I first got involved in Scouting when my older son, now in college, joined our Cub pack in second grade. His involvement drew me in and I volunteered to serve as a den leader shortly thereafter. My younger son is in high school and is a patrol leader.
Currently, I’m the Committee Chair of a fairly large troop (65+ Scouts) in southeastern Michigan. I am the Chartered Organization Representative for the Cub Scout pack chartered by my church. I also serve on my District Committee and Boy Scout Roundtable staff, and as our District Training Chair.
I’ve held several positions including unit and district committee member, district Cub Scout and Boy Scout Roundtable staff, Cubmaster, Assistant Cubmaster, Den Leader, Webelos Den Leader and district Cub training chair.
In my capacity as a trainer and training chair, I’ve helped to train hundreds of scout leaders and have served on staff and as course director for many courses including Cub Leader Position-Specific, Outdoor Webelos Leader Skills, Beginning Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation, Scoutmaster Position-Specific, Troop Committee Challenge, Troop Junior Leader Training and Trainer Development/Trainer’s EDGE. I have also served as Dean and instructor and have developed courses for our Council’s University of Scouting and Cub Pow-Wow for many years. I’m also the founder and trustee of an amateur radio club for Scouts and Scouters in our council and have organized numerous special event and Jamboree On the Air stations. I serve as a Merit Badge Counselor for several badges including Radio, Electronics, Photography, Cinematography, Family Life and Music.
One of my most memorable experiences in Scouting was completing Wood Badge. Through Wood Badge, I not only learned a tremendous amount about leadership but have made many friends, including my fellow Bobwhites, who have helped me learn more about Scouting and youth in the years since, and to cope with the challenges and rejoice in the triumphs of serving our youth. I also enjoy interacting with the scouts and fellow adult Arrowmen of Noquet Lodge 29.
Even though I’ve been active in Scouting leadership for over a decade, I still consider myself a relative newcomer when compared with some of the experienced Scouters who I am honored to associate with.
It looks like you have been through the training (even though you’re a Bobwhite – I forgive you for that) I think it is very important for people to learn what Scouting is about and not just walk in knowing it all. Good Job on your skills and dedication to the program. By the way Beaver’s rule….
As you can imagine, I’m a huge advocate of training, but I realize that’s just the start. There is so much about Scouting that isn’t taught in formal training sessions, which is why there are so many great resources on the web. Thanks for checking in.