Loyalty Isn’t Always Convenient 

This I know about loyalty: it is never convenient! Suppose you make a commitment to do something and many people are counting on you to follow through with your word and obligation. The day before the commitment, you receive an invitation to an all-expenses-paid outing. The catch to this complementary outing is that it’s on the same day as your commitment to the first group. What do you do? Well that all depends on where your loyalty lies. If your loyalty is with your commitment, you’ll stay true to your word and fulfill your obligation. If not, you will break your promise to the first group, and take the excursion. 

Being loyal is not easy, and it comes with great sacrifice at times. You must put self aside in order to fulfill your obligation to others. However, the impact can be great and shape lives for years to come. 

When people think of loyalty, they often think of the devotion of a dog. Dogs are known to be loyal to their masters. A Scout is loyal to the principles of Scouting. Because of this loyalty, he builds strong friendships, is faithful to his country, and is steadfast to his faith. Even in the face of adversity, a Scout remains true to his family, friends, Scout leaders, school, nation and most of all God.

A Scout is Loyal.

Memorial Day Scoutmaster Minute

Memorial Day is the time for Americans to reconnect with their history and core values by honoring those who gave their lives for the ideals we cherish.

More than a million American service members died in the wars and conflicts this nation fought since the first colonial soldiers took up arms in 1775 to fight for independence. Each person who died during those conflicts was a loved one cherished by family and friends. Each was a loss to the community and the nation.

For decades, Memorial Day was a day in our nation when stores closed and communities gathered together for a day of parades and other celebrations with a patriotic theme. Memorial Day meant ceremonies at cemeteries around the country, speeches honoring those who gave their lives, the laying of wreaths, the playing of Taps.

It is important that those of us who understand the importance of our history, who understand the importance of our armed forces, who understand the importance of the values of our armed forces - that we act to help re-connect the American people to the American soldier.

Charles M. Province wrote:

"It is the Soldier, not the reporter,
Who has given us Freedom of the Press.
It is the Soldier, not the poet,
Who has given us Freedom of Speech.
It is the Soldier, not the campus organizer,
Who has given us the Freedom to demonstrate.
It is the Soldier, not the lawyer,
Who has given us the right to a fair trial;
And it is the Soldier--who salutes the flag,
Who serves the flag, and
Whose coffin is draped by the flag--
Who allows the protester to burn the flag."

Remembering a Scout’s “Duty to Country,” I ask that you please continue to make a difference with your words and actions and march with us in the Memorial Day parade.

Order of the Arrow Scoutmaster Minute
 

In 1915 the Order of the Arrow was founded in Pennsylvania on the land known as Treasure Island in the Delaware River, which up until a few years ago when it was destroyed once again by flooding was a working Boy Scout camp.

The following is a statement from the founder of the Order of the Arrow, E. Urner Goodman that is as true today as it was 97 years ago when it was written in regards to the Order of the Arrow, but it holds true for scouting in general too.

Organization, operational procedure, and paraphernalia are necessary in any large and growing movement, but they are not what count in the end. The things of the spirit count: Brotherhood, in a day when there is too much hatred at home and abroad; Cheerfulness, in a day when the pessimists have the floor; Service, in a day when millions are interested only in getting or grasping rather than giving.

 E. Urner Goodman

A Scout Is Kind

Scouts, our Law say’s "A Scout is kind. A Scout knows there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. Without good reason, he does not harm or kill any living thing.

Hinduism declares that "One should never do that to another which one regards as injurious to one’s own self. Buddhism teaches a conceptualization of other people that reminds us we are all part of each other, while the Judeo-Christian imperative that we treat others as we would wish to be treated ourselves echoes this concept.

This thread of kindness is woven into every system of belief.

Kindness is not usually my first reaction to difficult situations. My first reaction may be disappointment, anger, frustration or some other form of dismay. But if I can maintain an even temper (something that gets easier and easier with practice) I can choose to respond with kindness.

Being Kind is not something you stop and think about.  You don’t take more than you can eat.  You close the gate when you go through.  You put the seat down when you’re done in the latrine.

You either treat others with kindness, or you go through life oblivious to anything greater than yourself.

Giving Scoutmaster Minute

In Israel, there are two major bodies of water. Both of these bodies of water are fed by the waters of the River Jordan. One is the Sea of Galilee, which is full of fish and is surrounded by lush vegetation and trees. It is a living body in every sense. The other is the Dead Sea. There is nothing green there, there are no fish, and the sea is stagnant and dead.

The difference is that the Sea of Galilee overflows. For every gallon of water that flows into the sea, a gallon is given up and is passed on downstream. It is constantly renewing itself. It gives as much as it takes.

The Dead Sea, on the other hand, because of its geography, only takes. It gives up nothing. The water there is never cleansed; it stagnates and dies. And everything depending on it dies also.

Some people say that there are two kinds of people in the world—those who constantly give of themselves (who help other people at all times), and those who only take.

Which kind are you?

Safety Afloat Scoutmaster Minute

One of the most important things we need to do as Scouts is to learn how to be safe ourselves. I think the lesson is partly exercising our common sense and partly learning the skills of safety.

What do the following merit badges have in common: Canoeing, Kayaking, Whitewater, Motorboating, Rowing, Small-Boat Sailing, and Water Sports? I'll give you a hint - they all have the same first requirement and it’s one of the skills of safety.

You guessed it. All those badges require that a Scout be classed a swimmer" before he even gets started on the badge. It's pretty obvious why you must be a swimmer before you can go out into the deep water in a canoe or other craft.

As I think you all know, to be classed as a swimmer you have to be able to swim 100 yards, do the elementary backstroke, and be able to rest in water by floating. To those who swim well, that's a piece of cake. To those who don't it could be a challenge.

Being able to swim well will unlock the door to those other badges. It will also give you a life-long sport, one that you will be able to enjoy for many years after you no longer have the ability to play other sports. That's one of the reasons we go swimming now. The other of course is that it's fun.

Responsibility Minute II
 
(Required: 1 dollar bill for each patrol leader)

Can someone tell me who Bob Mazzuca is?

He is the Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America. The head honcho, top dog, big cheese. He has the responsibility of setting direction for the future of the BSA and that is a huge task.

 In an interview, Mr. Mazzuca was asked: What is the most important thing about leadership today that is not being taught to the nation's youth?

His answer: Personal responsibility. Taking responsibility for your actions is a hallmark of a good leader.

Personal Responsibility – that means understanding that where you are and what you are doing is up to you. You can’t blame it on your folks, or society, or even the scoutmaster. You are responsible for reaching your goals.

Scouts in leadership positions are expected to meet a set of goals. By meeting those goals, the scout demonstrates responsibility and leadership and can advance in rank. When the scout chooses to not meet the goals, the scout’s advancement is delayed and he gets to try again.

What you need to remember about leaders is that they have to make decisions, take chances, and accept the results. You’ve probably heard "The Buck Stops Here". That means that I am taking full responsibility for my actions. I am not passing the buck, or the blame, on to anyone else. That quote was from President Harry S. Truman.

For each of you, I have a dollar bill with "The Buck Stops Here" written on it. I would like you to take this and keep it in your Scout Handbook or your Patrol folder where you can see it often to remind you of your responsibility. 

A good leader, and a good scout, takes responsibility for his actions.

Cheerful Service Scoutmaster Minute

Service is part of Scouting. Every Boy Scout must participate in service projects to advance in rank. But service goes beyond advancement requirements. It is part of the growing process. As you move from childhood to adulthood, you progress from only working for what you want to what is good for the community as a whole.

That is why so many good people spend so much time volunteering. Think of the adults who help out this troop. They give their time willingly to help you, even though they are busy. These Scouters don’t complain about the commitment. They are happy to spend their precious free time helping you, not because it benefits them, but because they know it is a good cause.  They demonstrate cheerful service on our camping trips and other events, and every week at our meetings.

