2nd 100 Days of Scouting: Day 82

Painting Merit Badge

Scouting happens in the strangest places and ways.

I'm at the 111th Virginia Knights of Columbus State Convention, and Scouting keeps popping up.  The Knights of Columbus have encouraged Scouting, sponsoring a unit as early as 1913.  They recognized Scouting for sharing the values that the Knights consider important--family, duty, God and country.

We'll wrap up in the morning, and I can't help but wonder how Scouting will get mixed in for the third day in a row.

Today I:

• Voted on a resolution to encourage the establishment of a Scouting service award for fellow Knights.
• Discussed helping another Knights of Columbus council in a town in my Scouting district establish their own units.
• Entered Scout parent phone numbers into my cell phone--a long overdue task.

It is great to see the organizations you belong to support each other.  Even greater to find some opportunity for each of them in the other.  Greatest of all will be to bring the ideas to fruition!

2nd 100 Days of Scouting: Day 81

Orienteering Merit Badge

Today begins the 111th Virginia State Convention for the Knights of Columbus.  I'm pulling duty here for our council.  I tell the Scouts that the Knights are like the Boy Scouts, but for the old guys and no camping.

They are also the charter organization for our pack and troop.

Scouting got a good plug tonight from the State Deputy during the opening reports.  He thinks the councils and all of the Knights who volunteer to help form these young men are performing a valuable service.

Nice when other people get it, too!

Today I:

• Read some great materials on the patrol method.
• Made a deposit for the Scout accounts.
• Got my Life off to the Order of the Arrow Conclave at Camp Brady Saunders in Heart of Virginia Council.

Supporting your Charter Organization can be a good thing.  A lot of them are fairly behind-the-scenes and uninvolved--which only hurts the unit and keeps them from finding out how much fun Scouting is!  Keep your Scouts in front of their eyes.

2nd 100 Days of Scouting: Day 80

Oceanography Merit Badge

Wow, huge storms last night!

After I posted my 100 Days of Scouting yesterday, we shifted into a tornado watch and flash flood warning.  So, I made the call to cancel our meetings at the last minute.

I really hate doing that, but it would feel even worse for the unthinkable to happen just to catch a Scout meeting.

So, my basement flooded--not bad, just enough to soak all of the rugs.  Every piece of furniture had to be moved to roll them all up and get them out into the abundant sunshine to dry.

Definitely had to look hard for some signs of Scouting today.

Today I:

• Put together a plan for how I think our council's virtual roundtable project should go.  I've been dreaming about this for a couple of years now, so it wasn't hard to get the details down.
• Passed along our council's newsletter via email to our pack and troop email lists.  More information is a good thing.
• Had dinner at a local restaurant that is having a "Support Scouting" night.  10% goes to the council from every  purchase from 5-7PM tonight.  Thank you McAlister's!

Even severe weather can't stop Scouting!  What did you do today to move Scouting along?

2nd 100 Days of Scouting: Day 79

Nuclear Science Merit Badge

Well, by now you know what Wednesday is--meeting day!

Today started off with a final check for awards due at the Pack Meeting tonight.  There is usually a late arrival, but not this time.

Storms are coming, but we are going to talk about Faith (April's theme) and the power of "Outing in Scouting" tonight.  Can't wait.

Today I:

• Filled out advancement form.
• Met with our ASE on a couple of projects I'm excited about.  One is a new fundraiser--a bike race.  The other is a virtual roundtable project to overcome the distances, time and gas expense of catching roundtable each month.
• Prepped for the pack meeting--filling out award cards, getting props pulled together, trying not to drive my family crazy since I'm so busy...
• Answered a Scout who thinks he is ready for Second Class tonight.  We'll have a Scoutmaster conference during the meeting and see!

We are only 3 weeks away from the big finish of 100 Days of Scouting.  No matter how you did (every day, missed some, threw in the towel) you have inspired someone.  Let's finish!

2nd 100 Days of Scouting: Day 78

Nature Merit Badge

Today was the greatly anticipated arrival of a future Cub Scout...home.

Yeah, I spent much of the day that I wasn't working having an extended-family dinner and holding my new grandson.

