Scout Vespers

If you've been in scouting long enough you should know the Scout Vespers song.  Especially if you spent any amount of time at a summer camp.  It is typically always sung at the end of the campfire, if not on the opening campfire then most assuredly on the closing campfire.

The lyrics are these to the tune of "Oh Christmas Tree":

Softly falls the light of day,

While our campfire fades away.

Silently each Scout should ask

Have I done my daily task?

Have I kept my honor bright?

Can I guiltless sleep tonight?

Have I done and have I dared

Everything to be prepared?

Most people may not know there are several other versus to the song as we only sing the first repeatedly and then hum in between them until everyone as left the campfire area to return to the campsites.  Here are the rest of the verses:

Listen Lord, oh listen Lord,

As I whisper soft and low.  

Bless my mom and Bless my dad, 

These are things that they should know.

I will keep my honor Bright,

The oath and law will be my guide.

And mom and dad this you should know,

Deep in my heart I love you so.

Second Version:

Quietly we join as one,

Thanking God for Scouting fun

May we now go on our way,

Thankful for another day.

May we always love and share,

Living in peace beyond compare.

As Scout may we find,

Friendships true with all mankind.

Quietly we now will part,

Pledging ever in our heart,

To strive to do our best each day,

As we travel down life's way.

Happiness we'll try to give,

Trying a better life to live,

'Till all the world be joined in love,

Living in peace under skies above.

Recently on a camping trip we had arrived on a Friday evening.  It was still light.  That was the plan so that each patrol would have time to setup their campsites and prepare their meals rather than last year when we arrived in the dark and used vehicle lights to get our tents up and then wait until morning to make adjustments.  This park has been one of my favorites because of the variety of activities it offers and I think it is becoming a favorite of the scouts as well.  Most to of the time around 10 or 10:30 p.m. the boys are slowly wandering from the campfire they had made in search of a soft place to lay their heads for the night while myself and just a couple of others keep vigil over the remaining embers of the fire.  However, this time, the boys were still going full force..they typically call me more teenager than them because of my ability to stay up later at night but this time, I was the one wanting to sleep

It is now 11:00 p.m., traditionally quiet time, I send them all to their tents/hammocks and tell them I don't mind if they continue their conversations as long as it doesn't disturb others and if they distrub my sleep, I most certainly would distrub their sleep.  Perhaps with ice cold water at 4 a.m.!  Fast forward, it is now 11:30 p.m. and I am laying in my bed still hearing the boys carry on, loudly.  Again, typically, they are all wore out and pretty well asleep by this time but then I realize that today, there was no school.  So, they had excess energy to expel.  it was at this time that I got up and told them all it was time to sleep.

Then, what do my ears hear?  One boy began singing scout vespers.  Unprompted and then another scout joined and another.  Soon almost the whole campsite was singing from their tents.  It was almost like an episode of the Walton's in which each family members was saying "good night" from their bedroom.  It was at that moment that my heart became full of joy and pride in those boys (of course, I am always proud of them) and I sang with them.  All while reminiscing of days past when I worked on staff at scout camp singing this song twice a week.  It has always been my favorite.

At the end of the most recent troop meeting the boys suggested to the Senior Patrol Leader that we should sing the Scout Vespers song from now on as part of our closing.  He agreed and so they did.  I almost shed a tear.  It is so beautiful and fitting to end our meeting, or our evening with a song that holds such nostalgia to it.  I think even Baden-Powell would be proud.  So, as our campfire fades may we all be reminded to always be prepared and do our daily task so that we may guilt-less sleep every night.

Leave a Trace Scoutmaster Minute

Recently I was visiting my old scout Troop. As you may or may not know, I have been a part of several Scout Troops, but this one was special.  You see, it was at Troop 196 which met at St. Luke’s church in Culpeper, VA that I first crossed over into Boy Scouts from Cub Scouts and it there that I went to my first Boy Scout Camping trip and encountered my first Scoutmaster.

Mr. Charlie “Crow” Robson.  He was heard cackling and laughing about something all the time and having fun doing what he did.  Unfortunately, he passed away a few years ago, and on the day he died his final phone call was about scouting and being prepared for an upcoming trip before he went into surgery.