Soon you will elect new members into the Order of the Arrow. It is a great honor to be elected. When you are making your decision about who to vote for, consider that it is not a popularity contest. Remember, the Order of the Arrow is a “brotherhood of cheerful service”. So when you are voting, think about how the candidates have demonstrated their dedication to the ideals of Scouting.

Picking on Him Scoutmaster Minute

On a hike or in camp we reveal our true selves most. Did you ever know a Scout who thought people were always picking on him?

I recall a boy who pitched his tent carelessly and it blew down on him in the middle of the night. He tried hard to blame it on someone else, but finally had to admit to himself, "Well, I guess it was my own fault. "

Another time he burned a steak. "It was the fire's fault," he insisted, until the other fellows laughed at him and showed him how the same bed of coals could help turn out a well-cooked steak.

Things usually happen to us because we set the stage for them. Actually, people are too busy to spend their time picking on us.

When something goes wrong, the first place to look for the cause is within ourselves.

Emergency Preparedness Scoutmaster Minute

We've spent most of our time tonight learning first aid, trying to prepare ourselves to help other people when they're sick or injured.

But there's more to being prepared than knowing first aid. Real preparedness is many things—knowledge, confidence, and having the necessary equipment on hand when it's needed. We want to be ready for any emergency.

Readiness for emergency action not only requires skill in first aid, but also the ability to communicate well, to think through a problem, and to work together as a patrol.

Those are the kinds of skills that are useful in a disaster. If our town was hit by a hurricane or a tornado, we might be called out to help rescuers, but maybe we wouldn't be asked to do any first aid. We could be asked to serve as messengers, direct traffic, or cook and serve food.

That's why it's important that we prepare ourselves by learning more about our community and by practicing all sorts of Scout skills. And that's why it's important that you take full advantage of what Scouting has to offer by taking part in all our activities and doing your best to move up in rank. By the time you're a First Class scout, you should be prepared for many kinds of service.

Even a Parrot Scoutmaster Minute

Once, a Scoutmaster was visiting in a new Scout's home. He was there to test the boy for his Scout badge. Now it happened that this Scout's family owned a parrot.

Well, one of the requirements for the Scout Badge is to know the Scout motto. The new Scout knew it, of course, and shouted it out: “Be Prepared!"

The next morning the Scout's family was awakened by the parrot screeching, "Be Prepared! Be Prepared!" And for the next few days, until the bird brain had forgotten it, that household resounded with the Scout motto.

Sometimes, we may be like that parrot. If we're asked, "What's the Scout motto?" we're quick with the correct answer; it's easy to remember and say.

But do we ever stop to think of what it means? Perhaps we would be better Scouts if we asked ourselves every day, "Am I prepared?" "Am I growing in the knowledge and skills that will make me a better Scout and a better man?"

Don't be a parrot. Whenever you say the Scout motto—or the Oath, Law, or slogan—think about what they really mean, then try to give them meaning in the way you live your life.

Finding Your Way Scoutmaster Minute

(Show a Scout badge)

Scouts, where did the design for the Scout badge come from? Did you know that it's from the north point of the mariners' compass? Now why did Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, select that symbol for the first Scout badge? In his book, Scouting for Boys, Baden- Powell told us. 

He said, "It is the badge of the Scout because it points in the right direction, and upwards. It shows the way in doing your duty and helping others." 

In other words, just as the north point of the compass helps us find our way in the field, so the Scout badge helps us find our way through life.

So the shape of our Scout badge should be a constant reminder to us of the things we pledge when we say the Scout Oath or Law. Let's think about that badge and what it means the next time we're tempted to do something we know is wrong.

Hibernation Scoutmaster Minute

Does everybody know what the word "hibernation" means? That's right, it means to sleep through the winter. Woodchucks do it. So do some chipmunks, ground squirrels, bats, and some mice. Bears do a lot of sleeping in the winter, too, but they're not true hibernators because they sometimes get up and yawn and look around a little on a warmish winter day.

Did you know that some Scouts are hibernators, too? They're what we call warm weather Scouts. When the air gets cold and there is snow on the ground they'd rather stay at home than go outdoors as Scouts do.

I hope we don't have any hibernators in this troop. Leave hibernation to the animals that really need to do it because it's part of their life cycle. The most important part of the word "Scouting" is "outing" and in this troop we like to get outdoors rather that try to find our adventures in front of a TV set. Part of the fun of Scouting is learning to live comfortably outdoors all year round. You will find that there is a lot of satisfaction in knowing that you can take care of yourself in any weather. That doesn't mean that we're nuts, though; if we get caught in a blizzard with sub-zero temperatures, we'll come home. But we know how to take care of ourselves in ordinary winter weather.

So you newer Scouts can tell your folks that you'll get along just fine with the troop when we go out later this month. In this troop, Scouting really is outing.

Welcoming the Webelos 

It won't be long now before we'll be adding several new Scouts to this troop – the Webelos Scouts who will be graduating from Cub Scouting.

It goes without saying that I expect you Scouts to give them a warm welcome. How you treat them during their first couple of meetings and outings with us will determine whether they stay in the troop. If you ignore them, make fun of them, or haze them, some of them are going to drop out in a hurry.

Remember that they are young kids. Some of you will look like giants to them and if they are a little timid, they are going to be a bit afraid of you. So I would like all of you – and especially you older Scouts - to go out of your way to help the new kids. Perhaps each of you could be a buddy to one of the new Scouts to get them started right in Scouting.

If you can remember your days as a Webelos, those of you who were Cub Scouts, you'll remember that Webelos means "We'll be loyal Scouts". I'm sure the graduating Webelos Scouts mean to be loyal to our troop. But loyalty is a two-way street. Our troop has to be loyal to them, too. - to make the promises of Scouting fun and adventure come true for them as well as for older Scouts.

Let's all remember that and give a warm welcome when our new Scouts join.

Patrol Spirit Scoutmaster Minute

I'm sure all of you Scouts have played team sports, so you know what teamwork means. Most football fans see a touchdown run and say, "Wow! Isn't that guy a great runner?" Maybe he is, but if you have played football you know that what really made the great run was the blockers on the line and in the secondary. Teamwork made the touchdown, not just one guy's talents.

Patrols are the same way. If you win one of our inter-patrol contests, or if you have the best campsite at a Camporee, it's not just because one guy is such a great Scout. It's Patrol Teamwork.

The secret of Patrol Teamwork is have every member do his job, whatever it is. If one Scout goofs off, the patrol suffers. If every Scout does his part, the patrol is bound to be a winner.

The winning attitude is what we call Patrol Spirit. Is your patrol a winner? I'm not asking whether you win every contest. I'm asking: Is your patrol doing the very best that it can and is every member contributing? If your answer is no, then ask yourself: "Am I doing my very best?

Do I have real patrol spirit?"

Pearl Harbor Day Scoutmaster Minute

It lives on in infamy.

Seventy years ago, on December 7, 1941, Japan launched an assault on the United States of America.  The Japanese Imperial Navy attacked the American Army and Naval Base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.  Japanese torpedo planes flew over the base dropping bombs that killed and injured more than 3,000 American citizens.

In President Franklin D. Roosevelt's famous address to the nation the next day, he refers to Dec. 7, 1941, as "a date which will live in infamy"

• 2,388 Americans died in the attack

• 1,178 Americans were wounded

• 21 American ships were sunk or damaged

• 323 American aircraft were destroyed or damaged

• 1,177 Americans involved in the attack were serving on the USS Arizona

• 333 servicemen serving on the USS Arizona survived the attack

For 70 years the Pearl Harbor attack has lived up to President Roosevelt's description as "a date that will live in infamy." It has been invoked to remind Americans about the consequences of treachery by foreign powers and complacency in government. The United States' foreign policy has been based on the thinking "No more Pearl Harbors" ever since, a policy that was successful until 9/11.