Still there was some Scouting to do.  Even while I mentally added his name to the Tiger Class of 2017.  It will be here sooner than you think!

Today I:

• Helped my Life get the mower to all of his summer work to pay for Scouting.
• Confirmed the logistics for his attendance at the Order of the Arrow Conclave this weekend.
• Followed-up on my appointment in the morning for a couple of Scouting projects that I'm helping the council with like this one.

Those first few moments with a new baby are so fleeting, and they leave my aging brain so fast...but still it was great time spent today.

2nd 100 Days of Scouting: Day 77

Music Merit Badge

Sometimes opportunity knocks and goes away.

That's what I had thought happened recently to a position someone asked me about: District Commissioner.

Well, today it showed signs of life again...we'll see.  I tweeted my fellow Scouters for their advice or opinions about what a DC should do, what makes a good one, what makes a bad one, and for their experiences.

Today I:

• Spend most of the day reading the materials on Scouting.org about being a District Commissioner.  Wow.
• Followed up with our SPL about the camporee fees due this Wednesday.
• Fixed the throttle on the lawn mower.  How is that related to Scouting?  It's how my Life earns his money to fund Scouting all year!
• Took our Committee Chair to lunch.

Do you have a district or council job in Scouting in addition to the work you do in your unit?  How does it work for you?

2nd 100 Days of Scouting: Day 76

Motorboating Merit Badge

Easter is upon us, and a quiet day for everything.

My new Cub Scout (grandson) will be in the hospital for a couple of days, but all looks well.

Happy Easter!

Today I:

• Updated my Scouting calendar.  Wow.
• Contacted a couple of Scouters about minor matters.

Hey, it's Easter!  I hope you didn't do much either!

2nd 100 Days of Scouting: Day 75

Model Design and Building Merit Badge

Still waiting on that grandbaby, and today pretty much has to be it.  She's just over 2 weeks overdue now, so everyone is watching closely.

Today is the 75th day of the 100 Days of Scouting.  Seems to be going by much quicker this year...but then, so is everything this year!  Something about the program this year is having a transformational effect on me.  I feel like taking this approach in other areas of my life to see what happens.

Today is also St. George's Feast Day, the Patrol Saint of Scouting.  April 23 (4-2-3) are our unit's numbers, and that is why.

Today I:

• Took my Wolf to Lowe's to build a birdhouse and get a free tree for Earth Day.  Lowes is trying to give away 1,000,000 of them today.
• Planted those trees.
• Played with TweetCloud.  Shocker that Scout, Scouts and Scouting were so popular...;-)
• Picked up a copy of the 1980 version of the Patrol Leader Handbook on paperbackswap.com.  Taking my own advice.

Staying close to home and trying not to worry about my daughter and the baby.  Scouting will keep my mind off of it!  I hope.

2nd 100 Days of Scouting: Day 74

Metalwork Merit Badge

OK, still waiting on the grandbaby.  Thanks to my well-wishers!

This is definitely not the Holy Week we had planned.  The baby was due 2 weeks ago, and we thought we would be getting ready for family to come over on Easter for dinner.  Instead, we are knee-deep in grandkids while my wife is off helping my daughter get through this.  As the mother of 8, my wife is a natural at the ups-and-downs of delivery.

Otherwise not a very Scout-y day.

Today I:

• Answered a parent's question about summer camp.
• Relayed information for my son regarding working at summer camp this year.
• Discussed my new grandchild being the "pack mascot" if they are born on April 23!  (Our pack and troop number is 4-2-3.)
• Worked on my part of the Knights of Columbus Virginia State Convention--very tangential to Scouting, but they are the sponsor for our units.
• Completed Scout physicals for camp for my Wolf, my Life and myself.

I highly recommend children and grandchildren to anyone that will listen.  Life is short and you should have family to share it with around you all the time.  And it helps our Scouting numbers!

2nd 100 Days of Scouting: Day 73

Medicine Merit Badge

Another perfect merit badge image for the day!

Holding my breath, waiting for a new grand-baby today.  More cleaning up of Scout stuff--actual physical items around my office that need a better space to live.  My hope is that the 100 Days of Scouting will help force me to focus on the organization and purpose of this stuff.

