This is the first time in several years that I will be away from the site for any measurable amount of time. It’s a necessary evil if I am to complete Woodbadge training for the Boy Scouts of America. By the time you read this I will have been gone for over a day. While I’m out, enjoy these classic articles from our archive of over 5,000 posts. You can start by watching this commercial that I used to see as a kid. To me, that was Scouting.
I grew up with Scouting and obviously I had great parents since they gave me the opportunity to join Scouts, first as a Cub and later as a Boy Scout and Explorer. The experience left a lifelong impression on me. “Be Prepared” is more than just Scouting’s motto. Today, it seems to be a lost art. As an adult I apply the skills I learned in Scouting everyday. Once, when I was home on leave from the service I was able to visit my old Scout Troop and tell them that I had a job where I applied the field living and survival skills I learned as a kid in my job. I didn’t watch someone else do those things on The Discovery Channel, or watch a Youtube video of some guy starting a fire. Rather I learned how to live in the wild with my own two hands. That’s something that’s missing from most children’s lives; hands on, outdoor living. So this is a plug for Scouting. If you have kids yourself, or young relatives, or even friend’s children, get them involved in Scouting. Boys and Girls both. They are great programs that get them outside and learning how to do things; to live and love the outdoors. In addition to Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts has Explorer and Venture programs for teenage girls. I mean, hey, they are 100 years old, they must be doing something right.
”Be prepared” stuck with me my whole life.
Greetings from SR493! Bobwhites unite!!! Make BP proud. Have fun!
At some point “Be Prepared” can morph to the US Coast Guard’s “Semper Paratus” or to “si vis pacem, para bellum”.
Be sure to tell us when you get back from Gilwell what “critter” you are.
Some of the things they teach at WoodBadge Training are appropriate for those in MBA programs. Both WoodBadge and Trainer Development training are excellent and very worthwhile investments of your time.
You will never be able to look at a McLaren tartan the same way again.
“I used to be an antelope, a good ol’ antelope, too!”
Awesome! Be Prepared and have a good one. -matt
Good luck mate,
I’ve been a scout for over 30 years, and the lessons I have learned have been useful every day.
Woodbadge is an excellent course. I will be interested in what you do as a project, as eel as your interactions with your Patrol.
Hopefully, you will take another break as a crew adviser to Philmont in the next several years.
If you attend the National Jamboree, I expect you will remain online te entire time.
semper paratus.
Warm shakehand from a (former) french Scout, reader of your site, and that used to exchange/work on some occasions with JSOC units.
As an Eagle Scout, I’ve used what I learned in scouting throughout my military career. From weeks rucking in mountains, to navigating urban mazes, on to just basic leadership and team work stuff Scouting gave a great foundation.
I’m an Eagle with Order of arrow from the 80’s and I also use my skills learned on a daily basis but also the values taught like helping others at all times (however difficult it may be) Trustworthy, Helpful, Courteous & Kind, Thrifty are always in the back of my mind.
The Boy Scouts gives a great base for living life better and the tools for being in the outdoors or emergency situations. Semper Peratus!
Amazing how many of the people you meet are former scouts, and even Eagle Scouts. Four Eagle Scouts alone in my EMS squad. Great times.
As a Ranger @ Philmont I learned just how world wide and global Scouting is. I have met Snake Eaters who were Eagles, and woods running Eco-Activist PHD’s who were Eagles, and I am awed to be their Brother Eagle. Thanks for your dedication in going to WoodBadge and for the plug for BSA!
Also and Eagle with Order of the Arrow from ’94…my father (a retired WWII vet and career police officer) was disabled by a stroke when I was 10. Thankfully he had gotten me involved in scouting as a tiger cub before cubbies, so while he was a great dad in the home for the next 14 years of my life, the Boy Scouts served as my way of being trained up outside of the home and gave me the ability to still get out and experience the outdoors while learning incredible life-long lessons. Ultimately, my scouting transitioned into a 12 year stint in the U.S. Army National Guard and 6 years as a part-time Reserve Police Officer. Honor and service were just a way of life for me, because of my father and my great experiences in scouting.
I’m glad that you are committed as an adult leader for the next generation of boys!
Eagle Scout (troop 32)… BSA does an amazing job of preparing our youth… and it goes without saying that the efforts of some fantastic leaders who focus their efforts… Thank you for your efforts to continue the great work… I shoot the South Florida’s sporting clay event every year… raises tons of $ for the scouts!