You know, we spend a lot of time learning about how to “leave no trace” on our camping trips.  We try to take extra care to leave things as we found them.  But no matter how hard we try; WE DO leave a trace.  Either by a broken twig, matted down grass, or even just a footstep.

When we are camping, we concentrate on the physical traces we leave behind.  But every day, we are leaving another kind of trace.  Maybe it is a mental/emotional trace.  Maybe it is a spiritual trace.  But everywhere we go, everyone one we meet, and everything we do; we leave a trace.  If you tell you brother to “Shut Up” that can leave an ugly trace, if you rag on someone because they don’t want to join scouts, that can leave a bad trace that may take a long time to heal.  If we thank our mother for being a great mom, well that will leave a good trace.

We may only interact with a stranger for a couple of seconds or with our friends for a couple of hours, but no matter how long it is, we leave a trace of our passing.  It’s up to us to leave a trace that makes the world a better place.

Mr. Robson left a trace on my heart, even though I knew him for a very short time.  I only wish I could have seen him once more after I got my Eagle to tell him “Thank You” for having a part in my life.  So, I tell you that no matter what we do, we WILL leave a trace.  Let’s do our best to make it a GOOD TRACE!

Signed,

Scoutmaster Davan

-Dedicated to my First Scoutmaster, Charlie Robson Troop 196-

The Balancing Act

It's Tuesday night.  Another Scout meeting.  I arrive at my usual time, about 6:00 p.m. to change clothes out of my dress attire and into my Scout Uniform.  I have always felt comfortable in it.  I examine the Scout Hall and review the up coming meeting notes that the Patrol Leader's Council (PLC) had created for tonight.  It's nights like these that I am so very grateful that our Troop is youth led, you see, there is a committee meeting tonight.

The month before the PLC had planned out all the meetings for this month and assigned the roles and responsibililites to different members, Instructors, and Patrol Leaders.  During their Patrol Time or breakout they will plan for the upcoming camping trip and the meeting will be run primarily by the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader.

It was decided a long time ago that when the Troop has a Committee meeting that the Senior Patrol Leader should attend along with the Scoutmaster to give a report on the Patrols and upcoming activities decided upon by the PLC.  During this time it allowed the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader to gain experience in leading the whole troop as a way to begin the development and natural progression to becoming an effective Senior Patrol Leader.

So, as I look over my notes of what to review for the committee meeting I also make a few notes for the SPL/ASPL of reminders to mention for tonight while I am away in the other room.  I head down the hall of the church towards the copy room to make some handouts for the committee and as they I look at my watch and realize I have just enough time to go have a few minutes of quiet time in the chapel, I like to have a little prayer time to meditate on the blessings we have each day and to lift up the boys in our Scout Troop, and gather my thoughts as I transition from the busyness of the work day to the business of the Scout Troop.

It's now 6:45 p.m.  I head back down the hallway from the chapel with papers in hand to greet the Scouts, parents, and committee members as they enter the building.  Wow, it's going to be a full room tonight for both youth and adult!  Nothing makes me more happier than to see all the boys gathering together as brother Scouts.  I try to make it a point to say hello to each one and have a 60 second conversation with them before they kick off with the opening ceremony and I have to dash out to the committee room.  Most of the times the conversations are longer than 60 seconds but with 30 boys, that's 30 minutes total time and well, there just isn't enough time.  That's why the camping trips and Scoutmaster Conferences are so important.  And they are just as excited to tell me about their week as I am to hear it.  But before I know it the Senior Patrol Leader has taken his station at the front of the room with the raised Scout Sign, the right hand up in the air, elbow bent at 90 degree angle and the three fingers straight up while the thumb clasps over the "pinky" finger.  That calls the entire room to attention and it is now my turn to step back into the shadows while these young men begin their program night.

A few parents try to catch me to relay some information or ask a few questions but already the committee has began their meeting, on time, just as the Scouts in the other room do.  So I try to answer what I can and invite them to attend the committee meeting where their questions may be answered.  Some parents are able while others are not due to other commitments.  I always welcome them to attend the announcements at the end of the troop meeting so they can hear information first hand because sometimes with the youth, not all information is relayed properly back to parents resulting in phone calls and text messages during the week.

