As I am writing this, it is July 1. It is the 150th anniversary of the
opening of the battle of Gettysburg. I’m
watching the movie. All I can think of
is our trip to Gettysburg last year. It
was such an amazing event.
My scouting
history goes back a long way. I served various
leadership positions, spent many years at our home scout camp, served on the
staff for Treasure Valley, and achieved the rank of Eagle scout. As and adult, I have served in many positions
throughout Cubscouts and Boy Scouts.
If
someone asked me what my greatest moment in scouting was, it would have to be
receiving my Eagle Scout medal. But if
someone asked me what my greatest scouting event was, there is no question it
would be my first adventure as the Scoutmaster of Troop 97. With the help of Mr. Thomas, Mr. Groshek, Mr.
Capan, and Mr. Vitron, we took 17 scouts and had the adventure of a lifetime at
Gettysburg. It was an outstanding trip,
with a lot of fun hiking the battlefield and just enjoying the great week.
Sitting here thinking about it, it is really
making me understand after all these years, that this really is one of the
greatest aspects of Scouting. While
making Eagle scout is an admirable goal, and it is a fantastic achievement that
will follow you for life, maybe one of the true gifts of Scouting is developing
memories as young men and adults that we can enjoy throughout our lives.
We have a lot of events coming up, including Summer camp at
Custaloga Town, trip to Laurel Caverns, and lot of other events planned by the
PLC.
Whether it be a big trip like Gettysburg, or just a great
weekend, like hiking down the middle of 6 mile creek, or putting together
robots at the Cleveland Science Center, these are the experiences that we can
hold and enjoy. Along the way as leaders, hopefully we can instill a little self confidence, develop leadership and in the end create
better citizens such that someday you might realize what a great adventure you had
while a youth as a scout.
Whether you takes that experience and try to pass that
along as an adult leader, or just a parent supporting your own child someday, or
at the least, becoming a valuable member of the community, it all starts with
what we try to do each week….creating great citizens with awesome memories to
share.