University of Scouting

When I was a teenager I wasn't very into scouting.  I was like a lot of boys.  Sure, When I was 12 I was "gung ho".  I loved getting merit badges.  Rank advancements were my thing.  Scout camp was a right of passage.  Then I turned 14.  I didn't have an Eagle, in fact I wasn't even close.  By the time I was 16 scouting was a distant memory and it seemed as though I would be a "Life for life".

Something happened when I was 17.  We got a new scout leader.  One who was willing to work with us on our schedule.  He encouraged us to keep at it.  Even though we were pretty reluctant, requirements kept getting checked off the list.  The day I turned 18 I completed my packet for Eagle.  I was done.  I though I was done forever.

Fast forward a couple decades and I'm back in a scouting uniform (I rarely even wore the uniform as a kid).  This time as a leader.  I think I've attended more scout meetings in the past year than I ever did as a kid.  Take last weekend for example.  I drove out to Stansbury High School to attend the University of Scouting.  It was an all-day seminar in which we learned about the scouting program and how it's supposed to work.  I can't believe I'm saying this, but it actually pretty fun.

I have learned a ton this year about how to make a difference in the life of a boy.  Scouting isn't the only way to accomplish this, but there are a lot of positive aspects to getting boys outdoors to learn and grow. For me, all this training is for the future.  I just know I'm going to be the Scoutmaster when Alex and Dylan are part of the troop.  I want to make sure I know how to provide a positive experience by being properly trained.  I'm not asking for the calling, but I have a strong feeling it's coming my way eventually.

So, I've officially attended the University of Scouting.  I don't know if it's something I can add to my resume, but I'll hang my diploma up on the wall (or on my shirt).