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.