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