The last of my original Cub Scout cross-overs has his Eagle Scout COH tomorrow

Can it be twelve years already?

I was writing a "reflections" piece for an upcoming Eagle Court of Honor, and realized this will be an alpha and omega moment. The last member of my son's Cub Scout den will be presented his Eagle badge and medal tomorrow, 30-October-2016.

Pack 3, Den 5, from Timmerman School, will have ended their run in the BSA youth Program.  They have all aged out and this will be the very last ceremony.

Eight members of our WEBELOS Hawk patrol crossed over in late February 2009. The four who stayed in the program all earned the rank of Eagle Scout (3 with Troop 324 and 1 with Troop 202). A .500 batting average, that's not too bad. Of the four that left Scouts, I am only in contact with one.  He too is a fine young man and is heading toward a career with the US Navy.

Drafting another reading for another COH was easy; the memories are still vivid and fresh in my mind.  I hope all these young men remember their days and years in Scouting as long, and as fondly, as I do.

Yours in Scouting,

Congaree District Cuboree - October 1, 2016, registration is open

CUBOREE - Registration Now Open
 
WHO: All Cub Scouts and WEBELOS
WHAT: Congaree District Cuboree
WHEN: October 1, 2016 (Saturday), 8:00am - 12:0...0noon
WHERE: Satchel Ford Elementary School, 5901 Satchel Ford Road, Columbia, SC 29206 WHY: This is our annual Fall Cub Scout FUN DAY!
HOW: Register now - Cost is $10.00

 

This year's theme is centered around FOOTBALL. Program to include: BB guns, archery, a Sports Field Challenge and one rank advancement activity. Scouts will be grouped by age and rotate as dens (Tigers, Wolves, Bears and WEBELOS). All participating Scouts will receive a Cuboree patch.
 
What to bring: a water bottle and an awesome attitude! (Tigers must bring a parent or guardian).
 
Dress: The Cub or WEBELOS Scout field uniform is always appropriate, but, a Scout t-shirt or other appropriate clothing is fine. No open-toed, open-heeled shoes allowed.
 
If you bring a friend (boys age 6-10) and he joins Cub Scouts (by submitting a youth application), your Scout is eligible to receive a special RECRUITER patch.
 
Questions to: darrinluksik@aol.com

REGISTER NOW for the 2017 National Scout Jamboree (Indian Waters Council contingent)

 
Time flies: next July is ‪#‎2017Jamboree‬ BUT register now because:

> The first Parent/Scout Jamboree meeting is being organized.
> ShakeDowns are being planned, where Scouts gather to form Jambo contingent units and begin preparations.
> Scouts will begin selecting their Jamboree Troop, Crew and Patrol leaders (NLT this Fall).
> Osprey bags go to the first 100 registered, at no additional cost.
  

REGISTER NOW on the council web site. Live Scouting's Adventure.
www.indianwaters.org

 

Why Cub Scouting is Awesome, even for a curmudgeon like me.

Our district put on a 5 evening, Cub/WEBELOS Scout (twilight) Day Camp last week.

• Yes, it was a lot of preparation.
• Yes, it was a lot of paperwork.
• Yes, it was a lot of (redundant) training.
• Yes, it a lot of risk assessment and liability mitigation.
• Yes, it was a lot of, what seems over-the-top restrictive, policy.

Lucky me, I was the Camp Director.  A volunteer Assistant Scoutmaster, with an 18 year-old Eagle Scout, who works with the OA Lodge, District and Council, almost exclusively with Boy Scouts rank First Class and above, somehow managed to get himself placed in charge of a Cub Camp. Oh joy!

• Yes, it was fun for the boys.
• Yes, it was meaningful (to families of boys aged 6-10).
• Yes, it was personally rejuvenating and spirit lifting.
• Yes, it was...well, MAGICAL.

The gap-toothed smiles, of boys missing front teeth; the non-stop inquisitiveness; the boundless enthusiasm; the wonder in their eyes, when they see or do something brand new; the thrill of hitting a target for the first time; the opportunity to make new friends; the joy of simply being outside.

If I ever get too old and cranky to appreciate the magic of moments like these, please pull my BSA card and send my sorry behind home.

Lucky me, I was the Camp Director.

YiS,

Darrin Luksik
Congaree District, Indian Waters Council, Boy Scouts of America

What makes Scouters think they are so special they don't have to abide by simple rules of ettiquette?

Why, oh why, are so many Scouters, who are otherwise exemplary people, downright rude when it comes to answering others?  Much like failing to register for events, in a timely fashion, this too puzzles me.

