The Bible Is Not Found In The Fiction Section

Merry Christmas Bobwhites! My apologies for a late December post. I have not forgotten you!

During this special time of year I wanted to reach out to those who I hold dear to my heart and express my love and appreciation for your friendship and association. That to me is a precious gift and I consider myself blessed to have been a small part of your lives over the short time we have known one another.

When I think of friends and family during this Christmas time and the gifts that will be exchanged in millions of homes around the world I ask myself what gift could I give to those I love. The gift should be a reflection of my love for those I care for. As I contemplate that question one answer comes to mind more than any other. And it is this; my simple heart felt belief that the Christmas story is a reality.

A long time ago in the little town of Bethlehem the miracle of miracles occurred. The very God of this world, the creator of heaven and earth and all things that are in them left his throne on high to clothe himself in a weak, frail, and mortal body in the most humble of circumstances. His mission was to receive life and then freely give it back for all mankind. Jesus Christ, the Son of God condescended below all things so that he could rise above all things, the Savior and Redeemer of mankind. I, like Peter of old know this not from the witness of any flesh and blood, but from my Father in Heaven through the power of the Holy Spirit to my heart. It is a witness to my soul that there truly was a Christ child born in Bethlehem and wrapped in swaddling clothes found by the shepherds lying in a manger. That he truly performed the miracles written of him and spoke the words the prophets and apostles testified he spoke. That he performed his mission successfully and truly fulfilled all righteousness, ever yielding his will to that of the Father. Always in submission and humility to the great plan of salvation. That he suffered great agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, and died on the cross, a sacrifice for sin. And that the glorious resurrection and triumph over death and hell was the culmination of his mission to save you and me. This was his gift of love. This was the Father's gift of love, that he gave his only begotten Son. His is a story of love. His is a story of peace. His is a story of hope. His is a story of joy.

God bless you my dear friends! My prayer in sharing this gift with you is that you might feel in your heart the same stirrings I feel as I think about the matchless gift of the Son of God and that your resolve to follow him as a true disciple will be deepened and strengthened. May we be his hands, and his heart, and his love this Christmas season and always!

YIS - Tom Brand
The Regal Eagle

Winter Camp - It Doesn't Have To Be A 4 Letter Word!

Winter is right around the corner and if you are involved with boys scouts you're likely going to be finding yourself spending some time out of doors in the cold. That's just a fact of life! You will want your boys to learn to love camping even in winter conditions. The fastest way to spoil a boy for camping is for him to get cold!

In this month's blog post I thought I would give you all some helpful (hopefully) information to make your winter camps a little more bearable.

The idea with winter camping, especially if there is hiking, snow shoeing, or skiing involved - really any sort of activity that is going to make the body sweat - is to be able to cool and warm the core by controlling temperature with layers of clothing.

First the 3W's of winter layering. What you wear and how you wear it can make a huge difference.

1. Wick - The base layer is called the wick layer. This is the next to your skin layer. Compression leggings and shirt will do wonders and repelling body moisture away from the skin and into the other layers. For feet, I have found that one pair of Moreno Wool socks and a good pair of boots works the best, but always have at least one other dry, clean pair on hand.
2. Warm- This layer can be bulky. Polar fleece is a good option but in cold wet weather wool is excellent. I try and avoid cotton at all costs. When it gets wet it freezes and doesn't dry quickly. Depending on temperatures and activities, this may end up being multiple layers of clothing. One other consideration for the core is a zipper vest allowing the arms to be cooler but keeping the core warm.
3. Wind - This layer is the outer shell. Preferably a water and wind resistant thin layer meant to keep moisture off the warm layer. Ski bibs for the legs work great. For the core, a think a wind breaker is best that can easily be removed. 

Bedding is also critical. Being able to sleep at night is so important to a positive winter camp experience. Here are some simple things I've found to help ensure a good nights sleep.