Awards, forms, notebooks, publications, manuals, and the myriad of support items: hiking books, maps, compasses, backpacking food, tents, cook gear, resource books...the list goes on.

Today I:

• Moved an appointment for a couple of Scouting committees I'm on.
• Provided some advice to a fellow Wood Badge member for his ticket.
• Moved more of the endless Scout stuff out of my office...a great way to get ready for Easter!

Very unfocused on Scouting and work today--and obviously just thinking about how to help my family out during this time.  How do you juggle sudden interruptions in your plans?

2nd 100 Days of Scouting: Day 72

Mammal Study Merit Badge

Tenebrae service at the church tonight, so no Scout meetings--parking lot will be full, and a lot of our Scout families will be there.

On a personal note, my daughter is very overdue having their baby...and it looks like her kids, my future Cub and his sister, are coming to my house tonight.  Hopefully, tomorrow will be the big day.  Another Cub in the wings?

Won't know until the baby gets here!

Today I:

• Reviewed Packmaster and Troopmaster software.  Not sure I want to go that way, although I need to do something soon.  Anyone have thoughts?
• Cleared the excess Scouting stuff off of my desk and, at the very least, got it into the right room.

Grandfather duty is calling, and there is much to be happy about another grandson will extend my life as a Cubmaster and den leader for another decade or more.  How do you view your Scouting legacy?

2nd 100 Days of Scouting: Day 71

Lifesaving Merit Badge

Paperwork day!

Today was all about paperwork.  Fill it out, double check, cross-reference, file, save, and send out follow-up emails.  It can be so tedious...but a necessary evil.  I should try to find someone to do it, but I'd end up going over it all again anyway.

Glad I had the time to devote to it today.

Today I:

• Handled a couple of Scout deposits.
• Processed the Scout account entries on the spreadsheet.
• Followed up on the council's effort to apply for a grant. Well, I guess someone else needed the grant...insert eyeball roll here.

After working on my paperwork all day, it was kind of disappointing to see that someone else hadn't bothered.  What is your best story about money wasted or an opportunity lost that could have supported Scouting?

2nd 100 Days of Scouting: Day 70

Leatherwork Merit Badge

Man, am I sore.

My leg muscles are rebelling every time I to up and down the stairs.  The joys of backpacking!

This is Holy Week, so a number of my usual things have fallen off of the schedule.  Which will leave time for...more Scouting!

Today I:

• Forwarded the information regarding the council camporee to the PLC as promised.  They have decided to take on announcing the event and working out the logistics this time.  Should mean less work for me, but I have a feeling that this first effort may make a little extra work...;-)
• Passed out a youth application form to a mom whose son has waited a long time to get to be a Tiger.  01 JUN is right around the corner!
• Got to share a number of humorous incidents with a group of Scout moms about this weekend's backpacking trip.  Who knew that drinking dry instant oatmeal right out of the package while standing in the rain was hysterical?

Late night tonight, and I have some more Scouting paperwork to get squared away.  Sometimes I know this is the most important thing outside of my family that I'll ever do.   100 Days of Scouting shows me that others are in the same boat.

2nd 100 Days of Scouting: Day 69

Law Merit Badge

Just gorgeous out today!

Since today was kind of an unplanned break from Scouting, I had most of the day to recover from the trip yesterday.  Managed to get everything in my pack, including the pack, up on the clothesline.

Even with the waterproof cover, there was a lot of wet!

Today I:

• Processed all of my wet gear.
• Attended the troop's monthly Patrol Leader Council.  May's official BSA theme is "Orienteering".

Warm, dry, well fed and still trying to catch up on my rest.  The perfect Scout weekend.  How did yours go?

2nd 100 Days of Scouting: Day 68

Landscape Architecture Merit Badge

Rain started about 3:30AM.

All of the Scouts, ages 11-14, were up and ready to go by 7AM.  Last night we had 3 miles of up to get to the campsite.  Great view over a rock ledge of a neighboring town a couple of miles away.

We expected today to be flatter, following the ridge line.

Nope:  4 more miles of up, followed by 2 miles of down to our campsite.  By the time we got there, another party had beaten us to the shelter.  A long day of rain, hard hiking and being soaked to your bones made it easy to call it a day and hike the last mile out.

