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