1. Closed Cell Pad- A closed cell pad doesn't allow airflow. Bridges in the winter are some of the most dangerous places to drive even when they have been cleared of snow. This is due to the airflow under the bridge creating black ice. The same concept applies to winter camping. What you sleep on needs to restrict airflow or you'll find yourself turning to black ice in the middle of the night. Cots and air mattresses are very bad ideas. A thick foam pad on top of a thin pad with a reflective side has worked well for me as shown here in these two pictures.
2. Layer your bag - I always bring a polar fleece sleeping bag liner for my sleeping bag. I like to layer at night to. If I get too warm, I can remove a layer.
3. Check your bag's rating - Sleeping bags are rated to be "comfortable" down to a certain temperature. The problem I have found with most of the ratings is that "comfortable" is completely subjective to each individual. I give myself at least 10 degrees of leeway. If it's a bag rated for 30 degrees, I'll assume it's "comfortable" down to 40 degrees. If it's rated for 40 degrees, I'll assume it's good down to 50 degrees, and so on. 
4. Mummy vs. Square - Mummy bags are great for winter camping because you can cinch the bag around your head. But mummy bags can also feel restrictive making one feel claustrophobic. There are pros and cons to both and ultimately it comes down to personal preference. The only way to really know is to try both styles in various situations to know for sure what works best for you.
5. Clava - It's critical to teach the boys not to breath into their bags. The moisture from their breath will make their bags wet and freeze in the night. They should breath outside their sleeping bags. If it's bitter cold I recommend a clava shown here. It will serve to keep the head warm and the neck warm while allowing you keep you nose and face warm but bag dry.
6. Knit Cap- Wear a knit cap to bed to help keep your body temperature in your bag. Most of the body's heat escapes through the head. Obviously if you are wearing a clava you won't need a knit cap.
7. Store Your Stuff- In bitter cold conditions I will put my clothes in my sleeping bag with me along with my water bottle so I have something to make hot chocolate in the morning. Even the best insulated containers can freeze and waking up to frozen water when you need it is no fun. Warming the core up from the inside out is the best way to keep warm and avoid the early onset of hypothermia.
8. Air It Out - Air out your bag and pad every day if you plan to camp more than one night. This is critical to a consistent good night's sleep.

Last but not least your hands and feet are so critical to keeping warm. The extremities will be the first parts of your body to feel bitter cold temperatures. I have found that mittens work best for keeping hands warm but are not very practical if you find yourself needing to use your hands to manipulate things. That is why a thin pair of neoprene work gloves are a must. There is just no getting around bringing different kinds of gloves for winter camping. The mittens to keep the fingers warm when there is down time and thin gloves to allow you to use your fingers.

There are plenty of good winter boots on the market that are reasonably priced. I have found that the socks are only as good as the boots and the boots are only as good as the socks. They need to work together for maximum comfort. The socks must stay dry. I like my Sorrel boots I have had for years. The cinch at the top just under my knee to keep deep snow from getting down inside my boots. With a good pair of Moreno wool socks, my feet stay toasty warm.

Well, that's all I have for this post. Good luck in the coming weeks as you head out into winter's playground. Who knows though... with the weather we've been having, you may want to trade your snow boots in for flip flops.

YIS - Tom Brand

The Regal Eagle

Round Table

 

 

Hello Bobwhites!

 

This month marks the 18th since we started our Wood Badge adventure! It's hard to believe it's been a year and a half! Great job again on completing your tickets! I hope things are going well for you all!

 





 

The legend of King Arthur's Knights of the Round Table has been a fixture in European folklore since the 5th and 6th centuries and has likely permeated through every land in the world. The fact that the table had no head meant that all who sat around it were seen as equals to one another, united in a common cause for the kingdom. It has become a symbol of meeting where ideas are shared, problems discussed, and solutions reached. It is no wonder the BSA uses Round Table as the title for their training meetings where just such endeavors are undertaken by scout leaders world wide.

 

 

BSA Roundtable meetings are held in an effort to help scout leaders better understand their specific duties and responsibilities. It includes training for Cubs through Venture. It's a great way to network with other scouters and is a great sounding board for ideas on how to do things. If you have anyone in your units that are struggling with their program, Roundtable is a must! I can't even begin to number the times I have heard a new scout leader say they wished they had better training but they refuse to attend a roundtable. If you have specific needs, contact your district roundtable representative and let them know what you would like to learn about. They will go out of their way to accommodate you on your request.



 

One of my tickets when I was working my way back to Gilwell was to help a fellow scouter with his ticket to staff an 11 year old scout patrol break out session at our district round table meetings. It was a great experience and I learned a lot. When I was the Varsity Coach I attended round table regularly and learned much about the program. One of my greatest take aways from one of those meetings I had was from a specific round table to help prep for the Varsity Biathlon which is a winter camp. I learned the three "Ws" of winter layering. Wick-Warm-Wind. Because I went to round table I was able to make sure my young men were prepared for the camp. I have taught that now to every boy I know since and everyone else for that matter that needs to dress for winter conditions weather it be camping, hiking, sports, or playing in the snow. If you ask a member of my family what the three "Ws" of winter layering are they'll spit them out without blinking an eye! I learned about knots, organization, administration, rechartering, and loads of other useful stuff to make the program better, translating into a better experience for the boys.