Seventy years have passed since the Pearl Harbor attacks, but we must keep the memories alive and teach our youth about the significance of these attacks and our brave service men and women who have fought and continue to fight to defend out great nation.

The Good Turn Scoutmaster Minute

(Hold up an ordinary mechanical pencil with the lead turned in so that it will not write. Use this pencil as if writing on a sheet of paper and then hold up the paper to show that there is no writing on it.)

Scouts, this pencil won't write. It doesn't leave a mark on this piece of paper. But if we give it a Good Turn (at this point turn the pencil so the lead comes out), it now becomes useful and will leave a mark on a sheet of paper.

The Good Turn we gave the pencil made it useful. The Good Turns we do in our daily lives are the things that make us useful. The Good Turn enables us to be useful in our home, school, community and nation. The Good Turn raises us above the ordinary. It makes our lives worthwhile.

GIGO Scoutmaster Minute

Like any other profession, the computer field has a lot of special words, like pixel, RAM, ROM, crash, bits, bytes and nibbles. All these terms have precise meanings for computer specialists. One of my favorite is a made-up word. It's GIGO, spelt G-I-G-O. Does anyone know what it means? It stands for "Garbage In, Garbage Out."

That's the computer experts’ way of saying that if you put the wrong information into a computer you will get a false result. The computer is a marvelous machine, but it can only work with the data you feed it. If that data is wrong then the computer's answer will be wrong, too.

"Garbage In, Garbage Out" is true of the human mind, too. Your mind is the most powerful computer ever created, but like this home computer we have here, it depends on what you put into it. For example, if you always hang around with guys that use terrible language, it will be imprinted in your brain's circuits, and it probably won't be long before garbage is coming out of your mouth, too. Same thing with actions. If your friends are always trying to rip things off or hurt other people in some way, you can almost be sure that you'll pick up their habits.

So when you're choosing friends, remember GIGO - Garbage In, Garbage Out.

Working Together Scoutmaster Minute 

(Equipment - 20 wooden matches held together with a rubber band. See that all the matches are even in the bundle so the package will stand on end. Stand the matches on the floor in front of the Scouts.)

Scouts, you'll notice the matches in front of you stand easily when they're all bound together with the rubber band.

But, look at what happens when I try to stand them after removing the band.

(Take the rubber band off and attempt to stand them up. Of course they fall in all directions.)

Our troop is like a bunch of matches. As long as we work together as a team, bound together by the ties of Scouting, we will stand together as a strong troop. But if we remove those ideas of Scouting, and each man thinks only of himself, we'll be like that bunch of matches when the rubber band was taken off.

As we all live up to the ideals of the Scout Oath, Law, Motto and Slogan, we will be wrapping ourselves with the band that will strengthen our troop and make sure that it stands for the things that make Scouting great.

Our Moral Compass Scoutmaster Minute

A compass is a simple instrument. It reads the magnetic forces of the earth and points to magnetic north. If you get it too close to another magnet, it can give you a false reading. In the hands of a skilled scout, it can help keep you on the right path.

In the Scout Oath, we promise to be morally straight. Like the needle of a compass, our morals guide us on the paths of life. There are influences giving you false information, but if you remain true to the morals you have learned from parents, church leaders, and scouting, you can keep on the correct path.

Troop Elections Scoutmaster Minute

All elections—whether inside or outside of Scouting—are popularity contests, like it or not.

In a Boy Scout troop, "most popular" invariably means the Scout who lives the Scout law... He's trusted by and equally trusts his fellow Scouts; he's loyal to his leaders, be they Scoutmaster or Patrol Leader or any leader in-between; he's helpful to all Scouts and he looks for ways to be helpful; he's a friend to every Scout and all leaders (goes with the trust factor); he's courteous to his fellow Scouts and his leaders, and everyone he comes in contact with, including knowing when to say Sir and Ma'am and Yessir and Yes'M; he's kind to the new Scouts who join the troop and is willing to help them get adjusted; he's obedient and follows what his leaders ask of him without grumbling or procrastinating or just blowing them off; he's cheerful even when it's raining at the camp-out and the campfire sputters instead of blazes and his sleeping bag is getting soaked; he conserved his patrols budget when it comes to buying food for the next camp-out and doesn't waste cook-stove fuel; he'll stand up for his friends and he'll stand up to bullies; he keeps himself and his language clean; and he respects the beliefs of all others, whether he embraces their beliefs or not. When a Scout is these things, guess what... He's popular. This is why popular Scouts get elected to leadership positions and others don't.

Outdoor Fire Safety Scoutmaster Minute

A large part of scouting is going on camping trips, and there are few things as pleasant during a camping trip as sitting by a fire, telling stories, roasting marshmallows, and enjoying the warmth and glow of the flames. However, to fully enjoy this experience and to ensure that you do not lose control of the fire, you need to observe some basic fire safety rules. By building, tending and extinguishing a fire safely, you can ensure that you are upholding your promise as a scout to treat nature with respect.

Make certain you do not build the fire in an area with overhanging branches or old stumps nearby. Be sure to have water and a shovel nearby so that you can extinguish the fire quickly if necessary. Never leave a fire unattended. Never run or play around a fire, and never, absolutely NEVER, throw things into the fire that can explode, like aerosol cans, which can send shrapnel flying, possibly maiming or even killing someone.

You must always remember the potential harm that fire can cause and treat it respectfully.

On My Honor Scoutmaster Minute

On my honor, the first three words of the Scout Oath. All of you have been reciting them since becoming Boy Scouts, but have you ever really considered the real and powerful meaning of these words?

Have you ever considered just what your honor means? Back in the day men fought duels, and sometimes even wars, to defend their honor. When you make a promise, a commitment, you are giving your word, on your honor, that you will fulfill your commitment.

Values such as integrity, honor, honesty, respect, and a commitment to serving others are the foundation for long-term success. It should be everyone’s lifetime resolution to live by these timeless principles.

In this day and age many facets of our society are coming apart at the seams. It’s reassuring to know that at least one youth organization still strives to see its members learn decent moral values that put them head and shoulders above the crowd.

In this day of drive-by shootings, X-rated entertainment, drug and alcohol problems, teenage pregnancies, crime, theft and violence, the Boy Scouts of America’s timeless values are the exception to the decline of American values.

When we include courtesy, kindness, obedience, cheerfulness, and friendliness, we describe an individual who will be a success in his personal, business, social, and family life.

When a Scout pledges to do his duty to God and country and to keep himself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight, he moves out of the crowd at the bottom and starts climbing toward the top. When a person agrees to be trustworthy, think of what that means in a society where, according statistics, 90 percent of the people in America will indiscriminately lie about almost anything.

Safety Through Skill Scoutmaster Minute

One of the most important things we need to do as Scouts is to learn how to be safe ourselves and make our homes and community safe. I think the lesson is partly exercising our common sense and partly learning the skills of safety.

What do we mean by the skills of safety? Well for one thing, we're talking about learning to find the emergency escape doors and windows in a building like this one. Do you check out your surroundings when you walk into a room or do you just follow each other around like lemmings and not really look around? You should always scope out your surroundings! When you board an airplane the flight crew shows a safety video which shows you where the emergency exits are and tells you what to do in case of an emergency. Why not take an extra moment to do the same thing wherever you go? I hope that from now on it will be in the back of your mind when you enter an unfamiliar building.

In other words, training your mind to think safety is one lesson. Another is carefulness and common sense. By being careful and using your common sense, you're not likely to get hit by a car while crossing the street, or break an arm jumping over a fence. Still, a lot of kids are killed every year because they thought they could beat a car. Others die in accidents around the home that could have been prevented with a little more forethought. Still others get trapped in their burning homes, partly because they hadn't planned escape routes.

Safety is not the most exciting topic in the world, but it's a vital one for all of us to learn and to pass on to our younger brothers and sisters. Boring or not, the skills of safety are important. They may save your life or that of someone you love.

