Being A Boy Scout Leader Is One of the Best Things I've Ever Done

After nine years, last night was our last Cub Scout meeting. I’d spent eight years in uniform with five of them as Pack Committee Chairman, a position I often referred to as “Leader of the Leaders”. Since I spoke without any notes last night, I don’t know exactly what I said. This was a very happy but extremely emotional night for our family. Our youngest, who moved to Boy Scouts with an Indian Ceremony, was only two years old when we joined the Pack. He can’t remember life without Scouting. We’ll all miss Pack 928.

Below is the general gist of what I think I said, and a message for anyone in Scouting:

When stepped up from being a den leader to a Pack leader. The Cubmaster at the time, Paul, and Commitee Chairman, Craig, told me I had to step back from the den. I had to let go and let the next leader take over. But in September the new den leader couldn’t attend the first Pack meeting of the year, so there I stood in my uniform giving the boys their awards. I could feel the two leaders giving me a look as they stood in the back of the room in their civies. They had both stepped down for their final Webelos II year. I knew what was coming and I went over to face the music. I assured them they had nothing to worry about, I would do the right thing for the Pack.

Taking off my uniform has been difficult for me this year, but I finally know what they were thinking. I was able to observe the Pack continuing on without me, successfully following the same program. This has been a fulfilling experience for me. I’ve been to a lot of meetings and have talked to a lot of people and this Pack is one of the best. That’s because of every person in this room, both boys and parents, who make it great.

I’m thankful each day for my sons. Scouting helped us give them everything we dreamed about when I first held them in my arms at the hospital. Cub Scouting is family scouting. Scouting lets you know what responsibilities your son can handle each year.

Spending time with the other cub scout families has always been very special to us. I couldn’t have led without each and every parent who stepped up with a positive attitude to make this Cub Scouting experience great. When I came up with the idea of having each family volunteer for one Pack activity per year, I didn’t know how it would be received, but because it was their “one thing” each family gave it their all and our program improved!  I’m grateful to everyone.

My committees were always amazing. I’d have a challenge and not know what we would do about it for three weeks, then someone on the Committee would come up with a phenomenal idea and make the program even better. I was always amazed.

I consider the parents who put on uniforms to be an elite group in our community. If you are asked to put on a uniform, do it! I’ve experienced tremendous personal development and a comraderie with the other leaders. Being a scout leader is one of the best things I have ever done in my entire life.

Which brings me to Michael who stepped up with great enthusiasm when I was overloaded with Pack responsibilities. Together we had to re-invent the meetings and the program improved with his caring touch. I know he couldn’t have done it without Michelle who constantly takes on many roles. Thanks to them both! And to Erik who stepped up to replace me. I know they will pass all of our efforts down to the next leaders.

So I say, LEAD ON! I want to see the Pack still going strong 50 years from now, if I make it that far, because each person gave it their all when they were in the Pack and found people to continue the tradition.

I know for certain I forgot to say all the things about my husband which I wanted to say. If I hadn’t forgotten, it would have gone something like this:

I couldn’t have done this job without my husband. There were very few Pack meetings when he didn’t get a call to bring something over with him that I forgot when I came over early to set up. I think they started to wait by the phone for my call. He’s stepped up to run activities, in particular I remember the stations in the E Loop during the campout where he organized rope tying and code deciphering. I couldn’t have taken on the responsibility of running this Pack without his support and help and he taught me many of the Scout skills I passed onto the boys.

So, I’ve passed along the flaming arrow to the next generation. They gave me this picture which is appropriate because it shows the younger scouts and their siblings excited to catch bugs at a campout. Our family attended 17 campouts and I planned and coordinated 12 of those, some for more than 120 people!

When we had two boys, I told my husband I would lead the Cub Scouts and he would lead the Boy Scouts. My father had been a District Chairman and my brother is an Eagle Scout, so I knew the drill. My husband had to wait in the wings helping me, but he’s deeply into being a Scout leader now. Scouting will always be a part of our family life.

Be Sociable, Share!

•