This month I want to encourage all of you to make an effort to attend your respective roundtable meetings. If you already are I hope you have been contributors as well as gleaners. As we continue to serve in the BSA helping adults become better leaders is as important as helping the boys directly. Remember, every boy deserves a trained leader.

God bless you in your efforts to touch the lives of these young men we have the privilege of working with.

YIS - Tom Brand
The Regal Eagle

Don't Steady The Ark!

Yay! You did it! I am so proud of all of you!  Congratulations Bob Whites on a great finish!

I bet you all thought I was done posting these now that you've graduated.  Nope!

As we head into fall I can't help but think about football and fresh peach pie. Both favorite things of mine that make me happy to be alive. And isn't that what life is all about... finding joy and happiness in this thing called life?

Joseph Smith once said, "Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God." I believe that will all my heart.

I have thought about the prophet's statement often over the years. I also have pondered this scripture, "Adam fell that man might be; and men are, that they might have joy." 2 Ne 2:25.

Take some time and think about what father Lehi teaches us in this scripture, particularly the first two words of this sentence and all it implies. Adam fell.

Before that, Adam and Eve were in a paradisiacal state but as such there was no opportunity for progression. A cosmic law of nature states that in order for eternal progression to exist opposition must exist and the use of agency is the vehicle to move along the eternal continuum, either toward God or away from Him. Opposition therefore is absolutely essential for the eternal progression of man. This is a doctrine Lehi emphasizes earlier in the same chapter just a few verses before that culminating statement in verse 25.

With that background I wanted to share with you something I read recently on LinkedIn. A user posted this statement along with a picture of a very nice home and an expensive sports car parked out front:

"So grateful, 2 years hard work starting with nothing, culminating in a beautiful new house and life With my lovely fiancé expecting a baby we could not be prouder to be able to bring our new child into a world where they will never know the struggles that we have had financially, never know what it's like to think, "where is the next meal coming from" "How can we afford Xmas?" Or hear from their parents we can't afford it... My message, don't let anyone ever tell you that you can't have something or can't do something because it's garbage, you can achieve anything you want...you just have to believe it and take action towards it Those people always lose."

 

While his sentiments are based on a desire to provide and protect his family I think he is missing the point of why we struggle in life. The struggle is good. Hardships and trials build character and empathy and faith. Without them we would not learn the lessons we must learn to be what we hope to be. In a nutshell, without struggles, we can't have joy and happiness.

 

This is a tough concept for a lot of people. In particular our young people struggle with this concept. That is one of the main reasons we do what we do. If we make life too easy for our children or the boys in our stewardship we aren't doing them any favors. One of my favorite mantras I've heard in BSA circles goes like this, "Never do for a boy what he can do for himself." Some people balk at that and think it's cruel and rude. They are missing the picture. It's not because I am lazy or don't want to help a boy. It's because I am robbing him of vital experience if I step in and do it for him. It's like Uzzah who tried to steady the ark of the covenant. https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-81-89/section-85-those-who-put-their-hands-to-steady-the-ark?lang=eng

 

As human beings we are afraid of failure and embarrassment. We know what it feels like ourselves to fail and so naturally we want to protect those we care about from experiencing those same feelings. But what we miss when we do is the truth that those very experiences are what taught us to do or not do those behaviors in the future. We are all enrolled in the school of hard knocks but some of us want to play hookie or check out our students. Don't get me wrong... I am not advocating a PHD from that school. In fact if you can get out of there with a GED you're probably better off but everyone has to have some sort of degree from that institution. It's just a fact of life.

 

So as you work with the young men and boys you have a responsibility for, the next time you are tempted to take over an art project for a boy who just can't seem to get the paint on his derby car; or tie that half hitch; or plan that Eagle Project - don't. If he's drowning... help him come up for air, but don't pull him out of the pool until he's learned to swim. And help them see the wisdom in the journey.

 

 

God bless you all in your efforts. Build and bless these young men!

 

YIS -

Tom Brand

The Regal Eagle

The Journey Of A Bobwhite

Dear Bobwhites,

April 22, 2015 was the beginning of a journey as adult leaders in the scouting program. The 14th of this month, nearly 16 months later, it will be my privilege to award each of you your Wood Badge Certificate, Fawn Neckerchief, Woggle, and Beads. What a wonderful few months it has been!

You started as wee lil' chicks but have grown into regal Bobwhites. You have worked individually and collectively as a group to reach your goals. You have had influence on many and many have benefited from your example.  And yet many more will be influenced by you. The Bobwhite critter is made fun of by some. But there is something special about my little covey. I have witnessed your vulnerability and honesty, your team spirit, your loyalty to one another, your efforts to help finish tasks and meet deadlines, and your love and friendship. I have truly seen your team work and together everyone is winning! So be proud Bobwhites! Stand tall! You are a covey of friends who will continue to help one another in the years to come and influence young boys for generations.