I enter the committee room, all eyes usually turn to me.  Not sure why, maybe because I am the one late.  I take my seat at the opposite side of the room so I can keep an eye on the door in case a scout or one of the youth leaders needs to grab my attention.  The committee understands that from time to time I may have to excuse myself from the room to check on the program next door or if a scout needs me.  Soon after I take my seat the Senior Patrol Leader enters the room.  He has just finished getting the program kicked off, went over the objectives for the night and handed the reigns over to his Assistant Senior Patrol Leader.  He sits next to me, the Scoutmaster, so we can share notes and I can back him up during the committee meeting.

Our Committee Chairperson is wonderful, she is quick and efficient at keeping the conversation going and moving through the order of business to be discussed.  I like it!  Each committee member reports on the progress for their "department" from Advancements, Camping and Outdoor Program, Finance, and so on.  Our program is wide and very integrated so most of the time there is overlap from one report to the other with typically input from myself and the Senior Patrol Leader on each area of discussion but we move through it.

I look up from my notes and see a scout in the window of the door.  I silently ask if he needs to see me from my position at the committee table.  He nods his head yes and I get up while excusing myself and head out the door.  In the hallway we have a discussion because he is concerned about an upcoming trip and his patrol assignment.  I direct him to his Patrol Leader and try to be compassionate for his concerns while reinforcing the patrol method.  He returns to the Scout Hall and I to the committee room.  A few minutes later we into a discussion about Scout Camp from the previous year and plans for the next year, just 11 months away.  Again I see another scout outside the door looking for my attention.  I have already had these conversations and discussions with the Camping Coordinator prior to the committee meeting so I again politely excuse myself and go address this Scout's concerns.

While out of the room I go look into the Scout Hall to assess where they are in the program.  They are currently doing patrol breakouts and planning for the upcoming trip.  I know that soon they will be dispersed into a game or activity just before the meeting closes and I must be prepared to deliver my Scoutmaster Minute.  I had already picked one out for tonight and studied it a little before hand during the day.  I leave the Scout Hall and notice there is a light on in one of the other rooms in the hallway.  I go down to examine it.  I find two Scouts with another older Scout who had turned 18 in the recent years, was away at college and now returned home.  I step in to see if they were assisting in the program some how or just hanging out.  They were just hanging out and enjoying some "taco" flavored sunflower seeds which a I grabbed a few and expeditiously discarded while making the statement that, "there were awful".  I asked them to re-join the others to assist and to make sure to straighten up the room when they left.  I made a mental note to have a discussion with our returning scout about his future involvement and understanding his role as an adult versus when he was a youth now.

Again, I head back into the committee room, this time my Senior Patrol Leader leaves as the committee wishes to discuss a matter that was brought to attention of some seriousness that we wanted to shield the youth from.  Again, I was already aware of this matter and had my discussions with the appropriate parties before hand.  So, I decided that sincethe official business of the committee has been laid to rest I would return to the Scout Hall myself.

Entering the Scout Hall I was soon caught in a wave of scouts headed in the opposite direction to go outside for their game/activity.  Like a fish swimming upstream, so was I.  My Senior Patrol Leader and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader are catching up, I ask a few questions as to what was accomplished tonight and what still needed to be done.  Now being briefed, the committee and parents where exiting the committee room and I had to attend to one on one discussions and conversations from those individuals that had further questions or input to give me from the committee meeting.

