training hike...

2011-11-01T12:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was our final 10 mile hike and next up is the super challenge of a 20 miler on Sunday. The hike this week around was a little more scenic thanks to some time on a short trail through a local wildlife refuge. All of our hikes have been urban walks on paved paths prior to this and it was kind of nice to get some dirt on our boots for a change. Trails for these hikes would be ideal of course but her in our part of the state we would be looking at a long drive to find such a thing. We are fortunate at least to have a wide variety of walking trails available.

Overall this 10 mile hike experience has been a good one. The boys have taken the lead on each of them with the adults hanging a few steps back. Next week is going to be a big challenge with a 20 miler. I have run marathons and done other distance events but walking 20 miles is something new and finishing this is going to be an accomplishment for everyone.

After we complete the hike, the boys will move on to winter training which will be walking up and down stairs at a building downtown. Whew that is going to fun too! We have backpacking campout weekends set for the spring in various location and there is no doubt that these guys will be as prepared as possible for a great experience when they take that first step on the trail at Philmont in July 2012.

Philmont Gear Meeting

2011-09-07T12:35:00.000-07:00

Recently we had one of the more exciting of our Philmont training experiences. Gear time! Our Scoutmaster is a true Philmont veteran with having gone on four previous trips. Learning from his level of experience and overall obsessiveness (he is an engineer) is a key positive for our Scouts to be completely prepared for the trail. We plan to have a strong focus on traveling light as well as being physically fit.

“an ounce in the morning is a pound in the afternoon”

For this meeting, Scouts and adults were treated to a buffet of gear examples from every price range. The gear required to travel light and comfortably is expensive. I have been lucky enough to have been buying the “good stuff” over the last few years which leaves our family with a little less to buy than some others. Even with that in mind, there are many things left for us to buy. My high adventure point of reference is Sea Base from 2011 which basically only required the purchase of some extra sun screen and flip flops.

Our Scoutmaster also provided the Scout families with a multipage document outlining the required gear and purchase suggestions. Finally, he is always on the prowl for good deals and sends emails out when he catches something on sale that would be good for the Scouts.

It was a fun meeting and now I am looking forward to some time at the store. : )

Strangers on a plane...

2011-08-08T10:52:00.000-07:00

A Scout Twitter friend of mine recently wrote this article for her local paper in Panama City Beach. It is kind of preaching to the choir to share this with you but I thought I would anyway.

It got me thinking....

On our way back from Sea Base we had a young man sit with us on the plane. He was a second year student from OU that was traveling back to norman for the weekend from his home in Houston. We had our uniforms on and since it was a SWA flight he had specifically chosen to sit by us. Why? Turns out he was an Eagle Scout.

He told us over the next hour how he had never really got the value of Scouting until just that summer. He had applied for a summer internship with a Houston company that based upon his grades and work experience he really did not qualify for. To his suprise he was selected. Why? You guessed it! They told him that after seeing Eagle Scout on the application they had moved him to the top of the "pile" and did not consider any other candidate. What an awesome story.

He wanted us to hear this as a word of encouragement that what we do in Scouting does make a difference even if at times the Scouts don't realize it. Throughout that trip we had random people come up to us at the airport to share similiar stories.

There are so many distractions in the busy world of our youth and being a volunteer is a thankless job for sure. So...thank you for all you do and are doing. You make a difference.

What stories have you heard from strangers when traveling with the uniform? What about from former Scouts?

Great stories to share this time of year as people consider joining Scouts and others consider quitting due to busy fall schedules.

Training for Philmont #3

2011-08-03T08:13:00.000-07:00

Saturday was our third training hike for Philmont as the Scouts continue to train and work on requirements for the Hiking merit badge. Once again we met at the crack of dawn to get ahead of the oppressive heat here in Oklahoma City. This was an interesting route with a walk from one Edmond park to another basically through town. How lucky these Edmond people are to have such great walking trails basically in their backyards. Everyone seemed to do great on this hike and personally I found this one to be the most enjoyable so far mostly due to going a way I have never been before.

Next up for us is a gear meeting with the Scoutmaster to learn everything that will be needed to purchase. The total estimate for this is around $500 and includes pack, boots lightweight sleeping bag and more. My son and I are kind of lucky in that since we like hiking and have been buying Philmont ready gear already for a couple of years. That will help reduce the shock of what to buy in the next few months.