So what's next? Lord BP said himself once, "The Scoutmaster teaches boys to play the game by doing so himself." Now we can take that literally... that we play games with boys; and I believe BP meant that application. But I think he meant the broader deeper application that I intend to emphasize. That is the game of life. If there is one thing I have learned about young boys it is that they are expert observers. They watch our every move and notice when we do or do not play the game by the rules. A Scout's Honor is a very real thing and being a Boy Scout leader is an added measure of responsibility.

 

So as you are about to step in to your next phase of scouting and this chapter of Wood Badge as a participant comes to a close, remember what BP said, "There is no teaching to compare with example."

God bless you in your continued journey. I can not begin to tell you what a privilege it has been getting to know each of you and I can't wait to honor your accomplishments on the 14th.

Until then,

YIS - Tom Brand
The Regal Eagle

 

The Last Outpost - Helping Youth In a Dangerous World

I love Westerns. Dances With Wolves is on the top of my list.

I saw this picture and the first thought I had was of the character Lt. John Dunbar played by Kevin Costner. In this classic western Dunbar is wounded in battle during the Civil War where the Union and Confederate armies are at a complete deadlock stalemate and nothing has happened for days to move the battle one way or another. He is about to have his leg amputated but rather than loose his leg he decides death would be better and more honorable. So he mounts a horse and rides it with his arms outstretched to be as big a target as he can right across the front of the Confederate forces hoping to be shot and killed. They all missed him but it created enough of a distraction that the Union soldiers took courage and pressed forward to win the battle. Dunbar completely heals and receives a medal of honor for his bravery. He requests an assignment on the western frontier so he can see it before it disappears. He ends up at Fort Sedgewick. Upon arrival he finds the fort abandoned and in very poor condition. Once he has unloaded his provisions and said a final farewell to his traveling companion Timmons, he hoists the Union flag.

I've often thought of that scene. Here was a man all alone in the wilderness, most assuredly surrounded by hostile Indians and uncertain of his future. Yet his duty to his country grounded him and kept him focused and driven for his first few months at his new home. He was a soldier in the Union Army who had fought for what he believed in. His blood and the blood of others was spilt in defense of a greater idea of freedom and liberty. The flag he raised represented all of the emotions of his and the others who gave their all. It served as a reminder to him of what he had just come from and it stood as a beacon to any new comers that those standards of freedom and liberty were to be fought for and defended even in the remotest reaches of the country.

Later when he goes to formally meet the Indian tribe it is the flag he takes with him as a symbol of who he was and what he represented.

In many ways we are not much different than Lt. Dunbar when it comes to the moral virtues we espouse in our faith and in the BSA. I know that many times in this world the BSA and the LDS church are like the last outpost on a far away prairie surrounded by hostiles. And our youth are prime targets.

When Timmons first saw the outpost he laughed out loud and was incredulous that Lt. Dunbar would not just turn and leave at once. It wasn't until he had a cocked pistol pointed at his face that Timmons jumped down off his wagon to help unload the provisions for Dunbar's stay. "This is my post" he said., "This is my post."

What is our post? What is your personal post? What boys are out there trying to make their way to a safe place?

The BSA and our faith as Latter-day Saints can be a safe harbor for those that are lost and wondering. But we need to have an operating base for them to join when they find it. America is a land of freedom and liberty. A place where youth and adults alike have the right and privilege to become whatever their dreams can take them with hard work, dedication, and support.

I hope that this Independence Day we will think about those that have given all they had and those that do so today to secure and preserve our liberties. May we do our part by providing safe havens for our youth to come from the turmoil of the world. Let's raise the colors of America in our hearts and souls and put into practice what we celebrate each year by helping boys achieve greatness and learn to give back to their country that has given them so much.

God bless you all!

YIS - Tom Brand
The Regal Eagle

Back To Gilwell, Happy Land

Dear Bobwhites,

 

Can you believe it? It's been just over a year since we started this amazing journey together and it just keeps getting better!  Audrey and Scott have both completed their tickets with Kat, Joseph, and Dave soon to finish as well.  I've heard back from you all and you are so close! Keep it up and let's finish strong. If there is anything anyone needs, be sure to reach out and offer help to one another to get over the hump!