Volunteers, who supposedly share in a set of core values, can yet be so impolite. Many Scoutmasters and Cubmasters in my district and council reply with such infrequency to email, I have actually been told on more than one occasion, that I should know better, because "Scoutmasters don't answer email."

Well, that was a direct quote, but my experience shows you could equally substitute Cubmaster, Committee Chair, or almost any strictly unit position.  Also, it is not just a refusal to reply to email.  Text messages and voice mails have almost the same woeful success rate.  Some individuals must be tracked down.  Unless you are face-to-face, they will ignore.

If this pattern were to occur in a business environment, these folks would be reprimanded, perhaps counseled, and repeat offenders fired. Yes, FIRED, terminated, let go, parted ways with, or maybe permitted to ‘resign’ or ‘retire’ on their own.  It is not just rude to ignore communications directed squarely at you, it is bad business.

I mentioned “purely unit position”, and perhaps this is key to, if not understanding, at least narrowing in on this strange and un-Scout like behavior.  There are more than a few units, some quite large and having vast resources, with a myopic point of view that borders on isolationism.  Their leaders do not serve in district or council capacities; the units themselves are often standoffish.  Quite frankly, they view themselves as better than others and it is easy for outsiders to see.  These units, from top-to-bottom, behave much like middle or high school clicks.  They are the ‘cool kids’, no one else need apply.

Well, these ‘leaders’ should look at the behavior they are modeling for their youth.  I suggest they are doing a disservice, rather than serving.  Blatant avoidance is nothing more than a form of social cowardice.  Or…is it social Darwinism in action?  Yep, I am calling you out; you should be grateful I do not name individual names and unit numbers.

Newsflash, you are definitely not busier than your fellow Scouters who do take up the mantle on behalf of Scouts who are not our own children, or outside our specific unit.  You just cannot be busier, because we repeatedly have to pick up your slack.  

You know who you are and should be ashamed.  Would your mother, or grandmother approve of your behavior?  What makes you think you are so damn special? 

So endeth the rant.

Congaree FOS Breakfast featuring Marcus Lattimore, 14-April-2016

Our Congaree District (Indian Waters Council, BSA) had a Friends of Scouting Breakfast fundraiser at Seawell's the morning of 14-April-2016. It was very successful both in terms of contributions and in content.

First, a sincere Thank You to our table sponsors and other donors.  Because of your generosity, the event grossed in excess of $25,000.  FOS is a large part of our operating budget, and allows our district and council to bring the content rich programs of the BSA to the youth of the Midlands.

Local WISTV personality, Ben Tanner, emceed the event and prominent leaders from business, government, higher education, and religious organizations were in attendance.

Ben Tanner's Tweet, following the breakfast.
https://twitter.com/BenTanner71/status/720632040614400000

  

Here is the text of my Facebook post, immediately following the event.

Had breakfast at Congaree district fundraiser for local Boy Scouts of America. Guest speaker Marcus Lattimore (USC #21) was an inspiration. He is a man of powerful faith and determination and will positively impact many young lives for years to come.
 
A Scout is...
Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, Reverent.


Mr. Lattimore, a USC football all-time great, whose athletic career was cut short by devastating knee injuries, was a gracious and charismatic guest speaker.  He delivered an inspirational message with heart felt grace.  Even as a Clemson alumni, I always appreciated #21 on the football field, but now I am a fan of the man Marcus has become.  Through adversity, he has found his life's purpose: helping our state's youth, assisting injured amateur athletes through his foundation, and inspiring those around him to be better human beings.

Again, thank you to all involved with this event, benefitting the local Boy Scouts of America organizations.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Link to The Marcus Lattimore Foundation.  "PLANTING SEEDS. WATERING FUTURES. HARVESTING DREAMS."
http://marcuslattimorefoundation.com/


Article on How Scouting is Funded:
http://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/about-the-bsa/fact-sheets/how-scouting-is-funded/  


The BSA's Mission and Vision Statement:
 Mission Statement

The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.

Scout Oath

On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.

Scout Law

A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.

Vision Statement

The Boy Scouts of America will prepare every eligible youth in America to become a responsible, participating citizen and leader who is guided by the Scout Oath and Scout Law.

Why do people wait so long to register for events in the Indian Waters Council?

 

A long-standing trend in our local BSA council is late registration for events; it may be worsening.  The nature or origin of the activity seems to have little or no impact on the lateness with which people commit to participating.  The last minute 'mad dash' of recruiting  and constant extending of registration cut-offs is, quite frankly, ridiculous.  In an organization such as the BSA this flight of the bumble bee scenario should be completely unnecessary.