Overall things are going well for the boys. There are a few that currently do not meet the BSA high adventure guidelines for weight. Unfortunately, as with most teenagers the coaching to correct is having the opposite effect with some of them actually gaining weight. If they were to not meet criteria there is a real possibility that we will not have enough Scouts for two crews and some Scouts (and adults) will have to be pulled out. I am keeping my thoughts positive on this with hopes everything will work out for everyone. More on this later!

Less than a year to go!

Training for Philmont #2

2011-07-02T12:42:00.001-07:00

This morning was our second training hike for Philmont 2012 and the first of a series of 10 mile hikes as the Scout start work on the hiking merit badge. We got an early start by meeting at 530 the beat the terrible heat we are having in OKC. The planning Scout chose a nice route around one of my favorite local lakes.
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Overall it was a great hike today with our group finishing much faster than we had anticipated. It looks like we have a pretty fit group of guys with good attitudes. Never did I hear any complaining along the way. Our Scoutmaster is a veteran of many Philmont trips and uses his teaching skills by having Scouts take turns in the lead and by having several carry a compass along the way. It was often that he would ask one of them to give a barring to an object.
By the time we reached the parking lot I was still feeling strong but indeed was ready for the a/c of the car. My main need for training is work on my core to strengthen my back. So far I am doing well with this and it seemed to make a positive difference this morning.

Being our first 10 miler, I am incredibly proud of the Scouts and adults for the great effort today. More to come.....

First steps to Philmont

2011-06-27T10:21:00.001-07:00

Going to Philmont with my son has been a goal of mine for many years. Originally I had hoped for this to happen the summer after his 8th grade year but that did not work out. The good news is that we ended up with two slots in 2012 (Troop and crew) and I was invited by the SM to participate. Over the next several months, I will blog from time to time here about our experience as we prepare for this trip. I am sure there will be many ups and downs along the way.

Last week we began our training and team building with a five mile hike. The Scouts are working on the hiking merit badge and the was the shortest of a series of many hikes. The guys seemed to be in good spirits and kept a brisk pace. This was a week night hike and the Oklahoma June heat was certainly in full swing.

It seemed all the guys did well and I am looking forward to the future hikes just as much for the fun time walking together as anything. Next up is a 0530 10 miler and I know that is going to be great.

Sea Base is over : (

2011-06-18T14:51:00.000-07:00

We all made it back a little tired, a little tanned and full of memories that will last a lifetime. Our Florida Sea Base Coral Reef Adventure lived up to and exceed all of our expectations. The Scouts all agreed that is was a great high adventure trip that they would love to do again someday.

Reflecting back, I just can't say enough about how proud I am of these guys and they way they worked together as a team and learned something new each day. Believe me that with nine people in that small of space there was plenty of potential for conflict and issues. They did their best to just enjoy every moment and experience everything the boat had to offer.

Now....only 396 today to go until Philmont : )

Final day....

2011-06-16T18:22:00.001-07:00

It is hard to believe that we are at the end of our Sea Base Adventure. Today we had the gift of wind and for the first time got to really sail. Each of us had a specific role to play from setting the jib to hoisting the main or navigating to ensure we are in the beam. No I don't know what the heck most of that means but luckily the Scouts all do by now.

Our Captain ended his time with us by awarding the Scouts their Sea Base patch and telling the story behind the symbols. He talked about the Scout Law and asked several to relate what the words meant in their own lives. Living life to its fullest and doing so with the Law as a guide was a great message to hear from our amazing Captain.

Back at port the entire crew worked to scrub the boat clean to prepare for the next group that will head out on Friday. There are around 17,000 Scouts that experience Sea Base every year.

Now evening is here and we a all showered, short of money thanks to the gift shop, and ready to travel home in the morning. I am thankful to have spent this time with such a great group of young men and feel privileged to have see them grow and learn this week.

Shore day

2011-06-14T17:28:00.001-07:00

Today is our shore day and was our first fresh water shower in a few days. What a fun time the Scouts had today with small boat sailing, tubing, volleyball.

The wind has not been our friend the last two days and this has kept us sailing. Instead we have spent our time with some great snorkeling. Our Capt tells us these are the best conditions he has seen this season. Captain Tom has been a fantastic teacher to all of us. The boat we are on is his primary home.

Tomorrow it is back to the boat and the forecast is for some great wind. We are looking forward to it.

Until next time....