Do you remember your first day on course and your apprehension about what to expect, the awkwardness you felt the first time you met one another and the nervousness to start something you weren't sure about? Then after the ice was broken and you settled in you started to have your eyes opened to the wonders of the Boy Scout program. Maybe not the program you grew up knowing or even the one you thought you knew before course started but a program seen in a new and brighter light that inspired you to use your newly found tools to make a difference.

You realized that the Vision and the Mission are the foundation for all that we do. You began to realize that every boy deserves a trained leader and you wanted to be that leader. You wanted to be the best you could be to offer the best you have in order to make lasting and meaningful changes in the lives of the boys you have a stewardship over. The marriage of your religion and the culture of the BSA began to take shape and really gel in your mind. And you began to realize that it is just like BP said, "There is no religious 'side' to the movement. Religion is the whole of it". This may have changed the way you viewed things in the past and how you would plan for the future.

You learned that in order for this program to work the boys need to be taught through the EDGE method and that a patrol needs to operate as autonomously as possible. This became your new goal, implementing the patrol method in all you do. This became your new vision. This became your new focus.

 

You learned that it takes all walks of life to make up our world and that every member of the team has something to contribute despite of the initial judgements you may have passed on people. You learned what it felt like to step back into the shoes of Cub, Boy Scout, Varsity, and Venture aged young man and what it feels to have conflict in a team. You learned that together everyone can win if they work together and the pure joy that comes from helping others. Through practical application you experienced turning from the "selfish to the selfless"... another goal that BP had for each boy in the program.

 

You learned that your duty to God came first above all else. Then duty to country and fellow man. You learned the joy of helping others first and thinking of others first. Then came the real stretching and application of what you learned by planning a ticket to how you could make a difference where you serve. I am so proud of all of you and can't express enough how grateful I am to have been able to meet you all and call you friends.

 

One of my favorite lines in the movie "October Sky" is when Homer gets in the elevator for the first time to go down into the dark and ominous mine he loathed so much. The mine represented for him everything bad in life and a prison to the freedom of exploration and expression he felt was inside him. But the circumstances of his life made him feel trapped. He felt doomed to a life cycle that nearly every man from his community was in. He did NOT want to do this but he felt he had no choice.

 

Just as they were about to descend into the pit an older co worker nudged Homer and said, "Turn on your light boy". Homer almost without a thought reached up and clicked his headlamp on. That for me was symbolic and the words meant so much more than just turning on a headlamp to see in the mine, and I believe the director intended it that way. For me this is what we do each and every day as we serve in the BSA. We help young men who feel trapped or unsure or insecure turn on their proverbial light to see their true potential.

 

 

 

 

May God bless us all in our quest to help the young men in our lives turn on their lights and find their eternal potential.

 

YIS -

Tom Brand

The Regal Eagle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"We are not a club or a Sunday school class, but a school of the woods" - Lord Baden-Powell

Dear Bobwhites,

First of all congratulations to Audrey on being the first Bobwhite to finish all of her ticket! Information to follow on when and where the celebration will take place. WAY TO GO AUDREY!!!

It's that time of year when the weather in Utah starts to be somewhat consistent and predictable so that getting out of doors can be a welcome and wonderful experience. We're moving out of what I affectionately call Sprin-ter (the Utah phenomenon that requires a parka and snow boots and Bermuda shorts and flip flops all in the same day) to full fledged Spring-Summer months. It's also a new beginning. The trees have blossomed and the grass is green. Its a a wonderful time to be outside.

So what is it about getting outside that is so appealing? It can't be the dirt and the bugs and the inclement and unpredictable weather. It can't be the hard work of planning and preparing, packing and repacking the packs and trucks. There's got to be more to it right? Well there is. It's FUN! Or at least it can be if it's done right.

It's so important to remember that scouting is a "Game with a purpose". There are incalculable life lessons to be learned out of doors if we are willing to be both students and teachers. Most of all - and especially in today's day and age - it is an opportunity to disconnect from the electronic, ever demanding social network and reconnect with God, nature, and self. The boys learn to do hard things away from home and learn something about themselves. It's not 'fun' like sitting at home and beating your high score on your favorite video game. It's fun in a different, more meaningful and lasting way. And when I see boy's start to "get it" it becomes really fun for me; even if it's several years after the event.

As you prepare to get your boys outside this year try to find opportunities to teach with the activities you do. But remember teaching isn't always about talking. Most of it is by doing. BP said, "Boys can see adventure in a dirty old duck puddle, and if the Scoutmaster is a boys' man he can see it too." Sometimes the best way to a boy's heart is through the activities he loves. And if he sees you taking part in them, you'll be endeared to him for trying, even if you're not so good at them.The key is to try. Show them that you are one of them - or want to be - and you'll have friends for life.