I hate doing that, but it was the right call.

When we got home, we found out that Virginia was under a tornado watch all day.  Where we were is too remote for contact, so we had no idea.

Yep, right call.

Today I:

• Backpacked a total of 7 miles in the rain.
• Crossed a rain-swollen stream...and fell in helping a 100 pound Boy Scout get across.  Found my adventure!

The BSA's Hazardous Weather training has made me much more cautious than I would have been earlier in life.  Do you use it?

2nd 100 Days of Scouting: Day 67

Journalism Merit Badge

Watching the weather closely.  Looks like a lot of storms in the South today, headed this way.

We are going backpacking tonight and tomorrow, staying until Sunday.

Eleven Scouts and 6 adults headed out for a little adventure--and rain.

Today I:

• Packed up and got read to go on the trip.
• Processed my son's Order of the Arrow Conclave paperwork.  Finally on the official roster..now if I can get them to take his money...?  There's always a hitch somewhere.
• Drove to the Scout office, at the last minute, to get my "early bird" payments in for summer camp.  Saved $25 per person.  The rest will pay the full fare.  Almost 60 miles roundtrip, and I'm out of time today!
• Will backpack 3 miles tonight, probably finishing in the dark.

How do all of these deadlines creep up on me?  Easy:  I didn't plan well enough.  Do you keep learning this lesson the hard way too?

2nd 100 Days of Scouting: Day 66

Inventing Merit Badge

Cranking through some Scouting today!

Heading out tomorrow on a backpacking trip--lots of rain scheduled, of course!  We have about a dozen Scouts going, and seven dads.  The dads are a great group of guys, and this is as much of a chance for them to relax as it is for the Scouts to get out.

But enough about me...how about that sunshine!

Today I:

• Tracked down information on the Order of the Arrow Conclave happening at the end of this month.  Deadline is tomorrow--of course!
• Tracked down the person I need to speak to tomorrow to get a work permit for my 14 year-old Life Scout to work at summer camp this year.
• Processed more summer camp money dropped by the house today!
• Emailed the final details for the backpacking trip tomorrow.  Lots of rain, so confirming safety factors--like can we expect to cross the bridge back to the cars on Sunday...
• Sent out written congratulations to the new Star and Tenderfoot Scouts.
• Followed-up with the Cub Scout families about the altar server letter that went out to the families.  Most of our Scouts already serve.
• Scheduled all three medicals needed for attending summer camp this year.  Not at the last minute, so a definite personal victory!
• Attending the District OA meeting tonight, and then Roundtable.
• Hung up my damp tent and sleeping bag to dry out--finally some sunshine!

Not often I get to tick so many items off of my Scouting to-do list.  How about you? Any special success to bask in today?  Ready for tomorrow to be the two-thirds mark through 100 Days of Scouting?

2nd 100 Days of Scouting: Day 65

Insect Study Merit Badge

Typical Wednesday.  Plenty of Scouting to do and never enough time to get it done.

One fun tidbit today:  my quote was prominently displayed on the Scouting magazine blog.

Also, forgot to mention yesterday that I have gotten one part of my Wood Badge ticket off and running.  There is now a BSA Merit Badge Talk YahooGroup.  Definitely in the fledgling stage, but exciting to get my Wood Badge ticket off and running.  If you are a merit badge counselor, tell me what you'd like to see.

Today I:

• Found out the Beast (our 15 passenger Scout van) probably won't be out of the shop in time for this week's backpacking trip.  Plan B.
• Set up sign-up sheets for Spring Camporee, and summer camp for both the pack and the troop.
• Updated all payments to Scout Accounts.
• Holding den meeting tonight.  Working on filling in the gaps for requirements the boys are missing.
• Will be having Scoutmaster conferences just in time for tonight's Board of Review.
• Scheduled to be interviewed for the Scouting Heritage merit badge.
• Counseling more on the Citizenship in the Nation merit badge after tonight's meetings.
• Confirmed with the Forest Service that there is an outhouse with the shelter we are staying at night two of our trip this weekend!  Whew!  That would have been interesting with 21 people otherwise.
• Posted information on our summer camp program's Scuba PADI certification program.  Still a few slots open...