Sea base day 1

2011-06-12T07:12:00.001-07:00

We were the first crew to arrive which worked out great for us. Right after dinner it was time to head out and we enjoyed a beautiful sunset

Sea Base day one

2011-06-10T18:38:00.001-07:00

Today was our first day on our journey to Florida Sea Base. We began with an early 600 flight that eventually got us to Ft. Lauderdale late that afternoon. Soon it was off to lunch and a little time at beach. The highlight of the evening was dinner at Bubba Gumps and as you can see from the picture our Scouts made the most of their last full day of electronic access.

Tomorrow it is up at 700 and a 0900 pick up to travel down to Sea Base. This has been a great trip already!

Blogging from my phone

2011-06-10T08:59:00.001-07:00

I am going to try blogging a bit from my phone this week during our Sea Base adventure.

Finally!

2011-06-09T18:16:00.000-07:00

Well it was almost 18 months ago when I found out I was going to have the opportunity to be the adult leader for our 2011 Troop high adventure trip to Sea Base. Now finally the time is here and we will be stepping on the plane at 0600 in the morning.

Having done most of the logistical work, it is going to be great to turn things over to the Scouts starting tomorrow and let them run the show from here. They are a wonderful bunch of guys and I am as excited to spend time with them and the other two adults as I am the trip itself. I just hope I don't end up barfing too much!

In many ways I do not know what to expect. Mostly I am just happy to be going and very appreciative to have this wonderful opportunity. I would have never imagined years ago when my son brought home that flyer from school that his Scouting journey would also become such a grand adventure for me too. How blessed we are to be part of the Boy Scouts of America!

Walking the Walk

2011-06-03T05:33:00.000-07:00

At our last campout several of the adults were sitting around enjoying our usual nice evening conversation and the topic turned to the BSA guidelines that have been implemented around weight for high adventure. These rules require that high adventure participants meet certain height/weight requirements if they are to participate. The intent of course is to promote a safe experience and at the same time also promote a healthy lifestyle. After all, a Scout promises to do his best to be “physically strong”.

At bit of contention for many in the discussion was the pushing of the rules from BSA leadership when they themselves appear to be well into the obese category. “Who are they to push these rules when they themselves would not qualify for high adventure” was a typical statement.

I am excited to see that BSA leadership has heard the call and decided be an example through a new program called Walking the Walk. Even our Last Frontier Council Executive Jeff Woosley in participating.

It takes some guts to be so public with your journey to good health and I wish everyone participating the best of luck.

The American obesity epidemic is a genuine problem and as youth mentors we have an opportunity to be examples of change. It seems over the last few weeks I have noticed a real upswing of Scout leaders joining in the fat and fitness battle so they too can live lives that are a positive example for the Scouts to follow.

Yes I know it is hard to change a lifestyle but it can be done. I grew up in a world of chicken fried steak, poor eating and seldom exercise. I am genetically inclined to be overweight and believe me it is an everyday battle. Nonetheless, I am becoming more and more convicted that I need to make the right choices as much to be an example for the Scouts as for myself. That is very inspiring and motivating. Plus, I want to be a leader that can barrel down a trail or climb a mountain with the Scouts and hold my own. I don't want any kid to miss an opportunity for high adventure because their leader could not cut it.

Do you want to be an example yourself? The great folks over at Scout Nation have a Fit Club in the works for Scout leaders and it looks like it is going to be a fun program. You can learn more here.

Scouting Sucks

2011-05-27T05:45:00.000-07:00

Being a Boy Scout is about as counter culture a program you will find for a 10 – 18 year old youth today. On purpose these guys do things others do not. They camp once every month from Friday night to Sunday afternoon --rain, shine, snow, heat, bugs, filth with no access to electronics or girls.

While on these outings they have complete responsibility to set up camp, plan/cook meals, clean up and deal with the interpersonal conflicts that naturally arise among teenagers of diverse backgrounds.

Yes there are adults but they keep to themselves and let the Scouts run the weekend.

Three or four Mondays a month they put on a uniform and attend a chaotic meeting planned and run by fellow Scouts that have been elected as their leaders. These meeting times are used to learn skills like first aid, pioneering, hiking, cold weather camping and more. Amazingly, these skills are taught not by adult “experts” but instead by an older Scout that has been assigned the task of teaching.

At the end of the meeting, the Scouts still have work to do by cleaning the meeting room by either vacuuming or sweeping.

Many times throughout the year they spend hours doing community service through projects that include building trails, gathering food for the food bank, doing projects that benefit local non-profits and other menial tasks that tend to totally blow personal time on a weekend.