One of the best pieces of advice I ever received from BSA training was to conduct a debriefing/ reflection session after an activity. This link gives a great outline of how to conduct such a session. This is where the Scout Oath, Law, Motto, Slogan, and the whole of the program come together and begin to cement in the minds of the boys. I've found that a fireside is the perfect setting for this, but it needs to be done the same day as the activity so experiences are still fresh in the mind. If you think back to Wood Badge we did this a lot. Timing and setting are as critical to the success of this as anything so it's important to read your group and the situation. If you can set it up right, it can be a powerful experience for everyone. If you'll take the same amount of time to prepare for the debriefing after the event as you do for the event itself, then your boys will get out of their scouting experience what they are supposed to. Leadership, teamwork, fun,loyalty, helpfulness, bravery, etc.

It's my hope that as you all continue your journey to reach and teach our young men and boys through scouting that you will reap the rewards of hard work and dedication. They are wonderful rewards. They come in a smile, a handshake, a good decision in a tough situation, and as boys and young men grow into honorable well adjusted and responsible husbands and fathers. I have a hard time thinking of anything so gratifying.

God bless you on your journey to reach and teach and lift our boys.

YIS -

Tom Brand
The Regal Eagle

Enjoying the Journey

Dear Bobwhites,

I hope this April post finds you all well and happy. We are fast approaching our one year anniversary of when we met and began this wonderful journey together! I can hardly believe it. The progress each of you is making toward completing your ticket is fantastic. I am so very proud of you all for your hard work and dedication to self improvement in and effort to give back through your servant leadership. I sincerely hope you are enjoying the journey. I also hope that you have kept a journal of your experiences. If you have not taken the time to write down the experiences directly related to Wood Badge I would strongly recommend doing so. It's fun to look back over the past year and reflect on how a course like this really can make a difference in your life and the lives of many others.

I have had reports that some of you have been asked to participate as staff in an upcoming course. Congratulations! This will be a great opportunity for you and you will be able to see the big picture from a broader perspective than as a participant. I can promise you that concepts will cement in your mind and the pure genius of Wood Badge will become ever more clear as you help others progress through the same journey.

I also know that most of you are very, very close to completing your ticket. I can't wait to see you earn your beads and receive the recognition you deserve for your hard work and dedication. I mostly look forward to seeing the looks on the faces of the audience who have supported you and look to you for your examples. Inspiring others to greatness is what it's all about.

Now - a quick inspirational note and I'll close. BP once said, "A week of camp life is worth six months of theoretical teaching in the meeting room." I believe that with all my heart. 

Case in point, I just spent the last three days hiking Zion National Park with my brother and my daughter and her two friends. We were on a particular out-n-back trail (meaning you hike back the same path you took in) and my daughter said, "Look at how the scenery has changed." I decided to use the Socratic method and planted some questions in their minds to get them to ponder what they had said and what they were experiencing. 

"What do you mean it's changed", I said, "Isn't this the exact same trail we just hiked in on? How can it be any different?" They thought about that for a minute and responded, "Well, we are looking at it from a different perspective now. Plus the light has changed. It's later in the day and the shadows are different. Yes it is the same mountain, trail, rocks, dirt, plants, and trees, but from this time of day and this perspective we are seeing it in a different way." Mission accomplished. I didn't say any more to them. They experienced it on their own. This simple truth that as one moves along the trail of life and the light and perspective changes on what seems to be the same old thing over and over again, we continue to learn and see and grow. Think of this the next time you are reading the scriptures, hearing the same lesson, or doing the same mundane thing day after day. What is it you can see today that you couldn't yesterday? I promise, there is something to see.

God bless you all in your journey!

YIS

Tom Brand

The Regal Eagle

Freedom Is Only Part Of The Story And Half Of The Truth

My Dearest Bobwhites,

My apologies for my tardiness in sending out my monthly greetings to you. I trust you are all well and progressing toward fulfilling your own vision and mission as it relates to your Wood Badge Ticket.

On the campus of Utah Valley University in a small alcove stands a miniature version of the Statue of Responsibility. This statue represents the culmination of the vision and dreams of several individuals but all starting with the singular vision of one Dr. Viktor Frankl. And it is only the beginning of a great cause to unite a country and a world.

