Current Scouting

I was asked some time ago to help with a local scouting sponsoring organization as an adult leader. This organization charters a Cub Pack, Scout Troop, Varsity Team and a Venturing Crew. I am serving the four units as a Unit Comissioner (UC). It took me a long time to really know what I should do and what my my role is as a UC. Essentially I am similar to a roaming free safety in American style football (futbal is a very different). I get to help out with any unit that is in need as well as help recruit and train new adult leaders. For example, if a troop does not have two leaders for an activity like a hike they may contact me and I can accompany them. However, between trained leaders and volunteering parents there is not usually much need for that. I also act as a go-between for the unit and the local Scout Council, which in our case is the Mountain Valley District in the Montana Council.

As a UC, I got to help organize and run a district winter camporee with the Troop leaders and boys. As part of the camporee I ran an orienteering course that challenged the boys. I have also gotten to participate in several Boards of review for scout advancement to help the boys remember what they have learned and think about their experiences. Last year I got to help with the Cub pine wood derby competition and help two years in a row with their Blue and Gold Banquet. That was exciting! The venturing crew this last January tried to snow shoe into the Forest Service Cabin at Mystic Lake. They have snow shoed up to the cabin for each of the last 5 or so years using the tough trail starting from Bear Canyon Road. They were not able to make it this year and turned back due to the large amounts of snow. some of the boys were up to the waist in snow. I was disappointed to not have gone with them. Maybe I will ask to go with them next year.

Past Scouting

As a young man, I participated as a cub and then scout. I do not remember much of what I did as a cub but I do remember being a Webelos and some of the day camps we attended as well as receiving my Arrow of Light award. As a scout, I went on many campouts, hikes and so many other things. I liked the night hikes and the cook outs most of all. Once we went camping on Stansbury Island in the Great Salt Lake. One leader showed us how to flesh and prepare a fox hide for tanning. We learned about survival techniques and just had fun. I achieved the Eagle rank which was a big accomplishment for me.

The Eagle Scout award, and scouting in general, teaches such things as leadership, integrity, hard work, how to set and achieve goals. There are many things that a boy learns in scouting.