Summer of...Nothing??

So it looks like I'm not doing anything this summer. No Philmont. No Jamboree. No resident camp. Maybe I'll help my district out with Day Camp, and of course there are summer Pack activities. For most of you out there and to quote the always quotable Vizzini from Princess Bride, that is completely "inconceivable!" How could I let this happen? What do you mean you're not going to Jamboree? Not going to Philmont? And you call yourself a scouter? Please hand back your Silver Beaver. Thank you for playing.

Don't worry. I don't need any of you to beat me up about this - my healthy Catholic guilt has me ready to crawl under a rock now that I've revealed my deep dark secret. I completely understand if  your opinion of me had just dropped exponentially.

But to be absolutely honest with you, the real truth is, I'm a little excited at the prospect of maybe taking a week's vacation and actually getting rid of a lot of the junk in my house that I've been accumulating, waiting for a minute when I have time to clean up. Just looking in a space in my bedroom, I am aware of two broken hairdryers. Two!! I don't know why. Just haven't gotten rid of them. I'm almost always in between upcoming scout activities and haven't done a really good clean-out in a couple of years. 

Don't get me wrong. If I got a call tomorrow to come to Philmont to teach - I don't think I'd pass up the opportunity. It just didn't happen this year. And if there suddenly opened up a way for me to staff Jamboree, I would probably jump at the chance.

One of the reasons I love summer so much is the end of the school routine. No more "do you have homework?" or "did you do your homework?" or "what's coming due in the next week" or "what tests or quizzes do you have?" I never miss these question and mourn the middle of August when I know they will begin again.

I have been dreaming about the prospect of taking a family camping trip locally. We haven't done that in a few years. My schedule has just been too tight. The thought of just sitting around the campfire with my husband and children or drinking a cup of coffee outside our tent as we considered our options for the day is actually thrilling. Also, I've lived in the Washington area my entire life and there are Smithsonian museums and other sites I have never visited.

So many prospects. Holy cats! I could read books! I really want to get my hands on a copy of Lady Olave Baden Powell's autobiography "Window on My Heart." After having the honor of portraying the great lady, I really want to get to know her better.

At present, it's all still a little up in the air. It's not completely comfortable, but I'm becoming more at peace with this. While it's not my first choice to have no major scouting event on the near horizon, and I don't plan to make this a habit, I am embracing the reality of the situation and plan to make the most of it.

I'll keep you posted. 

It's a Step in the Right Direction

I'm going to tread into dangerous territory here. But I'm trusting that you all will be kind and courteous and give me the benefit to hear me out before you pass judgement. Please.

It's really easy to say that the Membership Standards Resolution is super-duper ridiculous (go ahead say it "s-u-p-e-r--d-u-p-e-r" didn't that at least make you smile. We at least need to keep a sense of humor here)  and won't work on many levels... Let's not go down that road for a minute and simply examine what the BSA was trying to accomplish.

Data from the survey responses - According to the reporting from the BSA, many people on both sides of the issue responded that denying a youth the opportunity to be a scout should be avoided. So often, we say in scouting - it's about the boys (or youth). Yup. It's about the youth - and we should make sure that anyone who wants to be part of the program is welcome. As long as a boy/youth and his parents recognize that there are guidelines and rules we follow, why shouldn't we welcome anyone to benefit from this awesome experience?

The issues that have been raised to me - such as what do you do with an openly gay scout on a camp out - need to be considered sure, but in my mind and experience this is not something that is too much of an issue. Any boy that has agreed to abide by the Oath and Law should be willing to follow rules. Any boy who is not willing to tent with any other boy should also consider if they are following the Oath and Law. As leaders we should be willing to address these issues with courtesy and compassion - for the sake of the youth who want to be in the program. I think that the issue has been addressed in co-ed Venturing crews well. I think it will be possible to adapt to the Boy Scout program (but perhaps I'm being naive - I'm willing to give it a chance though.)

It's about the youth.

I'm a Cub Scout leader. While it's possible that any Cub Scout-aged boy might know who they are at

this point, it's not always likely. I want every boy that's Cub Scout age to join the program. No matter who they think they might be. I want them to feel welcome and not excluded - no matter what. Cub Scouts can make a difference in the life of boy. I definitely want a boy's parents to feel that Cub Scouts is a program that will accept their son as he is and help him be the best he is - no matter what.