Then there is the teasing. Chances are that at school their non-Scout friends give them a hard time about being a Scout. “What do you mean you can’t hang out this weekend?” “Scouts are dorks” “That uniform is gay” “You are in High School now, aren’t you a little old to be hanging out with 11 year olds playing campout?”

Scouts do hard things. Why?

First of all what other organization trusts youth to completely run a program and puts them in charge of adults? Second of all, as crazy as it sounds, community service and camping through hardships is actually a lot of fun.

The truth is that by doing hard things now that few others are willing to do they learning to do the same throughout life.

Someday in their career they may be tasked to complete a complex project and think back to the planning skills they learned to pull off on that winter campout for 60 people. Someday they may be faced with an interpersonal conflict and think back to that time they successfully mediated between two younger Scouts that were arguing. Someday they may see a need to serve others and have the skill to organize a team to clean up after a great storm. Someday they may happen upon an injured person needing immediate medical help and find they are the only one that knows what to do. Someday they may find themselves trapped in a personal hardship, remember that day they hiked 16 miles in the rain at Philmont and know they can climb any mountain life sends their way. Someday they may be faced with an ethical issue and deep down remember the Oath and Law they recited so many times.

Most of all, when faced with a hard task that looks to be insurmountable they can look back and say “I am Prepared and I can do it”

The funny thing is that during all the learning of their youth, most will never know that the Boy Scouts of America purposely had them experience challenges as a Scout so they could conquer even more difficult ones as an adult.

No Scouting does not suck.

In our sterile world we need to raise a generation of people that are willing to do what is hard and learn to enjoy giving up the self for the betterment of others. I for one and glad to be part of an organization that for over 100 years now has been doing that.

Time to camp

2011-03-22T09:24:00.000-07:00

Troop Guides Teaching using EDGE

This weekend is our first campout with our full group of New Scouts. During Troop planning last year the Scouts voted on this campout to be different in that it is out of state and a longer than typical drive (close to 5 hours).

This is my third year helping as an ASM for the New Scout program in our Troop and once again I find myself full of excitement about getting to know these young men and seeing firsthand how much they will grow and mature thanks to the many challenges and fun they have ahead.

Our three Troop Guides will also learn many lifelong skills as they facilitate learning, deal with conflict, lead through the stages of team development and fully understand the awesome responsibility that leading others brings.

Since we will be leaving at our usual 6PM, this will mean setting up camp starting at 1100. Certainly this will be a memorable challenge for our New Scout patrol as they attend their first campout and experience many other firsts including: Setting up a tent, cooking, KP, hiking and spending time with a bunch of guys most of them do not know very well. All but one of the new Scouts were Cubs but of course Scout led Patrol camping is very different than family style camping.

Many of their parents our joining us for the first time as well and I can remember clearly the struggles I had transitioning from a Webelos leader to Boy Scouts. There is a sudden "what do I do" bit of loss since the Scouts are to lead and learn with no interference from adults. I know some of the New Scout parents will experience this too. It is hard not to jump in and "help".

It is going to be a great weekend for sure.

A Scout Chapel Service

2011-02-20T19:45:00.000-08:00

My son is a Troop Guide this spring and was Chaplin last year. The current Chaplin was unable to attend this weekend and as a result Conner was asked to fill in. I am pretty proud of my son as all dads I hope are too. So proud am I of the message God gave him for the service this week that I thought I would share his notes with you. I think it is a pretty good message to hear.

Good morning welcome to chapel

Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins. (Proverbs 10:12)

Did you have a good Valentine’s day? Did you maybe have that special someone well even if you did or didn’t GOD loves you. He’s loved you since before you were born, now and to come. See in the bible god talks about love; how we should love our families, our friends, and our siblings. Because you’ve all heard your parents to tell you to say I love you to them.

Well do you ever heard someone tell you to love that quiet kid in the corner all by himself. Now I’m not talking about love as in marriage I mean like more than a family member love. Because with a family member you’re stuck with them am I right? But you still love them even when they make mistakes.

Now let’s say there’s that one kid you know that no one likes maybe because he’s annoying or weird but how many of you would say that your family is weird? You still have to remember that we are all god’s children. Now this week if someone is bothering you just stop and think we are all god’s children. This is my brother or sister I love them.

Just try being nice to everyone this week. Now I’m not going to say that I get along with everyone. No, I don’t there’s some people I just can’t stand but, I’ve learn to love them and they end up being pretty cool. This week remember that god created all of us and loves every one of us. So by loving those people we also are loving God.

