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."
Until then,
YIS - Tom Brand
The Regal Eagle