It's time to close.  It wasn't very long, about 10-15 minutes and here comes the sea of fish through the halls of the church as they entered from the outside to make their way to the Scout Hall.  I and several other adults were caught in the middle of the path in the hallway.  Like a raging current flowing over obstacles and rocks as in one of our white water rafting adventures, so were we only we were the rocks.  With that as my sign I excused myself to attend the closing ceremony.  The boys were circled around their Senior Patrol Leader who gave some additional announcements and then pointed to me to deliver the Scoutmaster Minute.  This was it.  What sage words of wisdom would I impart to them tonight?  I had a story prepared for them, but, I just didn't feel it was the right one at the moment. As I entered the circle, I looked around at the faces staring back at me and I said, "I don't really have a Scoutmaster Minute prepared for you tonight but I want you know how happy I am to see each and every one of you.  Instead of me telling You a Scoutmaster Minute, would you tell ME your favorite Scoutmaster Minute?"  and I explained that as I am writing a book I may include some of those in it.  So, each person told me in summary of what their favorite minute was.  It was kind of a validation for me and a gauge as whether or not what I was saying to them was getting through and if it was sticking.  I felt encouraged.  Then after they finished I asked them if they ever notice how most of my minutes give an example of someone or something  in a situation without actually pointing that person out.  They said yes and then I ended by saying, "Well, I do have a Scoutmaster Minute for you after all; it is this, everyone always tell you to be an example, but in this case, DON'T be an example for a Scoutmaster Minute."  And then, it was over.

There you have it, my typical night. Other than the committee meeting which happens once a month but I have learned that being Scoutmaster is often a balancing act.  I have to juggle many balls in the air from the individual scouts, the youth leaders, to parents and committee members.  And sometimes there are other stakeholders in the program such as the Chartered Organization.  We teach in leadership training the skill of delegation and if there is any role that idea comes to fruition it is the Scoutmaster role.  Of course, the Senior Patrol Leader might have something to say about that too.

For parents or leaders that may read this blog I want you to know how much I appreciate everything you do and that even if you perform 1 simple task a year, it takes a huge burden off of my shoulders and I am so very grateful for every little bit of help.  Not only do I recognize it but take heart because so do the scouts.  My preferred time to catch up with adults is after the meeting so I can be focused on the boys during the meeting, I promise I am not ignoring you but that is where my attention lies.

Opening Ceremonies with the Scout Oath and Law

It has been my experience that most Scout Troops open in a similar fashion.  They may order it different but for the most part they are the same.  Typically they will all begin with the recitation of the Scout Oath and Law.  Some will follow with the Scout Motto and Slogan or the Outdoor Code.  But regardless of the exact order, at some point they will all include the Scout Oath and Law.

What I noticed while recently visiting other troops is that we all speed through the Oath and Law.  It has become muscle memory and little more than lip service is given.  Validation of this fact was proved when I was able to attend a board of review for an Eagle Scout candidate.  Now being an Eagle Scout candidate, someone who has stood at attention and given the scout sign followed by the recitation of the Scout Oath and Law hundereds if not a thousand times, was asked to do it once more as he entered this Board of Review.

There he was standing at attention in front of 4 adults, who where chosen to conduct this board of review, in complete field uniform with his scout sign held high and proud.  He was asked to repeat the Scout Oath and Law.  He did fine with the Scout Law, just twelve words but on the Scout Oath he kept missing a word or segment.  He couldn't remember.  He was out of his normal environment, the scout hall, along with others standing beside him repeating the same words week after week.  Yes, he was probably a bit nervous, but this should be a simple task for any scout.

Every now and then, we as leaders should probably slow our scouts down at the opening when they begin to recite the Scout Oath and Law.  Let's remind them of what each of those twelve words mean so that as they say them they think to themselves what each word symbolizes along with the Scout Oath.  They need to have meaning, not just be hollow words.  They need to be living and breathing elements in our daily lives and what better way than for them to see it as an example in our own word, thought, and deed?  And we should recognize them (the scouts) when appropriately displayed so then they learn to recognize it in themselves as well.

When I became Scoutmaster, I was given a very old leather covered book with old bindings and partially yellow tarnished pages that has the smell of old libraries.  This book was printed in 1920 and is titled: "Handbook For Scoutmasters.  A Manual of Leadership."  I will share with you what this book says in regards to the Scout Oath and Law.

The 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.