A couple of mountain men

2011-01-24T07:26:00.000-08:00

2010-12-17T07:52:00.001-08:00

2010-11-12T09:18:00.000-08:00

Flag Retirement Opportunity

2010-10-28T07:49:00.000-07:00

Every year at Troop 168’s Turkey Cookout campout we perform a U.S Flag retirement ceremony. This is an occasion for the Scouts and Adults to honor the American Flag and the Men and Women who have served or are serving our Country.

The U.S. Flag Code states, "The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning".

If you or someone you know has a U.S. or State flag that is in such condition that it is ready to be retired please let me know and I would be happy to make arrangements for you drop off at our next Scout meeting or another location.

Bill Gate Silver Beaver Award

2010-09-14T13:30:00.000-07:00

This video is a nice tribute to Bill Gates. I had heard he was a Scout as a kid and that his father is an Eagle Scout. What I did not know was that he made it all the way to Life Scout (like me).

2010-08-28T06:01:00.000-07:00

This was fun and easy to make

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Geat Video

2010-08-20T06:09:00.001-07:00

I just loved this!

My Scouting Year so far...

2010-07-28T13:52:00.000-07:00

2010-07-09T06:51:00.000-07:00

Summer Camp is a rite of passage not to be missed by any Scout. This was my 3rd year to tag along as an adult and once again the experience reminded me why I love Scouting so much. Interacting and observing other Troops also reminded me why I think Troop 168 is indeed among the best you will find.

I work mostly with the newer Scouts and for all of them this is their first summer camp. For most of them it is also their first time to face multiple days of autonomy and self-reliance. We help the first day or two to make sure they know where to go and after that we step back and leave them alone. Classes are theirs to find and requirements are theirs to make. We drop by for pictures from time to time and of course inquire as to how things are going. Teachable moment advice is around as the situation allows.

I unfortunately observed this not to be the case for New Scouts in many other Troops. These well intended folks treated the Scouts as Webelos IIIs and hovered over every move they made. By not allowing the boys room to figure out things on their own a huge opportunity for personal growth is lost. Sure things might run smoother and sure more items might not get finished but that is nothing compared to the learning that takes place when failing positively and learning on your own how to succeed.

Adults leaders! I know it is our nature to want to feel involved and useful. At the same time, let me challenge you to remember that doing nothing is sometimes the best something.

How not to hike!

2010-05-18T09:03:00.000-07:00

Perhaps one of my favorite hiking songs from my Scouting youth. I can clearly remember singing this as we worked our way through Philmont during the summer of 1981. Funny how auditory triggers like a song or an olfactory memory like the smell of a pine tree can take me back.

I hope my next hiking adventure goes a little better than the experience of these Muppets : )

Meet the Owls

2010-05-06T11:48:00.000-07:00

I would like to introduce you to six of my newest heroes. For the last few weeks I have known them as the Owl Patrol. They are Randy, Jeffery, George, Sally, Everett, and Eric. Together they share a common passion to help the youth in our area to live lives based on a common set of values that are seldom talked about in today’s world. These values center on the three Aims of Scouting; Character, Citizenship and Fitness.

Just weeks ago they were strangers to each other and now I can tell you they have built bonds that may last a lifetime. They came together to attend the premiere Boy Scout Adult leader training known as Woodbadge.

Believe me this in not an easy commitment. Participants (and staff) pay to participate and are required to attend two four day weekends of training and then complete five goals known as “tickets” within 18 months. The actual course is action packed with activity starting with breakfast and running all the way to after nine PM.

You might find it surprising to learn this training does not involve fire building skills, camping skills or knot tying. Instead, the participants learn advanced techniques for project planning, team development, teaching others, coaching, mentoring, conflict management and more. I was a leadership trainer for many years and can tell you this course is on par with anything you will find in corporate America.

Back to the hero part.

These are not six super heroes that you will most likely ever read about in the paper or see on TV. With the exception of a Scout related training award or two, these heroes will most likely never get any recognition for their efforts and certainly will never benefit financially. Most kids they encounter will never thank them for their efforts and from time to time there will be conflicts with parents as well as other volunteers. They will have many nights of sleeping on the ground, getting bug bites, and dealing with homesick children. Many will no longer have family vacations due to all off time being used for training or for sponsoring trips. They will ultimately spend hundreds if not thousands of their own money to pay for camps, travel, gas, uniforms and equipment.

