Flag Retirement Opportunity

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

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).

This was fun and easy to make

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Geat Video

I just loved this!

My Scouting Year so far...

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.