Setting The Example Scoutmaster Minute 

In the Boy Scouts, and especially in this Troop, we often talk about the skills of leadership. Patrol leaders who have taken the National Youth Leadership Training Course know even more about them. Of the 11 skills of leadership, I believe the most important is setting the example. There's an old saying that sums it up well. It goes something like this: "What you do speaks so loudly that I can't hear what you say." In other words, don't tell me what is right; show me by your example.

It seems to me that when it comes to setting the example, we are all leaders. Even if you're not a Patrol Leader, the way you conduct yourself will rub off on your Patrol mates. If one patrol member goofs off and is sloppy in his habits, there's a temptation to say, "Well, Brian gets away with it, why shouldn't I?"

That may be human nature, but it's not the nature of a good Patrol or a good Troop. A good Patrol and Troop have to work like a team, with every member setting a good example of Scout-like behavior. Let's keep that in mind always, but especially when we're in summer camp. Let's show our pride in our troop and in ourselves as Scouts and young men.

Smilin' In The Rain Scoutmaster Minute

A long time ago, a joker said, "Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it." That isn't really true anymore because scientists can seed clouds with chemicals to make rain fall – if there are clouds, that is.

This past weekend we were outdoors in some foul weather on our backpacking trip. It may have rained cats and dogs while we were out there, but we were out be there just the same, because this is not a fair weather troop.

It may not be as much fun as being outdoors on a sunny summer day, but it's part of outdoor life, and as Scouts we belong outdoors. As long as you have a poncho, warm clothes and a pair of dry socks and underwear in your pack, you can enjoy bad weather, too.

At least I hope you can. I like to see Scouts smiling in the rain because a real Scout is cheerful even when things aren't 100% perfect.

The weather, and life, aren't always predictable. One of the lessons you should be learning as Scouts is to be prepared for foul weather as well as fair.

So the key words for our outings are "Be Prepared" and "A Scout is cheerful." If you follow that advice, you'll have a fine time, no matter what the weather is.

Night Is For Sleeping Scoutmaster Minute

You can always spot the greenhorn—the first year camper—as soon as "Taps" sounds on the first night in camp. He's the guy who just can't quiet down when the time comes for sleeping.

The experienced camper, comfortable and warm in his bed, knows that night is for sleeping—knows that he'll have more fun and be in better shape for all activities next day, if he gets a good night's sleep.

The greenhorn is the fellow who makes an uncomfortable bed with either poor insulation or inadequate covers and wakes up in the wee small hours, cold and uncomfortable and unable to get back to sleep. The greenhorn can't stand to be cold and uncomfortable alone, so he wakes up a few other soundly sleeping fellow Scouts to share his discomfort. This, naturally, makes him an unpopular guy, not only with the fellows that he intentionally woke up, but with all the other campers who are roused by the noise created by the greenhorn doing whatever to keep warm.

Don't be a camp greenhorn. Night is for sleeping. Be quiet after "Taps" until you get to sleep, and if you wake up early in the morning, don't give away your inexperience by getting up and making a racket. Stay quiet until "Reveille."

Scouting Is Alive Scoutmaster Minute

Our theme today is called "Scouting is Alive," but I think it ought to be "Scouting is alive and well and living in your town."

I guess the theme is supposed to remind us that 101 years after the first troops were started in the United States, Scouting still offers fun and adventure to boys. Certainly that's what we do in this troop.

But maybe this is a good time, as we think about this theme, to ask ourselves, "Are we alive in Scouting?" Do we take part in all patrol and troop activities? Are we advancing on the Scouting trail? Are we trying to live by the Scout Oath and Law? In other words, are we "alive" Scouts? Or are we deadwood?

Later this Spring we're going to have a court of honor to recognize those Scouts who have earned advancement and shown the Scout Spirit that is required to make this troop alive and well. I hope that each one of you will be on the list to receive a rank advancement, merit badge, or other award.

Let's remind ourselves that every time that we repeat the Scout Oath, we pledge, "On my honor, I will do my best. . . " That's a good guide for living, not just in Scouting but in everything we do.

Many Good Turns Scoutmaster Minute 

Back when Scouting was young, one of our national leaders was Ernest Thompson Seton. He was called the Chief Scout and he often visited troops and asked Scouts about the Good Turns they had done.

He wrote a story about one of his visits in Boys' Life Magazine in 1912. To understand the story you have to know that in those days there were no automatic washing machines. Clothes were scrubbed in washtubs and wrung out by a machine called a mangle which you operated by turning a crank.

Seton asked a Scout about any Good Turns he had done, and the Scout said, "I guess I did a good many Good Turns." He explained, "My mother, she takes in washing, and I turned the mangle, and I guess I gave it a good many good turns."

The other Scouts laughed, of course, but Seton asked him, "Was it your regular job to turn the mangle, and did you get paid for it?" "No," the Scout said.

Seton replied, "Well, then, you did your good turn all right enough, and one of the very best kind."

As you can see from this story, the Good Turn has been around for a long time. And it's the same thing it was then — an act of kindness for which you don't get paid.

Environmental Stewardship Scoutmaster Minute

Whether your favorite pastime is hiking in the backcountry or camping in a state park, you are encouraged to take the time to learn the outdoor ethics of your activity. Stewardship is about taking care of the great lands that belong to all of us, and keeping them healthy for future generations.

  Environmental Stewardship is a concept of responsible caretaking for our land and associated resources.

  Environmental Stewardship is an ethical responsibility for mankind to protect and manage plants, animals, and all the parts of our environment and should be guided by the principle of causing the least amount of harm possible. This includes protecting the environment by limiting pollution, through recycling and conservation, and by responsible management of our natural resources.

  Environmental Stewardship is our responsibility to leave behind healthy environments for future generations.

  Environmental Stewardship is putting aside selfishness and greed and doing what is right for our natural environment.

The Boy Scouts of America has taken Environmental Stewardship seriously since our inception back in 1910. Leave No Trace principles are incorporated into our program of rank advancement and are practiced by us whenever we take to the great outdoors.

Our Environmental Stewardship responsibilities are summed up in the words we learn when we first join the Boy Scouts and recite the Outdoor Code:

As an American, I will do my best to –

  Be clean in my outdoor manners.

  Be careful with fire

  Be considerate in the outdoors.

  Be conservation-minded.

First Class Scoutmaster Minute

In our everyday speech, "first class" means the best. When we say that a man is traveling first class, or that's a first class restaurant, everyone understands what we mean.

In Scouting, "First Class" has another meaning. As we all know, it's the fourth of our seven ranks. In some ways it's the most important because it's the hump you have to climb over to reach Star, Life and Eagle, to be elected into the Order of the Arrow, or to attend NYLT. A First Class Scout has mastered the basics of Scouting and is ready for the advanced course.

All of you Scouts who are not yet First Class rank ought to be setting your sights on First Class badge by now. Most of you have made Tenderfoot by this time and you’ve been in Scouting long enough to be eligible to earn First Class rank. Why not make it a goal to make First Class by the time we go to Summer Camp this summer?

In this troop, we try to be first class in everything we do—camping, hiking, camporees, trips, and service projects. To achieve that, we need lots of First Class Scouts—those who have earned the First Class badge.

Key to Scouting Minute  

(Required: Set of Keys)

 As you can see, I have my keys here in my hand. I've got a key for my car, one for my house, this one's for a padlock, this one I have no idea, this one fits my Corvette, no just kidding!

 But, I've got keys that let me access important things in my life. Without them, doors are locked to me and I miss out.

 (Hold up Scout Handbook)

This is quite a key as well. The values in this small book will open many, many doors to you - not just in scouting, but when you have moved away and are on your own. What you learn and take to heart in the few years you are in this troop can be your key to many opportunities. 

So, don't forget your key at home!

A Legacy of Helping Youth Scoutmaster Minute

Christopher Joseph John Michael Lewis Monaco, a lifelong resident of Clark, N.J., entered into eternal rest on Sunday, March 6, 2011, after succumbing to cancer, surrounded by his loving family. Chris was our Troop’s Institutional Head with our Chartered Organization, the Knights of Columbus.