The Scout Law

1. A Scout is Trustworthy.  A scout's honor is to be trusted.  If he were to violate his honor by telling a lie, or by cheating, or by not doing exactly a given task, when trusted on his honor, he may be directed hand over his scout badge.
2. S Scout is Loyal.  He is loyal to all to whom loyalty is due; his scout leader, his home, and parents and country.
3. A Scout is Helpful.  He must be prepared at any time to save life, help injured persons and share the home duties.  He must do at least one good turn for somebody every day.
4. A Scout is Friendly.  He is a friend to all and a brother to every other scout.
5. A Scout is Courteous.  He is polite to all, especially to women, children, old people, and the weak and helpless.  He must not take pay for being helpful or courteous.
6. A Scout is Kind.  He is a friend to animals.  He will not kill nor hurt any living creature needlessly, but will strive to save and protect all harmless life.
7. A Scout is Obedient.  He obeys his parents, scoutmaster, patrol leader, and all other duly constituted authorities.
8. A Scout is Cheerful.  He smiles whenever he can.  His obedience to orders is prompt and cheery.  He never shirks nor grumbles at hardships.
9. A Scout is Thrifty.  He does not wantonly destroy property.  He works faithfully, wastes nothing, and makes the best use of his opportunities.  he saves his money so that he may pay his own way, be generous to those in need, and helpful to worthy objects.  he may work for pay but must not receive tips for courtesies or good turns.
10. A Scout is Brave.  He has the courage to face danger in spite of fear and to stand up for the right against the coatings of friends or the jeers or threats of enemies, and defeat does not down him.
11. A Scout is Clean.  He keeps clean in body and thought, stands for clean speech, clean sport, clean habits, and travels with a clean crowd.
12. A Scout is Reverent.  He is reverent toward God.  He is faithful in his religious duties,and respects the convictions of others in matters of custom and religion.

A Visit with Scoutmaster Barry

It's Thursday evening.  I just got back into the hotel after nearly an hour commute from working in the next city over.  I had just long enough to grab the free meal offering in the hotel lobby and change clothes into something comfortable before heading back out to visit with a local Scout troop.

I had passed by this Troop's meeting location twice a day for nearly 2 weeks.  I first noticed there was a Troop close by last year when I was working in the area.  They have a large sign posted near the main road along with their Troop website.  This year, I decided to not pass it up and take advantage of what I might learn by visiting with them.  Looking them up on the world wide web I found their contact information and meeting date.  It was on Thursdays.  Unusual since most scouting units meet on Tuesdays but every unit has a different dynamic and Thursday's probably work better for them. 

The date was set, I would visit with them the following week.  Although they were a little hesitant since they didn't have anything really planned, mainly meeting with their PLC (Patrol Leader's Council) to set the schedule for the year and their older scouts were attending a recruiting event at the local school.

The day had come and I have to admit, I was a little weary from the work day and just about decided not to go but I thought to myself, "I'll just go visit for about an hour and return, after all, I still need to pack my bags for my return trip home." So, off I went as the sun began to set over the skyscape it was going to be a beautiful evening. 

As I drove past the remnants of battle fields from the civil war I felt a sense of reverence for that hallowed ground where over 17,000 men lost their lives fighting for what they each believed in.  I soon came upon the church where this scout unit was sponsored.  I had arrived just in time for the meeting to begin.

There was excitement in the air as scout, after scout began to arrive.  The parking lot was quickly filling up.  The boys were gathering outside the church while a few had the responsibility to retrieve the United States flag and the Troop flag.  I approached one of the adults who happened to be my host for the evening.  He quickly introduced me to the Scoutmaster who was busy at work orchestrating with his youth leaders the program of the night. 

Scoutmaster Barry asked my host to show me around and pick my brain on leadership training and with that he was off!  I can absolutely relate.  Typically the beginning of the meeting and the ending of the meeting I am very tunnel focused in my own unit.  I like for parents that want my attention to approach me typically after the meeting rather than before.  To the outside observer they would see the Scoutmaster of a youth-led Troop either standing to the side doing nothing or in observation mode or they will see as the Scoutmaster floats from one scout to another conducting Scoutmaster Conferences and assisting his youth leaders in running the program.  I of course know all too well that routine, so it was without hesitation that myself and my host began to strike up our conversations learning about each other's unit.

My host Rod and I found that both of our units were going through similar phases, of equal size to each other, and same dynamics of youth proportions (age, rank, and skill distribution).  They had attended summer camp at the same time and place as we did this past year.  It is too bad we know each other then.  It is with great confidence that one of my own scouts, who served on staff for camp's new scout program, taught several of their new scouts. 