But with all these challenges they will press on. Press on with the inner confidence that they are making the only investment in life that actually matters. It is an investment through service and sacrifice in the lives of others. Based on what I know of these folks, the world will reap benefits finer than any gold from their efforts.

Congratulations Owls and “work those tickets if you can”. If that catchy Bette Midler song were not so hard to sing I would belt it out for you now.

Are you a hero? If not sign up as a volunteer and you too will soon be making a difference for others.

YIS

David

Reflections

2010-04-23T07:52:00.001-07:00

I spent some time this morning looking over my presentations and preparing for my final weekend of Wood Badge as a Troop Guide. What a wonderful experience overall this has been. Truly we do get more out of teaching than we do from the receiving process.

Wood Badge has refreshed my knowledge and passion around this great program we all have the privilege to give so much of our time. There is so much potential in each of us to make a difference in the lives of the youth and the adults we encounter. I see this difference playing out as selfless and positive most of the time. There are other times when I see it as selfish and negative. And finally, there are times I see it with no impact at all due to passivity and apathy.

Whether you have been to Wood Badge or not, I hope that from time to time you will challenge yourself to deeply review the Aims and Methods of Scouting. Measure yourself and your program by this as well as the Oath and Law. If you do, I know you will leave this time of reflection refocused on why you are here and the positive potential you have to impact generations.

YIS

David

See us Grow!

2010-02-09T18:33:00.000-08:00

This is a little song I wrote a few years ago when my son was in Cub Scouts. It is most fun if everyone joins in the singing. Hard to believe how much he has grown even since the attached picture was taken.

See Us Grow!

Sung to the tune of Let it Snow

Well, being a Scout is fun,
And we want to tell everyone
Pack 164’s the best ya know!
See us grow, See us grow, See us grow

From tigers, to wolf’s to bears
We know the fun is there!
And don’t forget the Webelo’s (shouted by the Webelo’s)
See us grow, See us grow, See us grow

Oh I promise to “Do my best”
And I’ll follow the “Law of the pack”
As pass through many tests
I’ll remember to serve and give back

Finally, welcome to our blue and gold
It’s going to be great we’re told
To everyone here---HELLO!
and
(Big Finish!) See us grow, See us grow, See us grow

Trappers!

2010-01-20T15:40:00.000-08:00

The Troop’s January campout was Trapper’s Rendezvous near Newton Kansas with a record crowd this year of over 5,000 people. This is a great Scout event that many of the boys look forward to attending every year. It has a little bit of a bad reputation for some due mostly to the potential for cold. (there was a legendary year with ice and high of 6) I think my family has brought warm weather karma with us since for two years in a row there have been sunny skies and warm daytime temperatures.

Trappers is an encampment of old time mountain men and there are many period re -enactors walking the grounds to tell their story. They each handout a wooden coin after they tell you who they are and what made them famous. There are also displays and demonstrations of period skills such as blacksmithing and cooking.
The attraction for most of the boys is the trading. They are encouraged to bring items for trade and it is amazing the number as well as variety things you will see traded. There are many pocket knives of course but also, old toys, hats, animal furs, etc.

My son came home from this weekend with boxing gloves, a snuggie, an old army helmet , a bugle and a variety of other random items. The most unusual things I saw up for trade were a fairly new house window with frame and a dishwasher.
It was especially cool to see the boys learn negotiation skills as they haggled. Each successful transaction ended with a left-handed shake and a “good trade” comment.

This year an older Scout challenged himself by starting with only a rock off the ground to start the day. He ended with a really cool guitar and a couple of other things. Now that is some serious trading up!
Walking around the event and soaking it all in, I was once again thoughtful of just how cool it is to be involved in Scouting. Time hanging out with the Scouts, chatting with the adults, and meeting other Scouts are just priceless to me. I almost feel sad for kids that were home instead playing video games or hanging out at the mall.

These are certainly moments the Scouts will not fully appreciate now but in years to come will enjoy telling. “Remember the time I went to that event and traded a rock?”

Building Men

2009-12-22T05:26:00.000-08:00

"It is easier to build a boy than to repair a man"

This line greets participants of Scoutmaster specific training early in the session. These words more than any other to me sum up why I give so much time to Scouting. As the year comes to a close, I am looking back and wondering how much of a builder I have been. Am I doing my part? Am I making a positive difference? What about my Troop? Are the adult leaders and youth leaders really building foundations for the future?