Chris devoted his entire life to working and assisting youth. He was employed by Union County as program manager of the Youth Detention Center. At the same time he founded the Don Bosco Youth Center at St. Anthony's Church in Elizabeth. He later founded and was the director of the Clark Recreation Center. His work with the poor took him all over New Jersey and New York. He spent Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve distributing clothes and blankets to the homeless. Tens of thousands of coats and blankets were distributed. He was honored at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York by Terence Cardinal Cooke at a special Mass and ceremony. Chris was a member of the Clark Knights of Columbus and also an adviser at New Jersey State Prison East (Avenel), serving on that board with his father for many years. He was in charge of the Clark Drug Alliance and received the 2004 Governor's Alliance award and subsequently was honored with a resolution from the Clark municipal government for the same work. Chris was also there for our Troop at the beginning when we needed a Chartered Organization.

It is with all of this in mind that Troop 310 will pay its respects to Chris and his family at the Walter J. Johnson Funeral Home, 803 Raritan Road, Clark, at 7:00 PM Friday evening. All should attend.

Anti-Bullying Scoutmaster Minute

Bullying is aggressive behavior that is intentional and that involves an imbalance of power or strength. Typically, it is repeated over time. A child who is being bullied has a hard time defending himself or herself. Bullying can take many forms, such as hitting or punching (physical bullying); teasing or name-calling (verbal bullying); intimidation using gestures or social exclusion (nonverbal bullying or emotional bullying); and sending insulting messages by e-mail (cyberbullying).

Stresses of being bullied can interfere with student's engagement and learning in school. Children and youth who are bullied are more likely than other children to be depressed, lonely, anxious, have low self-esteem, feel unwell, and think about suicide.

Unfortunately, although bullying can be very harmful to children, adults are often unaware of bullying problems. Why? Often, bullying takes place in areas of schools, homes, or communities that are not well supervised by adults. Even if bullying happens near adults, sometimes we miss it because bullying can be subtle or hard to detect (e.g., social exclusion, note-passing, threatening looks).

Adults also are often unaware of bullying because many children and youth don't report it. They may fear retaliation by children doing the bullying. They also may fear that adults won't take their concerns seriously or will act inappropriate to deal with the bullying.

Tell an adult. (This is IMPORTANT!!)

Chances are, the kid who is being bullied needs help from an adult. The kid who is doing the bullying probably does, too. Often, the bullying does not get reported. But, who should you tell? Think about who you could tell in your school:

  Teacher

  Guidance Counselor

  Cafeteria or Playground Aid

  School nurse

  Principal

  Other adults you feel comfortable telling.

  If you need help telling, take a friend along.

The Boy Scouts of America, and our Troop in particular, does not tolerate bullying. If you feel you are being bullied by a fellow Scout, or anyone else associated with the Troop, or anyone outside the Troop for that manner, talk to an adult leader. We can and will help!

Scouting in a Nutshell Scoutmaster Minute 

Here is Scouting in a nutshell, as stated by William "Green Bar Bill" Hillcourt in the Boy Scouts of America's third edition of the Handbook for Scoutmasters in 1936, paraphrasing Lord Baden-Powell:

“Scouting is a game for boys under the leadership of boys with the wise guidance and counsel of a grown-up who has still the enthusiasm of youth in him. A purposeful game, but a game just the same, a game that develops character by practice, that trains for citizenship—through experience in the out-of-doors.”

Remember this when our next camping trip or other outdoor activity comes around. Like the lottery, you have to be in it to win it. To get the most out of Scouting, you have to be involved.

Teamwork Scoutmaster Minute 

Let’s say I have 4 six-foot lengths of rope. You can use these ropes for knot tying practice or for tying a small package, but they're not big enough for really big jobs. These pieces of rope are a lot like individual Scouts. If we were to tie the lengths of rope together we would have a much more useful rope, one we could use for pioneering or other jobs where we need a good length of rope.

Your patrol and the whole troop work the same way. Scouts who work together like these ropes can achieve much bigger things. But remember that this rope is only as strong as its' weakest link. The same idea applies to our patrols and troop. They can't be strong unless everyone pulls together. Teamwork is just as important in Scouting as it is on a football team.

Strive to a strong link in your patrol. Do the best to live by the ideals we talk about in the Scout Oath and Law. Learn your Scouting skills to the best of your ability, and take part in everything the troop and your patrol do. Don't be a weak link.

Your Direction Scoutmaster Minute

(Take a bearing with a compass)

One day a Scout named Bill was sighting with his compass, as I'm doing now.

"Top of that hill is 45 degrees," said Bill, "I'm going to follow that bearing and end up on top."

Bill starts off checking his compass now and then to make sure his heading is correct. Finally he sets foot on top of the hill. He had done three things: 

  Set his objective.

  Figured out the direction he'd have to go to get there.

  And then moved full steam ahead.

Like all of us, Bill will set a lot of courses towards many goals in his lifetime. Maybe he said to himself, "I'm going to be an engineer." Then he would find out what it takes to become an engineer, and steer his course in that direction.

The BSA provides a program for young people that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and develops personal fitness. The Merit Badge program is one of the tools that Scouting has to help you make your career choices.

Boy Scout merit badges give scouts the opportunity to investigate around 120 different areas of knowledge and skills. The merit badge program plays a major role in the scouting advancement program. Each scout can explore topics from American Business to Woodworking as he has interest. The only limitations are his ambition and availability of adult merit badge counselors to offer instruction.

By the end of this month, all of you should be able to set a compass course. Perhaps some of you have already set a course toward a career. But there's another kind of course that's more important than your career. I'm talking about the character course. Your character is being formed right now by what you do and don't do.

We have a "compass" for the character course, too. It's the Scout Oath and Law. Set your character course using the Oath and Law and you'll have the best kind of character.

Band of Brothers Scoutmaster Minute

Major Richard Winters, whose quiet leadership in WWII was chronicled in the acclaimed "Band of Brothers," died on January 2nd. He was 92.

“Easy” E Company of the 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division of the U.S. Army entered the ETO on D-Day 1944. In September that year the Company, led by then-Captain Winters with but 20 men, attacked and defeated 200 German soldiers in what became textbook field tactics at the USMA at West Point. Winters and Easy Company later helped hold Belgium’s Bastogne area during the Battle of the Bulge, and remained at the front through the capture of the Eagle’s Nest.

Among Winter’s writings, he leaves us these “ten principles for success,” titled Leadership at the Point of the Bayonet:

  Strive to be a leader of character, competence, and courage.

  Lead from the front: It’s “Follow me!” then lead the way.

  Stay in top physical shape—stamina is the root of mental toughness.

  Develop your team. If you know your people, are fair in setting realistic goals and expectations, and lead by example, you’ll develop teamwork.

  Delegate responsibility to your subordinates and let them do their jobs. You can’t do a good job if you don’t have a chance to use your imagination and creativity.

  Anticipate problems and prepare to overcome obstacles. Don’t wait till you get to the top of the ridge to make up your mind.

  Remain humble. Don’t worry about who gets the credit. Never let power or authority go to your head.

  Take a moment of self-reflection. Look at yourself in the mirror every night and ask yourself if you did your best.

  True satisfaction comes from getting the job done. The key to a successful leader is to earn respect—not because of rank or position, but because you are a leader of character.

  Hang Tough!—Never, ever, give up.

If you incorporate these principles into your lives you can go far in establishing yourself as an effective, respected leader, and also assuring that the next generation of leaders has the same qualities instilled in them.

Parents Scoutmaster Minute

Scouts, if you're like most boys, you don't think of your parents very often. Oh, they're around all the time, of course, and sometimes they make you do things you don't want to do. But really, think about it, how often do you think of what your parents want from you?