 

Unfortunately, Decisive, Timely or Punctual is not mentioned in the Scout Law (or the Scout Oath).

 

Over the years, I have observed (with discontent) this trend of last minute commitment in:

• Unit Activities (Pack outings & Troop events - camping trips, service opportunities and summer camp)
• District banquets
• Council events: Cuborees, Camporees, University of Scouting, MBU, Jamboree registration, and training (IOLS, NYLT, Wood Badge, etc.).
• OA Lodge events: Ordeals and Fellowships, banquets, Section Conclave (aka Dixie) and service/work days  

The pattern cannot be denied: it is fact.  But, why?

• Is everyone so busy they just don't have time?  No. They usually wind up registering eventually, so there is no time savings.
• Are they uninformed of upcoming events? No (or, they should not be). Units, districts, the Indian Waters Council, and Muscogee Lodge all publish calendars, have social media (I.E. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) and utilize email, phone, text or mailings.
• Are they overwhelmed with information? Perhaps: a partial Yes.
• Are organizational skills (prioritizing) lacking? Perhaps: a partial Yes.
• Are they over-committed? Between school, sports, church, clubs and the like for children, plus adults' work schedules, this is likely a Yes.
• Are they inconsiderate? Yes. Absolutely, no question about it. 



Regardless of reason or excuse, the consistent lack of on-time commitment and registration wreaks havoc on organizers, both professionals and volunteers alike. Resources are over-spent (time, effort and money) constantly recruiting. Walk-ups are gladly accepted, but this process is inherently  inefficient. Food is wasted, because a good headcount is not available. Events are sometimes scaled back, rescheduled or canceled due to lack of participation.  Planning becomes more and more difficult.

 

So, the moral of my story is: lack of commitment and late registration is Un-Scout-Like behavior.  A Scout is Loyal? A Scout is Helpful? A Scout is Courteous?  A Scout is Thrifty?  Maybe even, A Scout is Trustworthy? Undoubtedly, not knowing the number of participants makes it difficult to Be Prepared. 

 

Just sayin'...We can do better.

 

 



Congaree District - Cub Scout Twilight Camp (mid-June 2016)

**Congaree District - Cub Scout Twilight Camp**

Who:  Any registered Cub Scout
What: Fun week of evening activities (divided, so rank appropriate)
When: June 13-17, 2016, 5:00-9:00pm (program from 5:30-8:45pm)
Where: Timmerman School
2219 Atascadero Dr., Forest Acres, SC 29206
Why: Cub Scouting is fun! ...and fun never stops!
How: Register here http://indianwaters.org/iwcn/CubDayCamp.aspx

This year's theme is Cub Scout Investigators. Cost is $75 (a $25 early bird discount applies, if paid by May 16). Additional discount is available to volunteer camp staff.

Come, join the ADVENTURE!

Program each evening to consist of: archery, BB range, field games, arts & crafts & a rank related activity. Special guest attractions also being planned.

The Congaree District, Indian Waters Council, Boy Scouts of America, extends our sincere appreciation to Mrs. Liz Jordan and Timmerman School for hosting our Summer Cub Scout event.  Timmerman School is home to Cub Scout Pack 3 and Boy Scout Troop 3.  Many thanks also to Mr. John Timmerman, the chartered organization representative, a long-time supporter of Scouting in the Midlands.

Beware the Bear - food, yum-yums and other smellables can spell disaster

"Scouts have also been know to throw unwanted food down the latrine, thinking that the odor will mask the food smell.  This is also incorrect, and instead of simply having a habituated bear, you'll have a habituated bear with poop all over its face, as well as a destroyed latrine!"  - A Backpacker's Guide to Philmont, p. 89: Bill Sassani, Virtualbookworm.com Publishing Inc., 2008

If that doesn't make you understand the need for hanging Bear bags (or using Bear canisters) and following all recommended precautions, when in their territory, maybe this will...

Susan Carney

January 6, 2015

This is how big a grizzly bear's paw is - by the way, the bear is sedated and about to be tagged. I'm in absolute awe!

Of course, we have black bears in this part of the country.