The youth of this generation are facing challenges unknown to those previous and an American future that is very much in doubt. Changes in technology, communication, economics, family life and cultural focus have reached a tipping point that may move our country up to promising future or down to an abyss of despair.

I do not consider myself just an adult volunteer. I am construction worker on mission from God to help build men of the future. Men who will be faced with choices someday that will impact the lives of others. Men who hopefully will at a critical time will maybe--just maybe in the depths of their subconscious think "brave" when deciding to go against the crowd. Men who will think "trustworthy" when faced with a critical ethical choice or personal temptation. Men who deeply know the meaning of the phrase "On my honor" and put these words into action with their daily lives.

Reflecting back on 2009, I am not so sure of my success. What I do know is that no matter what challenges I may have faced I was clear in my personal mission.

I also know my effort was only a single brick in this project. There are many other influences that will impact the future of these boys and there are many other influencers working to make a difference as well. In the end, if I have only made a difference in the life of one young person then I have been a success.

What about you? Are you a builder of others? Do you keep the Oath, Law and Aims of Scouting in your heart as you interact with your Scouts? Do you have clearly defined personal vision as to why you are involved?

I would like to challenge you as this year comes to a close to look deeply inside yourself. Reflect on your actions of 2009 and look to making even more of a difference for others in 2010. The boy you help build today may indeed be the man that changes the world for the better tomorrow.

YIS
David

Troop "Turkey" Campout

2009-11-11T17:26:00.000-08:00

This campout is a Troop 168 tradition. We cook Turkeys in a pit and invite all the families out for a big Thanksgiving feast including all the trimmings. The boys (and Crew ladies) work really hard to make it a nice event. Here are just a few pics I thought I would share.

Twitter vs. Facebook

2009-09-15T06:03:00.000-07:00

Last week I read no less than four articles about Twitter in the various magazines and newspapers I subscribe. I am a twitter nut myself with two accounts @davidtcopeland and @okcscouter. I have found it to be to a great tool for connecting with others and for learning about all the latest trends in social networking. My Scouting account has lead to some great connections with people in other parts of the country that also have a passion for this great program. Does my Twitter obsession mean and end to my Facebook days? Absolutely not!

I see the two as distinctly different tools with difference purposes. Twitter has been great for “virtually” meeting people from all over the country. I consider many of these Twitter folks to be my friend even it is in a weird I have never met you before kind of way. Most Twitter people seem to talk mostly to themselves and for whatever reason have little desire to really communicate and connect with their followers. (More on this with a later post)

I treat Facebook on the other hand as a “real” friends only forum with all my settings set as private. Every friend I have on FB is a person I have some kind of connection and 99% of them I have met in person at one time in my life. My family, childhood friends, and many other people are on this with me. We share updates and my favorite feature is the picture albums people post showing families. The connections on Facebook to me seem more personal.

Both tools to me have a purpose and they are distinctly different for me. I personally plan to hang on to both.

What about you? Facebook or Twitter? Do you have both? What do you see as the difference?

Scouting is a Legacy

2009-08-31T10:43:00.001-07:00

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

2009-08-28T10:15:00.001-07:00

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

2009-08-15T16:02:00.000-07:00

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?

Social networking and local Scouting

2009-06-30T09:59:00.001-07:00

Many of the adults in our Troop are actively using social networking tools to stay connected and build relationships. This began with Facebook and now is evolving to include Twitter and Blogger.

Facebook: Several of the Troop Adult leadership and older youth are on Facebook. My account is not exclusive to Scouting and every “friend” is someone I know personally. I also have set up photo albums for campouts and upload pictures directly from my phone during our weekend adventures as well as summer camp. These pictures allow followers to see real time the fun we are having on campouts. My wife and other parents have really enjoyed the little window into the fun we are having. My Facebook Troop Scout youth friends get to see what they are missing!

Twitter: I see Twitter more as a tool for getting to know people around the country and world that I might not connect with otherwise. To this end, I have created and maintain two accounts. @okcscouter is only for my life as a Scout leader. Here my goal is to connect with other Scout folks. I also recently used this account to micro-blog our recent summer camp experience. Several Troop adults followed these updates and the feedback was great. This micro-blogging included real time uploads of pictures using twitpic.

Blogger: Speaking of summer camp, our Committee Chair @imasoonerfan used this tool to blog our summer camp experience. Again, this was another outlet for the parents, grandparents and others to keep up to date daily about our camp experience http://troop168summercamp.blogspot.com/2009/06/camp-alexander-2009.html Those interested could read a daily synopsis of our trip, view pictures and leave comments.