Probably not very often.

Maybe you give them gifts at Christmas and their birthdays. But most of you probably don't go out of your way to help your parents as much as you should.

I have a suggestion. Do you know what the best gift you can give them is?

I'll tell you.

Parents most of all want, and have a right to expect, that you will do your best to make them proud of you. I don't mean by becoming rich or famous—which I’m sure they wouldn’t mind—or even by getting all A's in school—although I hope you do your best at your studies. No, the best gift you can give them is to become the best man you can be. And there is no better way to do that than by living up to the Scout Oath and Law.

That is a gift you can give them right now and all the time, and it is a gift they will cherish above all others.

Holiday Spirit Scoutmaster Minute 

Christmas and Hanukkah are, for most people, the most joyful holidays of the year. The holiday parties, the exchange of gifts, and the brilliant lights of the Christmas trees make a guy glad to be alive at this season.

With the almost constant attacks by the ACLU and news media on traditional Judeo/Christian values in this country, and the steady barrage of generic “Holiday” advertizing, sometimes we forget that these holidays are really religious festivals. It's well to remember that the real holiday spirit is cast by the Star of Bethlehem and the Hanukkah candles, reminding us of the miracles in times past.

In the 12th point of the Scout Law we say that a Scout is reverent. That doesn't mean that he has to go around all the time with a long face clutching beads while saying the rosary or with hands folded in prayer. It means that he does his duty to God, which includes doing things for God's other creatures. As Scouts we all “Do a Good Turn Daily,” as well as carry out service projects to benefit others in our communities.

 Now, remembering that a Scout is reverent, I close with the Scout benediction:

"May the Scoutmaster of all those who will listen to Him prepare you for leaving this room; may He continue to remind you to help other people and to do your best during this joyful holiday season; may He return you safely to your families and friends; and may you humble yourself in continuing to listen and follow His guidance and direction. And, may the Great Scoutmaster of all Scouts be with you until we meet again. Amen. "

Thanksgiving Scoutmaster Minute 

Thanksgiving is a time when we each take the opportunity to remember the many blessings that God has bestowed upon us in the past year, and thank the Lord for watching over us and keeping those we love safe. On this special occasion, I would like to give thanks for the chance to come together and spend time with such a wonderful group of people, all of our Scouts, fellow Leaders and parents. 

As Theodore Roosevelt said, "Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds."

The Scouting Environment Scoutmaster Minute

In the Scouting environment, each person has to take on real responsibilities to make the activities and projects happen, and to ensure the welfare of the group.

When a Scout feels that his efforts make a difference and are appreciated, he will gradually develop the self-confidence that will enable him to feel more integrated, to assume more responsibility, etc. Having a meaningful role to play is essential for development and it is one of the main functions of the Scout environment.

Scouting’s strength lies precisely in this area. Scouting enables a young person to live through intense and meaningful experiences, both individually and as part of a group. By experiencing responsibility, commitment, the acquisition of skills, personal development, and relationships with others, the Scouting program prepares you for life like no other program.

Be proud to be an active member of your Patrol and Troop. And especially remember, the more effort you put into your Scouting experiences, the more you will get out of them, and the better they will prepared you for life.

Veterans Day Scoutmaster Minute

On Nov. 11 each year, the United States formally honors the service and sacrifice of more than 20 million living American veterans through their service, as well as all the men and women who have guaranteed our freedom and kept America secure against those who would harm us throughout the years.

Our veterans represent the best of America. Coming from every background and every walk of life, they represent the rich tapestry of our nation and the multitude of cultures that make the United States unique upon the earth.

On Veterans Day, we have an opportunity to thank them, to thank every Marine, Sailor, Soldier, Airman and Coast Guardsmen who has ever worn the uniform for what they have done, and to thank those who are still in uniform for what they continue to do for the United States every day.

On Veterans Day take a moment and thank all of our veterans for their service, Godspeed.

~From Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus (11/8/2010)

Leave No Trace Scoutmaster Minute

 A good way to protect the backcountry is to remember that while you are there, you are a visitor. When you visit a friend you are always careful to leave that person's home just as you found it. You would never think of dropping litter on the carpet, chopping down trees in the yard, putting soap in the drinking water, or marking your name on the living room wall. When you visit the backcountry, the same courtesies apply. Leave everything just as you found it.

Hiking and camping without a trace are signs of an expert outdoorsman, and of a Scout or Scouter who cares for the environment. Travel lightly on the land.

"Leave No Trace" is a nationally recognized outdoor skills and ethics education program. The Boy Scouts of America is committed to this program. The principles of Leave No Trace are not rules; they are guidelines to follow at all times.

 The Leave No Trace principles might not seem important at first glance, but their value is apparent when considering the combined effects of millions of outdoor visitors. One poorly located campsite or campfire is of little significance, but thousands of such instances seriously degrade the outdoor experience for all. Leaving no trace is everyone's responsibility.

Our Home in Camp Scoutmaster Minute

Scouts, when we go on our camping trips, and later when we are in summer camp, let's remember that our campsite is our home.

The living room is the area in front of your tent sites. Your patrol's cooking area is the kitchen and the patrol dining table is your dining room. The showers and latrine is your bathroom, and of course your tent is your bedroom.

You wouldn't think of throwing candy wrappers onto your bedroom floor at home, or of leaving garbage in your dining room. And even if you did, your parents would soon get on your case about it.

So whenever we're in camp, let's treat the campsite the way you treat your own home. Cleanliness and neatness are the marks of a good camper. In this troop, they are a standard rule.

As Scouts, we have pledged ourselves to obey the Outdoor Code which calls for us to "be clean in our outdoor manners". That certainly applies to our life at home in camp, as well as when we're on the trail. Let's make it a habit to keep a clean, neat home in camp.

Be Prepared Scoutmaster Minute III

The Scout Motto is: BE PREPARED which means you are always in a state of readiness.

   Be Prepared — proper planning prevents poor results!

   Be Prepared — proper planning is the critical first step for any outdoor outing or excursion.

   Be Prepared — Don’t wait until the last minute to plan and execute your plan.

   Be Prepared — Be ready to improvise if you need to. Remember, life IS plan “B”.

   Be Prepared — When you’re prepared you enjoy it more.

School Recruiting Scoutmaster Minute

As you know, Andy, Danny and Anthony have moved so they're no longer in our troop. They'll be starting in new schools in new towns. I sure hope they meet some new friends there. Wouldn't it be great if some boy in their class said 'HI' and asked them if they were in Boy Scouts? Then, they could join a new troop there.

You've just started 7th grade (or 6th grade, or whatever grade) too. I bet there will be a boy or two in your class that you've never met. How do you think he'd feel if you introduced yourself and asked what he likes to do? If he seemed like a nice guy, you could say that you're in scouts and ask if he is too. If he's not in scouts or if he just moved here and needs to join a troop, you could invite him to our October camping trip or a troop meeting. That would also satisfy one of your First Class requirements.

What parts of the Scout Law would that be doing? helpful, friendly, kind, cheerful.

9/11 Scoutmaster Minute

This coming weekend we mark the anniversary of the events of 9/11. I hesitate to call it an anniversary, because it is not something we celebrate. Nonetheless, it is a defining event in our American history, one that changed our nation and changed us as individuals. It is an event that needs to be remembered not just because of the evil that caused it, but also because of hope that resulted from it, the hope that we as the American people can unite together and a make our nation a better place to live.     

"On September 11, 2001, the world fractured. It's beyond my skill as a writer to capture that day, and the days that would follow — the planes, like specters, vanishing into steel and glass; the slow-motion cascade of the towers crumbling into themselves; the ash-covered figures wandering the streets; the anguish and the fear. Nor do I pretend to understand the stark nihilism that drove the terrorists that day and that drives their brethren still. My powers of empathy, my ability to reach into another's heart, cannot penetrate the blank stares of those who would murder innocents with abstract, serene satisfaction." ~Barrack Obama

“Time is passing. Yet, for the United States of America, there will be no forgetting September the 11th. We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember the fire and ash, the last phone calls, the funerals of the children.”  ~President George W. Bush.