I could have easily spent just as much time again today on Scouting.  Do you ever run out of day, too?

2nd 100 Days of Scouting: Day 64

Indian Lore Merit Badge

Today is a great day.

Even though it is raining, it is still a bright day--because the Robotics merit badge was launched.

I'm excited that this merit badge is out--combined with the Inventing released last year, and the quietly mentioned  Game Design coming out in the next 18 months, I'm not sure how the Boy Scouts can be thought of as "old-fashioned".

Today I:

• Announced to anyone that would listen that the Robotics merit badge is LIVE!
• Commented to Scouting magazine on Facebook about why I volunteer for Scouting.
• Reminded the Scouts that we don't have any reason to suspect that there are outhouses near either of our campsites this weekend...Be prepared!

So, how do you get the good word about new merit badges out to your Scouts?

2nd 100 Days of Scouting: Day 63

Horsemanship Merit Badge

Wood Badge is finally over.

After all these years, waiting for the calendar to sync up with an available slot in the class, yesterday we left Gilwell.  I have to admit, it was nice to make new Scouting friends, and get to know more people that have our kids best interest, and the interests of Scouting, at heart.

Still digesting...and catching up on my rest.

Today I:

• Invite you to check into the Wood Badge course in your council!
• Got the ball rolling on a grant application for our local BSA camp.  ClassB.com is looking to give $500 to a camp for a conservation project.
• Worked on getting my gear unpacked from Wood Badge, and repacked for our Scout pack inspection Wednesday night...and backpacking trip this Friday.
• Passed along an idea for a goofy Cub Scout night this summer: Vesta Fiesta!

OK, I'm digging out from Wood Badge, and thinking about how to apply it to my life...and to my Scouting.  How did Wood Badge change your Scouting?

2nd 100 Days of Scouting: Day 62

Home Repairs Merit Badge

Today I am at Wood Badge:  Day 6, and last day!

2nd 100 Days of Scouting: Day 61

Hiking Merit Badge

Today I am at Wood Badge: Day 5!

2nd 100 Days of Scouting: Day 60

Graphic Arts Merit Badge

Today I am at Wood Badge: Day 4!

2nd 100 Days of Scouting: Day 59

Golf Merit Badge

Illness is finally passing by.  Just worn out now!

Wood Badge fires up at bright and early in the morning, so I'll be pulling out of the driveway by 5:15.  Am I finished and ready to go?

Of course not!

Today I:

• Finished packing for Wood Badge.
• Tweaked my ticket to turn in to Wood Badge.
• Went to Walmart for the necessary trail mix and soda...for Wood Badge.
• Discussed a pending service opportunity with a local volunteer to help get a public campsite opened in the National Forest....not for Wood Badge.

Today's theme is Wood Badge...and will be for the next three days!  Have you been to Gilwell?

2nd 100 Days of Scouting: Day 58

Geology Merit Badge

I hate being sick.

No energy, no drive, no nothing.

But there are Scout meetings tonight, and the show must go on.  Wolves will be catching up on items missed for their rank awards.  The troop will be doing what the SPL and PL's tell them is going on.

Today I:

• Held two Scoutmaster conferences for Tenderfoot.
• Scheduled a Scoutmaster conference for Star for next Wednesday.
• Packed up some gear for Wood Badge.
• Passed out some finished projects to the Wolf den.  Glue is dry, finally.

How do you handle Scouting when you are sick?  Cancel?  Hand off to someone else?  Push on?

2nd 100 Days of Scouting: Day 57

Geocaching Merit Badge

I'm still under the weather, and that is really dragging me down.

Wood Badge is coming up this weekend, and I have work to do to prepare for it.  The weather will be flaky, so lots to "be prepared" for.

Now that we have passed the half-century mark for the 100 Days of Scouting, I need to make some effort to encourage the participants--I don't want anyone to feel bad for missing days or dropping out.  It is a surprisingly difficult task to keep on top of...and all I can promise is that it will be easier (but still difficult) next year.

Today I:

• Followed up on plans to have our parish priest come into the den meetings this month and make a personal appeal for altar boys.  "Faith" is the Cub Scout theme this month.
• Reminded Scouts to get signed up for the backpacking trip next weekend.
• Sorted out some items for Wood Badge.
• Contacted a Family Life merit badge counselor.