Why do all of this?
It goes back to staying connected and building relationships. Sure we are 100% boy run but the buy in and encouragement of the adult at home is critical to Scout success and retention. We have many involved parents but there are also those that due to other obligations will not be able to attend campouts and meetings. Connecting to the Troop through social networking gives them the inside scoop of our activity and in way lets them in the mind of the leaders who are spending so much time working with the youth. It also gives them another avenue for involvement and engagement.

What about you? Is your Unit leadership using social networking to stay connected, build relationships, and encourage retention? I would love to hear your ideas and thoughts.

Water Rocket Plan

2009-05-31T06:54:00.000-07:00

Our plan today is to build a couple more water rocket launchers. Have you ever used these? Fun and easy to make. Here are the plans...

WATER ROCKET LAUNCHER
Materials:
3 each - ¾” PVC Cap
One - ¾” PVC Tee joint
One - ¾” x ½” threaded Tee joint
5’ of ¾” PVC schedule 40 pipe
One - ½” x 8” threaded riser pipe
One - ¾” 90 degree ell (“L) joint
1’ electrical tape
One tire inner tube valve
PVC pipe cement or epoxy
Important: use protective gloves and goggles when gluing!!!

Assembly Instructions:
With a hack saw, cut the 5’ PVC pipe into
Two - 6”,
two - 12” and
one - 8” length.
Drill a ½” hole in the middle of one ¾” Cap.
Push the valve stem into this hole and trim the rubber so that it will have a tight seal.
Glue this cap to one 6” pipe, being careful to have the pipe end push the rubber to be tightly sealed against the cap.
Assemble the rest of the launcher as shown, and glue the joints.
Wrap the threaded riser pipe where it joins the threaded Tee, so that there is a tapered, water-tight connection when a 2 liter bottle, with a few cups of water in it, is pushed onto it.

Scouting and Twitter?

2009-05-26T21:30:00.000-07:00

There are a few Scouting Twitter pros online such as @latterdayscout, @insanescouter, @kabiff @Scouterjeff @halfeaglebot and more. These folks are using Twitter to connect with others in the Scouting community, share information, spread the good news and the benefits of the program. Scouting is in so many ways a grassroots movement and Twitter truly defines what it means to be grassroots.

I saw a study just a few weeks ago that said 40% of the people who sign up quite Twitter within a few weeks. Is that you? Don’t give up if it is!

Here are some tips to get you started:
1. Always include an interesting avatar (picture). Many people will not follow someone with no picture
2. Write in interesting profile. This is your introduction to the Twitter world and should make a stranger think you would be interesting to follow.
3. Show off your personality with your Tweets. “Going to the bathroom” “On my way to the store”—Do I care? Well once we get to know you we might but when you start keep the Tweets informative and fun.
4. Share links—This is the best way to share new and information your followers might like.
5. Tweet right away—Sure you just have a few followers. Go ahead and start Tweeting as your were a superstar. If someone checks you out they will know what to expect
6. Follow the people your favorite twitter friend follows. For example, everyone I follow has some tie to Scouting.
7. Always send a direct message to new followers. This lets them know you really do appreciate they would be interested in you.
8. Be sure and follow back the people who follow you.(just be sure and skip the spammers)
9. Speaking of spammers—watch your followers closely and be sure an block inappropriate followers.
10. Be aggressive to add followers. A tool like Tweetdeck allows you to search for people using key words. I use this to find people that are tweeting about Scouting for example.

Twitter can be a lot of fun and a great way to build relationships as well as learn. Don’t let the difficulty of getting started discourage you.

Attention Twitter pros! What other tips would you have for others?

What are some of your best Twitter stories?

Leave a comment and let others know.

My first OKCScouter Post

2009-05-20T17:01:00.000-07:00

I am excited to have started my own blog dedicated specifically to my Scouting experience and to the Scouting community. My journey back to Scouting is short compared to many people I know. My son joined just a couple of years ago in fourth grade and is rolling into the start of his second year as a Boy Scout. My Troop is located in Oklahoma City and strongly supports the boy run philosophy.
We are not perfect by any means and there are times when I get frustrated with the program. However, most of the time I consider this to be a good thing since I fully understand we are all here for the betterment of the youth we serve and also in many ways the parents of the Scouts as well.
I hope you will enjoy the posts and take an active part in the discussions. I look forward to connecting with you!

Here's question for you:
Why are you involved in Scouting?