Our Founding Fathers were not cowards. They made immense sacrifices to establish this Great Nation in freedom—not the least of which was going to war with the enemy of that freedom. All of those who have fought in the subsequent wars and conflicts and those who are fighting today have continued to make sacrifices in order to defend those original ideals. Even now, our civil servants, particularly Firefighters and Police, are making sacrifices to maintain the quality of our lives in this freedom.

So, Scouts, We are part of a great tradition; Building character, Service to our country and to our fellow man. I am so proud to be one of the leaders who is helping to guide you, and for what you will become in the future as you live out the Scout Oath and Law in your lives.

Truth or Dare Scoutmaster Minute

Sun Safety Scoutmaster Minute 

Many people love the warm sun. The sun's rays make us feel good, and in the short term, make us look good. But our love affair isn't a two way street: Exposure to sun causes many of the wrinkles and age spots on our faces and is the number one cause of skin cancer.

If you don’t pay attention to how to protect your skin from the sunlight properly, it might cause you serious problems in the future.

Be "In Uniform" Scoutmaster Minute

Scouts, what would you think of a policeman in full uniform except for bright plaid trousers? How about a hospital intern wearing a sport coat over his white uniform while on duty? Or what would you think of a train conductor wearing a hard hat or, even more absurd, an airline pilot wearing the silks of a jockey as he boarded the plane?

They'd all be "out of uniform," wouldn't they? With some of the outfits mentioned, you wouldn’t be sure what they really were. Scouts, we have a uniform, too. We have a full uniform - not just a neckerchief or just a shirt, but like the people I just mentioned, we have a full uniform. When we don't wear the full uniform, we are just as "out of uniform" as the policeman with the plaid pants.

The uniform makes the Boy Scout troop visible as a force for good and creates a positive youth image in the community. Boy Scouting is an action program, and wearing the uniform is an action that shows each Boy Scout's commitment to the aims and purposes of Scouting. The uniform gives the Boy Scout identity in a world brotherhood of youth who believe in the same ideals. The uniform is practical attire for Boy Scout activities and provides a way for Boy Scouts to wear the badges that show what they have accomplished.

Wear your Boy Scout uniform with pride!

Value Your Conscience Scoutmaster Minute 

It may seem funny to say so, but you're very lucky that is hurts when you hit your finger with a hammer. If it didn't hurt you could be in big trouble.

It's a rarity when a person can't feel pain, but it does happen. Some years ago, for example, there was an eight year old boy in England who couldn't feel pain. For some reason his nerves did not signal pain to his brain.

If you think he was lucky, think again. The problem could cost him his life. Once he was seriously burned by a red-hot oven door, but he didn't even know it until he was snatched away.

So it is clear that physical pain can save us from mortal danger. But there is another kind of pain, too, and all of us here can feel it. It's a spiritual or moral pain, and it's called conscience. The conscience is one of our greatest gifts. Without our conscience, we would not know enough to keep from getting burned in even more serious ways than that English boy.

So as the old saying goes, "Let your conscience be your guide. " It will help you to know whether you are following the Scout Oath and Law. You have no better friend that your conscience.

Mother’s Day Scoutmaster Minute

 Your Mother Is Always With You...

Your mother is always with you...
She's the whisper of the leaves
as you walk down the street.
She's the smell of bleach
in your freshly laundered socks.
She's the cool hand on your brow
when you're not well.
Your mother lives inside your laughter.
She's crystallized in every tear drop.
She's the place you came from,
your first home...
She's the map you follow
with every step that you take.
She's your first love
and your first heart break...
and nothing on earth can separate you.
Not time, Not space...
Not even death...
will ever separate you
from your mother...
You carry her inside of you...

Two Little Words Scoutmaster Minute

Scouts, here's a little quiz for you: What's the most welcome two-word sentence in the English language? Some of you might say, it's "We won!" Others would vote for, "Here's money!" But I think the most welcome two-word sentence is "Thank you."

It isn't used as often as it should be. How often do you use it? And how often do you say thank you to the persons who are closest to you, your mother and father? How often do you say it to your friends or even strangers when they do something for you?

It's so easy to forget, especially if the Good Turn is done by somebody in your family. Too often we take for granted the many things our parents and other family members do for us. Mother's Day is fast approaching. Here's a challenge for you. Between now and then, see if you can find some reason to say thank you every day to some member of your family. You may be surprised how they will react.

A simple thank you costs nothing, but it means so much to those who matter most to you. And remember, manners make the man and can be the difference between you being just another Scout and one who earns himself respect from those around him.

That First Step Scoutmaster Minute

The Chinese have a saying, "The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step."

There's a lesson for us in that saying.

I'm thinking of advancement. If you come to troop meetings without ever looking in your Official Boy Scout Handbook all week long and if you never ask how to pass a test or who to see about a merit badge, you'll never advance very far in Scouting. In Scouting, and in life, the rewards don't come to those who sit back and wait for something to be handed to them on a silver platter.

I would like to see every one of you set the Eagle Scout badge as you goal in Scouting. As a step toward that goal, I hope that all of you will receive some award at our Court of Honor in June.

Whatever the goal you set for yourself, remember that only you can take that first step toward it. No one can do it for you. Once you've taken that first step the next step becomes easier. And the ones after that will be easier still because you're on the way along the Scouting trail.

Setting Goals Scoutmaster Minute

Goals are powerful tools that can yield large returns in all areas of a Scout's life. The process of setting goals and targets allows Scouts to choose where they want to go in life. By knowing what they want to achieve, they know what they have to concentrate on and improve, and what is merely a distraction. Goal setting gives Scouts long-term vision and short-term motivation.

Having sharp, clearly defined goals, Scouts can measure and take pride in the achievement of those goals. They can see forward progress in what might previously have seemed a long pointless grind.

By setting goals Scouts can:

     * improve performance;

    * increase motivation to achieve;

    * increase pride and satisfaction in performance and

    * improve self-confidence.

People who use goal-setting effectively:

    * suffer less from stress and anxiety;

    * concentrate better;

    * show more self-confidence;

    * perform better and

    * are happier with their performances.

Goal Setting Helps Self-Confidence. By setting goals, and measuring their achievements, Scouts are able to see what they have done and what they are capable of. The process of achieving goals and seeing their results gives the confidence and self-belief that they need to be able to achieve higher and more difficult goals.

Whether it is a short-term goal, like completing First Class requirement 5 by next week, or a long-term goal, like achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, you should write it down. That way you are taking ownership of your goal. By taking ownership you are more likely to drive yourself to completion.

If any of you are interested in working on the Safety Merit Badge, I am a counselor. See me.

Communicating Scoutmaster Minute

With the busy lives of our Scouts, Scouters and parents, it is a huge task to make sure everyone knows the latest about Troop 310 activities. We are looking for ways to improve the flow of communications. Peter, our Phoenix Patrol Leader began a newsletter and as always, we have our Troop website which is constantly being updated. But there are lots of intermediate messages and last minute changes. We need everyone's help in improving our Troop communications.

Some of the ways we communicate within the Troop are:

1.  Our Troop website is the primary method of communication available to the Troop. It is loaded with information about upcoming camping trips, documentation of all kinds, and links to other Scouting-related resources.

2.  The Troop Calendar Page our website - I update this as soon as change occurs. Please check it often for the latest information.

3.  E-mails - Please make sure we have your most frequently checked email address, and please be sure to check your e-mail. If you receive an e-mail that you even think deserves a response of some kind, please do so. Many times a simple acknowledgement that you received the e-mail is all that is needed.

4.  Facebook – Many, almost all of Troop 310’s Scouts are on Facebook. I recognize that some parents are not comfortable with Facebook so I will not use it as a main source of communications yet, but we may in the future. I just want to point out that if you can spend as much time as some of you do on Facebook, you can take a little of that time to check your e-mail and our Troop website.