How to best survive a black bear attack
Article from The Washington Post

 

Congaree District Cub Scout Twilight Camp coming mid-June, 2016

Save the Date...Congaree District Cub Twilight Camp.
Indian Waters Council, BSA
Dates: June 13-17, 2016
Time: 5:30pm-8:45pm (check-in/out 20 min before & after)
Location: Forest Acres area (specific location pending)
 ...Registration is open now: Early Bird discount if paid by 16-May-2016

Register Here:

This is the start of my blogging, having never done so before. 

My initial thoughts are to commit to writing (or photo, video, audio, etc.) my observations, opinions, experiences and musings: for the most part, as they relate to Scouting (I.E. Boy Scouts of America).

Obviously, I expect this to evolve with time; perhaps morph into something different all together.

Regards,

Darrin Luksik
BSA ID 113388773

Added disclaimer: this site is a personal blog.  As such, the contents therein are selected by me and opinions expressed are mine alone.  There is no official affiliation between this web site and other persons, groups or organizations.  While protected speech under U.S.C. Amendment 1, I shall endeavor to keep things appropriate, guided by the Scout Oath and Scout Law. 

Shaun White - snowboard & skateboard legend @ the 2010 National Scout Jamboree

July 2010, Fort AP Hill, VA - National Scout Jamboree

Legendary Olympic gold medalist, X-Games champion, skateboarder and snowboarding pioneer, Shaun White signing autographs.  He traveled cross country, from the X-Games in California, where he competed the evening before, to be with Boy Scouts and Venturers.

It's a shame the POTUS, Barack Obama, did not find time to make the 12 minute flight in Marine One.  Instead of helping celebrate the Centennial Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America, the honorary President of the BSA visited the TV show The View and later met with Jewish community leaders in a NYC deli.  Sure, the stops were on his agenda, but I guess addressing 40,000 males aged 12-20 and 3,000 females aged 14-20 just wasn't important enough to bump those critical meetings.  But really, these things are extremely difficult to schedule: just how often would he have the chance to meet prominent Jewish people in a NYC deli?  Plus, The View only airs 5 days a week, year-round.

The hard truth is, the BSA is simply not Mr. Obama's demographic. Although, the annual address to the nation does make for a convenient photo-op.  After all, the BSA is charted by the US Congress. Just as well, then Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates, gave a wonderful speech during the daytime arena show.  See, Mr. Gates himself is: an Eagle Scout, a Vigil member of the Order of the Arrow and recipient of The Distinguished Eagle Scout award.  Later, in May 2014, Mr. Gates began his two-year term as voluntary, national president of the BSA. So, the POTUS patch of the day became more valuable, with the distinguished Mr. Obama declining to appear; the Scouts and Scouters got to listen to a man who knows the importance of, and cares about, our youth organization.

Anyway, above photo is Shaun White signing my son Jacob's hat. Needless to say, it made a twelve year-old's day!  Our Scouts woke up early and got in line: waiting and waiting.  As they got close to the front, it was announced that Mr. White would have to leave soon, to catch his plane back to Los Angeles. The older Scouts, from his Indian Waters Council Jambo Troop, rolled Jacob under the temporary orange fencing to make sure he got a chance to meet the iconic X-Gamer and Olympian.  Jacob has never worn that hat again - it is a cherished keepsake of youth.  Now 18, he can still tell you exactly where that autographed hat from 2010 is.

Thank God, some people of importance and fame still get it.  They understand how positive and life-changing Scouting can be for our nation's youth.  I remain ever grateful to Secretary Gates and Olympian Shaun White for cheerfully sharing their time, visiting the last Jamboree ever held at Fort AP Hill.

YiS.

2017 National Scout Jamboree - Live Scouting's Adventure!

2017 National Scout Jamboree: July 19 to July 28, 2017 at the Summit Bechtel Reserve, Glen Jean, WV.

I am fortunate to be attending as an Assistant Scoutmaster with our council's contingent.  My wife and I both served on staff in 2013, during the inaugural Jamboree at SBR.

1) Register with the Indian Waters Council contingent here:
https://scoutingevent.com/?Jambo2017Youth

2) Register with the BSA National here:
http://www.summitbsa.org/events/jamboree/overview/


Promo videos...

What's Next: Jambo 2017

Summit Bechtel Reserve (SBR): The River

Who will be T324's next Eagle Scout?

Harrison Garcia's Eagle project work day, June 22, 2013. Pictures of the fire pit and benches built at Poinsett State Park's primitive camping area are below.

It has been a while; T324 has two Life Scouts that age out this year.  August and November birthdays are closer than these Scouts imagine.

Who will be T324's next Eagle Scout? It should be a high school senior or junior, but they could miss their opportunity.  I sure hope not.