It was now time for their opening ceremony.  Rod and I continued to speak of our experiences and while we conversed I watched through the windows of the foyer of the church as almost 30 scouts lined up in formation by patrols to pay homage to the traditional opening of every scout meeting which included reciting the Scout Oath, Scout Law, and Pledge of Allegiance.  It never gets old to me.

My host and I then continued our conversation outside as he showed me their Troop trailers that transport their gear and equipment from one locale to another depending on the adventure and activity.  The painted graphics on the side were eye catching with bright colors and one could tell it was done in pride.  On the other side they had a dedicated space to list the names of their Eagle Scouts.  Unlike our unit which is 95 years old and approaching almost 200 Eagles this particular unit was established in 2005 with significantly less, but given time I am sure they would be right there with us.  In fact, over the next 2 weeks they will be celebrating the accomplishments of 3 more Eagles.

Just beyond the two Troop Trailers was a Troop shed that was the permanent storage space for the Troop's and patrol's equipment.  Each patrol had it's own designated 4 shelf cabinet with all their supplies neatly organized and labeled.  Even the adults had their own section on the opposite side of the shed.  On the back wall were more shelves with general storage.  The scouts were very actively preparing and packing their patrol boxes with the needed supplies for the upcoming trip.  I noticed a few interesting pieces of equipments so I asked Rod about the.  It was at that moment I learned the value of and how to acquire used surplus military equipment that no longer need.  Something I will have to look into when I return home. 

After seeing their equipment storage areas I asked my host to show me their wooded area behind the church that Troop had created into patrol sites.  We walked down a familiar path lined with long wood branches on either side to designated the trail and came upon several semi cleared areas that had a picnic table, fire pit, and other various objects for each site.  It was clear that each patrol made their site their own.  In one site a wooden sign was created with the patrol name and initials of those in the patrol along with patches that were nailed or otherwise attached to their picnic table from various camping trips and places they had been.

It is truly great for a Troop to have such an area in order to make their own and really provide scouting in an outdoor classroom.  Scouts spend too much time inside already with school and then in our digital world with online games and other programs competing for their attention.  This designated area also helps each patrol create a sense of pride to make it their own.  A sacred place to hone their fire building skills, pioneering skills, the use of wood tools.  Very fortunate in deed.  I commented that most churches I have seen with a little bit of property do not even allow their scouting programs to use those areas even though they are not being used for anything else.  Who better to manage wooded land than scouts?

Time was comming to an end, light was fading.  Rod and I headed back towards the church where the scouts would begin their closing ceremony.  Another one of my favorite parts.  Not because it is the end but because of the delivery of the Scoutmaster Minute.  The boys began formation outside as they had at the begining.  This time they were a little more tired, some a little wet with sweat as typically the last activity is some sort game or team challenge.  I took place to the side near the other adult leaders.  We watched as the Senior Patrol Leader and other scouts gave announcements of upcoming events to be known and then the Scoutmaster Minute was delivered by Scoutmaster Barry followed by the retiring of the flag.

Most scouts would soon disperse after this however, at this troop, the scouts filed back inside the church to enjoy cookies brought by someone, unknown to me, and complete sign-ups for those soon to be trips.  While this took place Scoutmaster Barry held a Scoutmaster conference with a scout needing rank advancement and a few others were conducting a couple of additional meetings.  It wasn't long though the church cleared out and everyone was on their way home.  I stayed to converse with the Scoutmaster as he locked up.  We shared a few stories and scouting philosophy and as we stood outside the church both with bags in hand and with eagerness to return home, we just couldn't bring ourselves to end our time together.  As he said, "The two topics that I can go on talking about forever are photography and scouting" to which I agreed. 

With that recognized same spirit of scouting we said our good byes and invited to each other to stop by anytime we were in each other's territories, then parted ways.  I couldn't help but think to myself how refreshing it is to see youth led programs under the supervision of caring and dedicated adults that carry the spirit of scouting with them rather than those that use a facade but are really trying to create a name for themselves by earning endless knots and endless titles.  It was also encouraging to find another troop similar to ours with the same dynamics and struggles to let you know there are others you can reach out to.

It was a great day to visit.