5.  Texting - We are exploring a text message delivery service for last minute messages

6.  Reminder Calls – You should all be receiving a reminder call from the Troop Youth Leadership the day before our Troop meeting or event. If a message was left for you please return the call; acknowledge the fact that you received it.

7.  Avoid Last-Minute messages – With the exception of emergencies we all know quite a while in advance of an event if we will not be able to attend. Have the courtesy and be responsible enough to call your Troop leadership to say why you will not be attending.

8.  Pay attention to announcements at meetings and other events. Remember, it is rude to be carrying on side conversations while others are speaking to us.

9.  Participate in group discussions. It shows you are paying attention and that the message is being received.

Mr. Aker, Mr. Bean, Mike, Chris, Peter, Andrew and I are always looking for new ideas in communicating with the Troop. If we all use the tools of communication that are in place within the Troop responsibly then no one should be left clueless.

Responsibility Minute I

I'd like to read you some notable quotes: 

“Responsibility:  A detachable burden easily shifted to the shoulders of God, Fate, Fortune, Luck or one's neighbor.” 

"I must do something" always solves more problems than "Something must be done."  

“You must take personal responsibility. You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons, or the wind, but you can change yourself. That is something you have charge of.” 

“Few things help an individual more than to place responsibility upon him, and to let him know that you trust him.” 

“If you want children to keep their feet on the ground, put some responsibility on their shoulders.” 

“The best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own.  You do not blame them on your mother, the ecology, or the president.  You realize that you control your own destiny.” 

In short, you need to be responsible individuals. You need to accept the personal responsibility that goes with being a part of the groups and activities you have chosen to be a part of. They are your responsibilities, and you must make every effort to do your part, and not to place the burden of responsibility on someone else’s shoulders.

100^th Anniversary Scoutmaster Minute

This is the most important Scouting milestone of our lifetimes. If we successfully engage millions now, it is the greatest gift we can give to our next generation of Scouts and Scouters. There is so much you can do to be part of this effort. And, we will do everything we can to spread the word. Scouting is alive and well in the 21^st century. We appreciate everything you do. You make the magic of Scouting happen. Join us on this most important journey.

Be Prepared Scoutmaster Minute I

In a couple of weeks we're going on our February Camping trip. For some of you new Scouts especially, it's going to be a test of what you've learned about camping and being comfortable outdoors.

Camping is easy and fun in the spring, summer and fall because while you may get wet occasionally, it's not much trouble to get dry and warm again. Camping in winter is fun, too, but it's not so easy to stay comfortable when the temperature is around the freezing mark and cold rain or snow is falling.

That's why it's so important that we're all prepared for winter camping. Tonight we've checked out what camping equipment your Patrol needs in its chuckbox. At your Patrol meeting you will plan your menu and talk about the buddy system and patrol method.

I suggest that each patrol go over their preparations a few more times before camp. Remember that Mother Nature is easy on us through most of the year, but in winter she can be unforgiving for Scouts who are not prepared.

Moving On The Scouting Trail

My message for tonight is called, "Moving on the Scouting Trail". What do we mean when we talk about the Scouting Trail. (pause) That's right, it's the path that leads from Scout rank through First Class up to the Eagle Scout badge. Very few Scouts make it all the way. The only ones that do are guys who can set a goal and then work hard to achieve it.

One way to get started toward the goal is to set yourself a more modest goal. If you're a few requirements short of Tenderfoot now, make up your mind that you're going to earn Tenderfoot by the end of next month - or at least by the the March camping trip. The Chinese have a saying that is appropriate here. They say, "A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. "

That's a good thing to remember, not only in Scouting but in life, too. You can't progress if you never get started.

You're going to have plenty of chances to pass advancement requirements in our troop meetings this month - and every month.

Take advantage of those opportunities. We're also going to concentrate on advancement during our camping trip next month. That's another chance to get moving on the Scouting trail.

It's my hope that by March rolls around, almost every one of you will be a rank higher than you are today.

Strengthening Our Troop 

(Hold up two ropes of different sizes) 

Which one of these ropes do you think is stronger? 

You're right. Common sense tells us that the thicker rope must be stronger. But how much stronger? Is a half inch rope twice as strong as a quarter inch rope? Sound as if it should be, doesn't it? It's not though. In fact, a half inch rope is four times stronger than a quarter inch rope of the same material. 

Why is that? It's because there are more strands in the bigger rope, and each strand helps to make the others stronger. When the strand are laid together in a rope there strength is much, much greater that when they are separate. 

Our troop works the same way. If the members of your patrol help each other, then your patrol will be much stronger than if each patrol member does his own thing. If we all work together when we're doing things as a troop, the whole troop becomes much stronger than if each person goes his own way. 

So let's share our skills and knowledge as we share the fun of Scouting. Everybody —you, your patrol, and our whole troop - will benefit if we pull together.

What Money Can't Buy

(Hold up some paper currency)

All of you recognize this and know that it will buy certain things. It can purchase a candy bar, a stamp, or a Whopper^® at Burger King^®. Add more money and you can do bigger things.

However, there are many things that money, no matter how much you have, cannot buy. Some of these include the love of your family, freedom friendships, and the great out-of-doors.

You can't place a value on Scouting, either. We couldn't pay salaries high enough to get all the help we have. Nor could we place a value on the memorable experiences, the camping trips, the hikes and the fun of campfires.

People can't pay us for the Good Turns we do, and isn't that a good thing? Such payment would take away the good feeling that we have when we do things for others.

Remember, this money can buy many things, but not the things that really count in human happiness and dignity.

Key to Scouting Minute  

(Required: Set of Keys)

 As you can see, I have my keys here in my hand. I've got a key for my car, one for my house, this one's for a padlock, this one I have no idea, this one fits my Corvette, no just kidding!

 But, I've got keys that let me access important things in my life. Without them, doors are locked to me and I miss out.

 (Hold up Scout Handbook)

This is quite a key as well. The values in this small book will open many, many doors to you - not just in scouting, but when you have moved away and are on your own. What you learn and take to heart in the few years you are in this troop can be your key to many opportunities. 

So, don't forget your key at home!

Be Prepared Scoutmaster Minute II

The Scout Motto of the Scout Movement, in various languages, has been used by millions of Scouts around the world since 1907. Most of the member organizations of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts share this same motto.

In English, this motto is Be Prepared, and it is no coincidence that this motto can be shortened to B. P. and Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the movement, used to shorten his surname into B.-P.

In the third part of Scouting for Boys Robert Baden-Powell explains the meaning of the phrase:

The Scout Motto is: BE PREPARED which means you are always in a state of readiness in mind and body to do your DUTY.

Be Prepared—proper planning is the critical first step for any outdoor outing or excursion. Here is an example of a lesson learned by one Scout Troop:

Though the winter air was crisp, an early sun warmed our faces as we prepared to start a twenty-mile hike. We were properly dressed for the weather. We had our boots laced tightly to protect our feet from the cold water in the streams we knew we would have to ford. Our packs held our lunch, rain gear, dry socks, and first-aid supplies. We were prepared.
However, the sun soon faded from view as unexpected storm clouds covered the sky. Soon it was raining and our pace was slowed. The water in the streams was now too deep to ford, so we lost time finding better crossings. The rain changed to driving snow, and our footing became treacherous. We were losing time, and the day was slipping away.

The storm passed, but now it was getting dark and we still had several miles to go. It was at this point that we realized we were not prepared—we had no flashlights in our packs, not one. We stumbled along in the dark and finally, with great difficulty, finished the hike.

Some of the best training we receive comes as a result of our own mistakes, failures, omission—not being prepared.

I’d like to close with a short prayer:

Dear God, help us learn from our mistakes. Help us be prepared to serve others as Christ has served us. Amen.