BSA Troop 240

Sometime the things you want are not the things you need. If fact they may be the last things you need. Most of the time that is very hard to see in the here and now. But when you look back, you can say, boy am I glad I did not get what I wanted, or I wish I had not gotten what I wanted. I guess that maturity is being able to understand that concept and being able to decide what will be beneficial and what will not. The bad part is, it is still hard to accept (like), or it is for me.

Christmas brings a lot of joy, but it can also bring disappointments. Because we will not get everything we want. But there are people that will not get their need meet. Some will be hungry, some cold, without clothes, or shelter. When we can see that, it will help bring our wants into focus, and if we help provide for some of those needs … that is where the real joy comes from.

Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It the last few weeks we have added several new members to our troop. Our first responsibility is to make them feel welcome; make them a part of the troop. This is everyone’s job. You may remember when you were new. How everything was confusing and how everyone was strong?

Some people are real out going and will join right in, but some are more reserved. The more reserved boys are the ones that we really need to focus on. If you see anyone standing off to the side, you need to ask them to join in.

Let’s all work hard to make them a part of the troop 240 family.

PS Martha hope you are doing well.

Have you grown? It has been my experience that mother love to see their children grow. They will have a door facing somewhere in the house where the progress is checked. Well this past weekend I saw some boys grow, they took a big step toward adult hood. You could not mark it on the wall but you could mark it on the calendar.

On this date, this young man paddled 22 miles down the river against a head wind and he did not give up. That is called a growth spurt. They were all walking a little taller when they hit the dock at CDC after a 50 plus mile, three day canoe trip.

Now that what being a Boy Scout is all about. So, have you grown?

Are waiting on a friend? Most things are better when you can share them with a friend. But what if your friend does not want to do anything? Are you going to miss an adventure just because your friend does not want to go? Maybe it is time to step out and be the leader in the friendship.

Every trip I lead there is always a late cancelation and the reason given is my friend is not going. When I ask later what do you do while we were on the trip, the answer is “Oh nothing”. If you are busy, something comes up, or it’s just not your thing that’s fine. But if you are not going because your friend isn’t, that is not a real good reason. I encourage you to get out, spread your wings, and grow into a leader. It is a lot more fun!

I hope everyone had a great summer. For me, it was very busy, quick, and rewarding. Now it is time to refocus and get our plan together for the next year. So, what do you want to do? What do you need to get done? Where are you in your advancement? What sounds like fun? How much are you willing to do?

As we put our plan together, those are the questions we need to answer for the group. If we can do that and then work together to make it happen, then we are in for an exciting year. In order to answer those questions for the group, each one needs to answer those questions for themselves. Let’s get started!

In a little over a week we will be on our way to summer camp. Over the past month and a half I have been working to get all of our paperwork in order. I am real close, just a couple of more form that need to be turned in.

I know the staff at Camp Davy Crockett is busy getting the camp ready to open. They are also preparing to course materials for the classes. So everything should be ready for us when we arrive.

I hope each of you are getting ready to go. Now is the time to pack your stuff. That way if you don’t have something, you have to pick it up. It is also time to be studying for your classes and preparing for the swim test.

The better prepared we all are the more fun we will have when we get there. Remember the

Boy Scout Motto “Be Prepared”.

We may never know how important we are in someone else’s life. But we can let others know how important they are to us. Take time to reflect and identify those important people in your life, and then say thank you or tell them they are special to you. For unknown reasons, they may need that little word of encouragement. Remember a scout is Friendly.

I was talking to a man the other day about what I learned from losing my parents. The big thing I learned was to take advantage of every opportunity. I am not really talking about when something big comes to our attention. I think most of us do a pretty good taking advantage of those things. I am talking about filling our time with time wasters.

How many times do you sit and watch a TV show that you have already seen or one you do not really care about? How many times do sit and play a game or something else to just fill the time? We all have a finite time on this earth. That time is slowly slipping away. If you use it on time fillers, it is gone and you have missed a chance to live.

You don’t have to use it on big stuff. Maybe you could call or visit someone. Maybe to take a walk and see what’s outside your door. Maybe work on that hobby or project you have been putting off. Or maybe you could learn something new.

One of the slogans that I use to see around church was WWJD (What Would Jesus Do). I don’t think he used his time here on time fillers. I am sure glad that he didn’t, because things would have turned out a lot different. Just maybe it is another lesson we can learn.

The story of the Lone Scout is an important part of scouting lore. By doing a good turn, he effectively started the Boy Scout movement in America. I think it is important to understand that one small kindness can change the world. I hope and pray that our troop is a helpful troop. I want the Gray community to see scouting in action. I want them to understand the youth of today are willing and able to be leaders tomorrow.

A large part of showing this capability is what goes on inside our troop in meetings and on outings. If you need help, or need information please let us know. If do not get what you need, come back and ask again. We all have busy lives. Mine is no different and we sometimes miss things or forget things. So, follow up, keep us on our toes. We volunteer to prove a life building experience for the boys. So, if you see a problem or a hole in our systems let us know and consider being the person to fill that gap.

The more opportunities we have the more our lives become chaotic. The more we have to do and the harder it is, the more  we must become focused. I say this because this is not one of my strengths. So, I am reminding myself. As I transition work assignments my life is becoming very hectic. I know everything is going to work out in the end, but getting there is going to be difficult.

I am reminded that we all go through times like this. Just as a new scout struggles with the requirements for Tenderfoot, so does the young man that is working on his Eagle Badge. However the harder our challenge the stronger and more knowledgeable we become. The better we become, the more we have to offer.

So, don’t side step, or procrastinate. Maintain your focus, drive ahead, use your resources and you will be rewarded greatly.