TROOP

S E C T I O N S

Scoutmaster’s Corner...

May 2008

I was recently asked “Who’s going to be the next SPL ?”.

This is a very good question since in many Troops the SPL is appointed by the Scoutmaster. Many Troops, ours included, feels that allowing the boys to elect their own leaders is much fairer and exposes them to the democratic process. For many, this will be the first time they see how their vote counts and how a democratic society works. We have all seen or heard of elections won or lost on a few votes or seen where leaders were elected because of popularity instead of skills. This is a good place for the boys to be exposed to this.

This process also gives the Scouts a chance to learn about other aspects of decision making and the system of checks and balances. In the Troop, as in government, no decision is made by just one person. Everything from menu planning to the yearly calendar is a group decision. Different parts of the Troop will provide input and work until everyone can come to an agreement. In the case of menu planning it falls on the Scouts going on the outing. The yearly calendar seeks ideas from all members, who then confer with their patrol leaders, who in turn take all the ideas to the PLC. The checks and balances come into play when something is considered dangerous or has not been fully discussed. Many times the PLC has been sent back to the table until a cohesive agreement has been reached. Much of this same process is what the boys will experience outside of Scouting when they enter the working world and have to make decisions with co-workers. This is also why BSA includes a requirement for First Class that the Scout speak with an elected official or lawyer to find out more about the democratic process. It is there to help them become better and more informed citizens who can help shape the future.

Gary Marquardt
Scoutmaster, Troop 457

March 2008

As the old saying goes, “Everything Old is New Again”. So it is with the Troop. This year we are going to try and get back to some of the traditions and basics of Scouting. There will be more emphasis on Patrol spirit, team building, youth leader training and outdoor events. All this while still following the Scout oath and law. It should make for a busy and exciting year.

To help get things rolling, we are going to be placing the new Scouts into Patrols at the end of March. This is a change from past years when the new Scouts were put into a temporary patrol for several months. This change should help get them more acclimated with the patrol method and strengthen the patrol. This will also make the first Summer Camp expedition easier as the new guys will have already known their patrol members for several months and know their way around the Troop.

Speaking of Summer Camp, there are several opportunities for camp this summer. There is the Troop Summer camp at Camp Rotary. There is also a camp just for First year Scouts and there is camp just for those working on Eagle requirements. More info on these other camps will be forthcoming. Keep your eyes, ears and “computer email” on the lookout for all the fun, interesting opportunities that are available to you as part of Troop 457.

Gary Marquardt
Scoutmaster, Troop 457

December 2007

The recent death of a former Troop member and the end of the year has had me reflecting on the status of the Troop and where it is heading. In talking to some of the older Scouts last week, they all mentioned similar things that they remember from their Scouting years. The underlying theme was a sense of tradition and family. They asked if their old patrol flags were still in use or if the patrol yell had changed. I could not honestly say that they were. It seems as though we are losing sight of our mission as a Troop.

Since its inception in 1910, the Boy Scouts of America’s mission has been to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Boy Scouts was built on a sense of tradition, friendship, and community. Baden Powell called it an “esprit de corp.” Patrols and Troops worked together and functioned as a cohesive unit and helped each other develop skills and friends that would last a lifetime and make them better men and leaders in the future.

In the coming year I would like to see the Troop get back to the basics of Scouting. Although advancement is part of Scouting, it is not the main focus. We should be more concerned with developing skills and friendships, and leave personal issues behind and come together as a team. Our Troop is one of the most respected in the District, but I feel it’s time we all focus on the task at hand which is preparing our sons for the future.

Gary Marquardt
Scoutmaster, Troop 457

October 2007

Ten Reasons To Be An Adult Leader

There are many reasons not to be a leader, but let me give you ten reasons why you should become a Scouter. (These are not in any sort of order.)

1. Be a Positive Influence in a Boy's Life: I think we can agree that there are many youth out there who can benefit from more of this in today's world.

2. Learn New Skills: You are never too old to learn a new skill and, to tell the truth, I don't think a person can ever learn too many skills.

3. Teach Boys New Skills: There are few things in life that will make you feel more proud then when you watch a boy or young man using a skill that you have helped them master.

4. Make New Friends: Not only will you form friendships with the boys, but you will also form new friendships with other Scouters.

5. Help Your Community: You provide this service through your unit's service projects and by helping boys grow up to be better adults.

6. Spend Time in the Great Outdoors: You really do need to get out of that recycled-air, stressed-filled office environment at least once a month.

7. Have a Good Laugh: Working with Scout age boys can be fun and funny in many ways. Just remember to laugh with the boys, not at the boys.

8. Go Traveling: There are thousands of places to go that provide a great Scout Outing. And do not forget the opportunities to go to a National Jamboree, Philmont, or the other high adventure bases.

9. Get Some Exercise: We could all use more exercise. Just try keeping up with a group of Boy Scouts.

10. Be a Kid Again! Scouting gives adults the chance to have just as much fun as the Scouts themselves. Make sure that you do!

Well, those are ten of my reasons for being an adult Scout Leader. I am sure that after becoming a leader some of you could add some more to the list. How about giving it a try?

Gary Marquardt
Scoutmaster, Troop 457

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