It's about the youth.

Okay. So, I recognize that there are significant issues that will come forward. A youth who becomes 21 will no longer be able to be a leader if they are openly gay. That's definitely a problem that we will have to address. I suspect there are too many people who just are not ready to jump into that pool. It's a disappointment for some and a relief for others. But for now... It's about the youth. That has to be okay and enough for now.

For me, it's a step in the right direction. I've decided I have to take a stand in this.

I'm sure for some of you, even those of you who are my good scout friends, it's in direct opposition to your beliefs and opinions. But please, I ask you to keep in mind that I truly, truly believe that it's about the youth - we must consider all of them who want to benefit from Scouts. No matter what the decision is at the end of May, I have said, I will stand by the program. However, I'm now adding that I hope the BSA leaders will decide to adopt the resolution. Let's take this huge step.

It's for the youth.

I welcome your comments (keep it kind) as I respect there's another side of the coin. 

IWGBTP

Anyone who's been to Philmont might be familiar with these letters - They stand for I Wanna Go Back To Philmont.

Yep.

I do. I want to go back. In my case though it's back to the Philmont Training Center (PTC). This will be the first summer in four years that I haven't been back. I'll definitely miss it.

If you haven't had the blessing to visit this unique place, let me try to explain why it's so special and why countless scout leaders and their families have spent precious vacation time on "The Other side of the Road." Perhaps that's it - the opportunity to become a better leader, get reinvigorated, learn new skills, get new ideas, and interact with like-minded scouters - all while sharing time with your family in the extraordinary mountains of New Mexico. It's called "God's Country" quite rightly.

But, I think it's more than that. The staff at PTC go above and beyond to ensure that the experience of the guests is outstanding. The faculty spend months preparing their course content and materials to make sure the courses are first rate as well. It kind of feels like going to any of the Disney locations. A perfect world - in this case a perfect scouting world. The staff and faculty have excitement, enthusiasm, knowledge, expertise and ideas about how to be a better leader, build a better program, etc. There is very little cynical attitude. Very little "us" versus "them" mentality (and by that, I mean volunteer vs. professional). Everyone who has made the pilgrimage is dedicated to making their little piece of the scouting world better. Those who are faculty are the top trainers in their council. They know their stuff really well and deliver with exceptional skill.

Every time I've been to PTC, I leave feeling excited and enthusiastic to go back home and continue making a difference in my scouting life. It has made me a better leader each time. I've met some incredible people who are awesome leaders. I've made some good friends. My son and daughter both had great experiences there as well - I'm grateful that we have those memories. My goal is to get my entire family out there together - or at least get my husband Sean there once. I SO want to be able to dance with him on Western Night!

Yes, it's been a sacrifice financially to get there. I'll admit that one of the reasons I'm not going this year is financial. But I have not regretted the investment of my last four trips. It was definitely money well spent. Because it has not only affected my scouting life, but who I am in general. Like Wood Badge, a Philmont experience makes a clear, indelible impact on your life.

This year I had the blessing to become a Philmont Training Center Ambassador - the job came with a box of supplies to promote PTC, a special patch and a snazzy fleece jacket. The bling is certainly nice and I speedy-quick filled out my paperwork to ensure I was near the top of the list to be an ambassador. But similar to working in my high school (a four-year experience I also loved), I've been given an incentive for something I would have done anyway. It's a joy to promote something so positive. I would love for everyone to have a PTC experience. This year is the 75th Anniversary of Philmont Scout Ranch. The Training Center opened a little later in 1950. If you have time left in your summer schedule, consider taking the trip. You won't regret it for a second and you'll remember it forever.

Times They Are A Changing

So I know it's been nearly two years since my last post. I've just downloaded the Blogger app for my iPad, which makes posting pretty simple. Perhaps it will help me make a better commitment to posting. There is a marketing/social networking expert, whose philosophy I have come to value quite highly, Scott Stratton, who says, "don't blog for the sake of blogging. Blog when you have something to say." Now he would say two years is tad long to go without having anything to say. He'd be right.