I hate having a cold.  Really takes the fire out of me.  Hoping for more tomorrow.

2nd 100 Days of Scouting: Day 56

Genealogy Merit Badge

Under the weather today.

We have a virus going through the community, and I know a lot of folks who are down and out right now.

First day it is 80 out, too...maybe tomorrow.

Today I:

• Responded to a Scout who emailed me to report something that he thought his mom discussed with me already. Response:  needs to be important enough for you to speak to me about it.  We'll see.  Time for a little maturity to creep in.
• Typed up my Wood Badge ticket items to turn in this Friday bright and early.
• Follow-up letter for Scouting families that missed the Friends of Scouting event last month prepared.
• Note of recognition sent to Scouts who attended the Scouting Heritage and Bird Study merit badge sessions this weekend.  Their participation will encourage the council and districts to do more of this work.
• Printed out Rifle Shooting and Shotgun Shooting merit badge requirements for a couple of Scouts who had the opportunity to work on those merit badges with our local NRA instructor this morning.

Can't let the weather pass by--must spend a few minutes in the garden anyway.  And, no time like the present to get start packing for Wood Badge this weekend.  What do you have planned to enjoy Spring with your Scouts?

2nd 100 Days of Scouting: Day 55

Gardening Merit Badge

It's been a crazy week for Scouting, and another one is coming up ending with three days of Wood Badge.

Today is my day to get caught up with my wife...and yes, some of that will be about Scoutng.

Will Spring ever get here for real?

Today I:

• Discussed my Wood Badge ticket with my wife.  
• Planned to create an "alumni association" for our pack and troop for Scouts and families who move on from the unit.  No reason to lose that goodwill, and we might need their support later on.  Three Scouts have aged out of the troop and are off at college and it would be good to keep them closer.  No, this isn't a Wood Badge ticket item either...but it could have been.  Feel free to borrow the idea!

That merit badge reminds me that I have a lot of work to do this month, getting ready for the final threat of frost to pass.  I'm thinking of a Cub Scout garden at the end of the lot for my den to manage...

2nd 100 Days of Scouting: Day 54

Forestry Merit Badge

Up early today, and headed off to find a Scouting Heritage merit badge class being sponsored by our council.

I'm excited about this merit badge--I think it is great to give Scouts the opportunity to learn about why we do what we do.  And no better way to do that than study the history of Scouting.

Who knew that one of the biggest names in Scouting wasn't much of an outdoorsman?

Now, I do.

Today I:

• Spent all morning helping a couple of Scouts in my unit attend the council's Scouting Heritage merit badge session.
• Spoke with another leader about details of the Valley Rally.
• Provided a package of blue cards in a pinch to the aforementioned class when they couldn't locate them for the 65 Scouts who registered!  Whew!
• Texted with a Cub Scout dad from the merit badge class about which forms to process for the council's "Fun with Son" campout next month.  [YOU can come with your Cub, too!]

Do you have a connection to the history of Scouting?  Why does it stick in your brain?  Do we have an obligation to the past?

2nd 100 Days of Scouting: Day 53

Hunting (?) Merit Badge

BoyScoutTrail.com brings us a great 01 APR humor, and I couldn't resist using the merit badge designed for the purpose.

I've gone from not being amused by April Fools Day, but enjoying watching the creative spoofs going on everywhere online.  Still not a fan of the ploys to publicly embarrass others though.

Today's biggest winner though is the weather.  It looks gorgeous out, but cold and windy when you get out there!

Today I:

• Am taking Scouts (girl and boy) to a Bird Study merit badge class put on by local naturalists.  
• Added more dads and Scouts to the backpacking trip for April.  Really 7 dads for 12 boys?  Great bunch of guys to hang out with though...and the Scouts will have fun, too.
• Posted a suggestion to the folks in my Wood Badge class to find a way to remember the "Scout widows" in their lives while they are out in the woods.  I know my wife will like it.

Not pushing too hard today, as I've got 9 straight days of Scouting coming up.  Good day to rest.  What Spring plans do you have for Scouting?  Anything new and exciting?