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