And I do have things to say.

I was just reviewing my post from April 2011 and it's amazing to me that I mention my Catholic faith and my dedication to the Scout Law. Two things that are still incredibly important to me. And both are going through quite a sea change at present.

I've really wanted to weigh-in publicly on the Scouting membership issue. It's so important. I have no idea what the outcome will be. I have a strong opinion about what I want it to be. But I think what's more important to me now, than sharing why I believe the BSA should go one way or another, is that no matter what - I will support the program that I believe in. Scouting's membership may or may not change. I may or may not agree with the decision. But I have made a commitment to living the Scout Oath and Law. That will not change. I will uphold the values of Scouting - no matter what. I will help any scout or leader do their best and achieve their fullest potential in this program.

The hallmarks of Scouting continue to ring loudly and true to me.

What has made me most upset through this entire period has been the reactions I've seen from scout leaders. Name calling. Extraordinarily unkind words. From both sides. What the heck is up with that?! I read the Blog post from Scouting Magazine's "Bryan on Scouting" about the membership issue. Originally, I was heartened by the politeness of the comments. Until they descended into the same base behavior I have seen in other post comments sections. It surprises me and shocks me and disappoints me. Is this the example we want to set as scout leaders?

So I return to my April 20, 2011 post. A Scout is Trustworthy...Loyal...Friendly... Courteous...

No matter what the outcome in May. I pray that we all remember what (and especially whom) we are in scouting for.

Yes. I have things to say. It won't be another two years.

A Scout is:

Trustworthy…Loyal…Helpful…Friendly…Courteous…Kind…Obedient…
Cheerful…Thrifty…Brave…Clean…Reverent

I love the Scout Law.

During my day, I often find myself reacting to behaviors (of myself and others) by saying to myself, “a scout is trustworthy” or “a scout is kind” etc., especially in reaction to the choice to be un-scoutlike in behavior. It’s become my check for the choices to make.

I am certainly not perfect. There are many, many things about myself that can be improved upon, so I’m not about to hold myself up as the supreme example. As I have come to appreciate the 12 points of the Scout Law, I realize that it’s such a simple summary of appropriate action. It’s a moral compass that always points towards “correctness.” But, even though I know I’m not perfect, it’s surprising to me to find scout leaders who don’t value the Scout Law for themselves. Luckily there aren’t many.

My brother-in-law Larry should have been an Eagle Scout. When the family moved from New York to Maryland, he was a few short steps away from Eagle rank, and had enjoyed a great experience with a wonderful scoutmaster whose encouragement was exactly what Larry needed. In Maryland, his new scoutmaster seemed more interested in maintaining his perfect percentage rate of Eagle Scouts than to building a relationship (Helpful…Friendly…Kind…) with his new scout. As a result, my brother-in-law dropped out entirely. That story makes me so sad on several levels. For my brother-in-law, that he lost that great experience he had with scouting. For the scout leader, that he just didn’t get it, and missed the point entirely.

So, how does one react to that kind of behavior? My first reaction sometimes can be rather un-scoutlike for certain… I don’t always set the perfect example. But isn’t it even more important in instances like these to react courteously, kindly, helpfully, friendly and so on-ly? In my conscience and heart I know it’s the right way to behave. Perhaps as I continue to mature it’ll become more second nature.

I hope so.

I’m a Catholic. My faith is extremely important to who I am and how I live. So I know I can’t change on my own - my belief in my faith is essential. I’m also fairly liberal in my views of the world. Both of these mesh quite beautifully in my life as a scout leader. Living the Scout Law, living my faith, living my beliefs all work in tandem.

The question to myself is, how can I better demonstrate that checking a box is not what we’re supposed to be about? I find myself saying a lot lately, it’s really all about the relationships we form and how we continue to cultivate these throughout our lifetime.

Living the Scout Law is one way I can do that.