If you don't know his story I'll briefly summarize here to give you context. Viktor Frankl was a practicing psychiatrist in Austria before WWII broke out. He was also a Jew. He was captured by the Nazis and lived for several years in Auschwitz where he survived the most deplorable of human existences. During his time as a concentration camp prisoner he utilized his professional training to help himself and others cope and survive what many could not. In contemplating his plight he gained a profound insight. If one can attach a meaning to one's suffering, a person can endure anything. It's a matter of finding purpose in your pain. His was to help others survive mentally and to eventually write it all down from a professional's perspective once he was out in a hope that what he learned could help others with their own struggles whatever they might be. He outlines his experience and his theories on life in his very popular book, "Man's Search for Meaning". Some argue it is one of the top ten most influential books ever written

One of the most profound statements he makes in the book has to do with our responsibility as human beings to protect our liberties. He says, "Freedom, however, is not the last word. Freedom is only part of the story and half of the truth. Freedom is but the negative aspect of the whole phenomenon whose positive aspect is responsibleness. In fact, freedom is in danger of degenerating into mere arbitrariness unless it is lived in terms of responsibleness."  He states further, "Ultimately, man should not ask what the meaning of life is, but rather must recognize that it is he who is asked. In a word, each man is questioned by life; and he can only answer to life by answering for his own life; to life he can only respond be being responsible."

As you contemplate those profound words reflect upon what the BSA core values, vision, and mission of the program do to instill resonsibleness in young men. Duty to God and country and obeying the scout law and all that implies. To help other people at all times and maintain duty to self physically, mentally, and morally. I can't think of a better program to help our young men live a life of responsibility than the Boy Scout Program. And that in return will protect our liberties and freedoms. Lord Bayden Powell was visionary in deed, especially in light of what our youth face today with our liberties and freedoms being attacked within and without our own country.

The statue is a depiction of a monument that the Responsibility Foundation; a non profit organization, is working to erect on the West coast to supplement the Statue of Liberty on the East coast. It shows a hand reaching up and a hand reaching down to help.The story of how this idea came to be the symbol for the movement is impressive and I recommend a visit to the site to learn more. The concept is a powerful one. In order for Liberty to thrive, we must live it through responsible lives.

I hope as you continue your service to those you are called to serve that you will continue to instill in them and others you serve with the values inherent in the BSA that will enable our country to maintain the freedoms and liberties our forefathers gave their lives for.

God bless you all in your journey.

YIS - Tom Brand
The Regal Eagle

Being A Blockhead Isn't So Bad

Michaelangelo said, "Every block of stone has a statue inside it, and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it." He had the ability to see the potential of greatness in what others would term a piece of raw material. In many ways, we are sculptors of young men and some come to us in raw material form while others are a work in progress. Quite literally most of the teen boys I have had the privilege of working with over the years have indeed had block heads! But I could see the potential in them. I just need to be reminded on occasion how much hard work and time and patience it takes to get the finished product.

Block of Marble

 

 

Michaelangelo's David

 
 

 

Many of us are on a journey with not just one young man but many. All are in different phases of their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual growth. I am convinced that most boys when they turn 13 years old take their brains out of their heads some how and put them in a jar on a shelf for a few years. Possibly even a decade or more depending on the boy. The development of the adolescent man plays tricks on the minds of adults some times. We see these boys and their bodies are growing and developing into men. Literally some of them will reach the full stature of their height and finish puberty before they graduate from high school while others don't sprout their first whisker until they are in their 20s. All the while their brains seem to take a holiday. It's almost like the body says to the brain, "Listen buddy... I am going to be using a lot of resources over the next few years to grow this bad boy we call a body. You know, that includes bone mass, muscle mass, testosterone, and the like. It's going to take just about everything I can stuff in the pie hole to get it done and there isn't likely going to be much left over for you. So I'll tell you what. Why don't you just take a vacation for a bit while I work on building this machine. Sort of go on auto pilot you know? You can engage a little later once I've finished the foundation and we'll get back together. It will be quite a machine when I'm finished but you'll have to wait to use it fully until I'm finished. Just keep operating at a 10 to 12 year old level and you can catch up later."

 

If any of you have worked with teenage boys you know what I am talking about. This is the part where the sculptor in you comes in. When they do some blockhead, idiotic thing, stop and say to yourself, "Just remember the potential in this boy. What could he become?" Then, knock off a chunk here and there. Chisel this away or that away. Polish here and there. At times it can be a painstaking process but it is worth it.

 

Several years ago I was the Varsity coach for a group of boys who are now just about to go on their missions. There was one boy in particular that I said on more than one occasion that his life could go one of two ways. He would either pull it together and be a decent contributing member of society or he was going to end up in prison... and I meant it. I am happy to report that he has made tremendous strides in positive directions over the last few months and it has been so amazingly fun to watch. I find myself hugging him all the time and encouraging him in his current path. There were some pretty rough patches he had to go through and a lot of chunks we had to knock off along the way but he's starting to take shape. Some day, he'll be a masterpiece.

