Thought on memories of Gettysburg...

As I am writing this, it is July 1.  It is the 150^th 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.