Competence Will Be Rewarded with More Work

When I started my job at The Academy of the Holy Cross, I worked hard. In order for me to come on board the job was changed from part-time 9-month to full-time 12-month and the addition of marketing and communications was added to the recruitment/admissions job description. It was important that I gave the school its money’s worth, so there were many long days and nights and I volunteered for anything that needed more hands. It wasn’t long after this that I had a conversation with a colleague who informed me that the more I work, the more work I will be allowed to do - “Competence is rewarded with more work…”

As I’ve gotten involved in Scouting, which is dominated by volunteer support, this sentiment has become more apparent in my life. It all started when I began looking for other boys to join my son’s Cub Scout den… “Hey, you should be the Den Leader,” said the Cubmaster... Seven years later and a page full of different Scouting “jobs” reveals that I have embraced the “more work” lifestyle. As I look around at my fellow Scout colleagues, I realize that they have all been rewarded for their competence with more opportunities to work. The running joke among Scout leaders is that we can’t say no. There’s just so much work to be done. And so few who step up to share the load.

“If you want something done, ask a busy person to do it!” That’s another phrase that seems to bear truth in Scouting. I know very few leaders who do one job in scouting. Burnout can be a problem. Most of the time people that I know (and include myself in the mix) just don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to give the youth an experience that will positively impact their lives. “If I don’t help the boys will lose out” has played in my mind more than once.

I recognize that to some extent this attitude is misguided. As I take on more jobs, I take on more stress that keeps me from enjoying the experience less and less. I’m also removing the possibility that another parent will have the joy of being involved and making a difference in their child’s life (as well as others). I’m possibly taking away the chance that another leader will start on a path that has included for me the opportunity to work with some amazing youth and outstanding adult leaders who have become great friends. And the fun I’ve had along the way – there’s no way to measure it.

The trick is to find the balance. I’ve known scout leaders who have had their marriages jeopardized by their Scouting commitments. One told me that his wife told him to choose her or Scouting (Yikes!). My daughter told me she “hated Wood Badge.” I knew that’s when I needed to dial it back and take a break (of course those of you who know my daughter also know she has a flair for the dramatic). A good friend and fellow scout leader suggested that the key is to say yes to the things you will enjoy and know you want to do and say no to the things you won’t. And not feel guilty about it. Period.

Good advice…

Usually there’s a lot of work involved in making it look easy…

I remember being a Wood Badge participant like it was yesterday. I arrived at the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship early. I was so excited to be there. My friend Ken was also a participant so I already had a friend there…

Everything was so cool! Gilwell Hall (the barn) was decked out in all things scouting – posters, flags, pictures... Staffers were dressed in the complete uniform and looked really sharp. The patrol areas were arranged. My Troop Guide, Scott was waiting to greet me with a friendly smile and a warm personality. I set up my tent (it was the second time I had done so – first time was in my living room as a practice) and met my fellow patrol mates as they arrived… The whole atmosphere of the entire two weekends was focused on us, the participants. In my mind as I drove away, I wondered if the barn was set up so nicely all the time if it was reserved just for Wood Badge and Scout training…

As a staffer, I found out the truth. That it took a full day to just get the site ready and that staff actually begin preparing for the course up to six months ahead of time – preparing presentations, planning for logistics, organizing every detail. The goal is in fact to be so prepared that the focus is on ensuring that the participants have an experience like no other – in Scouting or elsewhere. For new staffers, becoming entrenched in the syllabus along with the logistical preparations is key. The holes are filled in for those gaps that didn’t necessarily get connected when they were participants in planning for making those connections for the next wave of participants.

I was talking with my friend Chip, who consequently is the Course Director for our very next Wood Badge course in March, about one of the great results of staffing the course. Staffers become even better leaders. The old adage “if you want to really learn something, teach it” is true. As a participant, I know there were nuggets of wisdom that I missed and didn’t understand until I had the syllabus in hand as a staffer. Each new staffer receives a thick 3-ring binder that details each day of the course. Every presentation and activity has a Learning Objective, Materials needed, and a Delivery Method.

Staffers are not participants, but the value they receive in the hard work of preparation (and it is hard work), is an even better understanding of the leadership values taught. I’m certain, that they return to their packs, troops, crews, teams, and ships, districts, etc., and are even more ready to make a difference in the lives of the youth and fellow volunteers they serve.

And they make it look easy.