 

We are all the same. We all have eternal potential to be like God. Ultimately he is the master sculptor and the quintessential visionary to that potential in us. And in His hands, we will be masterpieces if we are willing to submit to the knocking, chiseling, buffing, and polishing He sees fit to subject us to.

 

So as you continue to work your tickets and apply these principles to the young men and boys you have opportunities to work with remember that one word, "potential." Apply it to them and apply it to yourselves.

 

I want each of you to know I see your potential. I see the influence you will have on generations to follow. You have already taken great strides to improve yourselves so that you can be that influence. I hope that each of you will continue to work toward mastery and share your insight and experience with others. Be patient with the boys and ever hopeful for their future.

 

God bless you all!

 

YIS- Tom Brand

The Regal Eagle



"Remember, It Is the Last Time You Will Hear From Me So Think It Over"

Dear Bobwhites:

The month of January marks the 74th year since Lord Baden Powell died. He passed January 8th 1941 in Kenya. Among his personal papers was found this note to scouts everywhere. Knowing that one day he would die, and knowing that a man's last words convey the most sacred and heart felt yearnings he thought ahead enough to write them down.  His letter is addressed to scouts everywhere:

Dear Scouts,
If you have ever seen the play Peter Pan you will remember how the pirate chief was always making his dying speech because he was afraid that possibly when the time came for him to die he might not have time to get it off his chest. It is much the same with me, and so, although I am not at this moment dying, I shall be doing so one of these days and I want to send you a parting word of goodbye.
Remember, it is the last you will ever hear from me, so think it over.
I have had a most happy life and I want each one of you to have as happy a life too.
I believe that God put us in this jolly world to be happy and enjoy life. Happiness doesn't come from being rich, nor merely from being successful in your career, nor by self-indulgence. One step towards happiness is to make yourself healthy and  strong while you are a boy, so that you can be useful and so can enjoy life when you are a man.
Nature study will show you how full of beautiful and wonderful things God has made the world for you to enjoy. Be contented with what you have got and make the best of it. Look on the bright side of things instead of the gloomy one. But the real way to get happiness is by giving out happiness to other people. Try and leave this world a little better than you found it and when your turn comes to die, you can die happy in feeling that at any rate you have not wasted your time but have done your best. "Be Prepared" in this way, to live happy and to die happy - stick to your Scout promise always - even after you have ceased to be a boy - and God help you to do it.
Your Friend,
Baden-Powell

BP got it right. Life is about being happy. Joseph Smith said, "Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God." Joseph emphasized keeping the commandments and being clean. BP emphasized living the scout promise serving others. Both are precepts of the Savior for true and everlasting happiness.

So how do we help boys get it?

I have been so worried about a group of 20 teachers in our ward, particularly the leadership. The boys who are currently in leadership positions are indeed natural leaders, but not necessarily in positive ways. I wanted to do something that would make a difference for them this Christmas season. So, following Ammon's example from the Book of Mormon, I caught them with guile a little and told them all that I was going to take them for ice cream and to do some bonding as a presidency. I didn't tell them that the ice cream would be by way of the Bishop's Storehouse after an hour of service there. Fast Sunday's are not always the best when it comes to teachers helping deacons with routes. I wanted these boys to see what their efforts on a cold Sunday morning looked like.
When I first told them where we were going there was some resistance. Once we got there it was awkward and uncomfortable for the first 10-15 minutes until the boys got assignments and started working. Then a wonderful sister missionary came in the door with a large food order and grabbed our Teacher's Quorum President by the arm and asked if he could help her. She had him running all over the store grabbing cans and toilet paper and produce and whatever else she needed. Boys were helping members out to their cars and unloading, they were pulling and counting to the check out volunteers, they were sweeping and vacuuming and stocking shelves. After the initial shock of it and hesitation they were running around with smiles on their faces and engaged in serving others. It was great to see and something I want to repeat again and again. Truly, they received happiness through serving others.

As we begin a new year I hope each of you remains dedicated to teaching the young men the values of the scouting program. I hope you can give them opportunities for meaningful service so they feel that they are genuinely needed. I fear that all too often our boys don't feel like they are necessary or needed. We live in a world of comfort and ease so we must find opportunities for them to feel needed and wanted. If we can, even if they fight against it, they will soon come to realize how much they can contribute and how much they are indeed needed.

God bless you all as we embark on this new year. I look forward to meeting with you all very soon. I promise you all I think of you often and am praying for your success. Please let me know how things are going with your tickets and what experiences you have had. Next patrol meeting I will be there rain or shine!

YIS -
Tom Brand
The Regal Eagle