appy Thanksgiving Scouts and Scouters

The November Parent Leader Meeting has recently concluded and the Scouting for food campaign is underway. As I wait for those out collecting food to return to collection central I want to take this opportunity to tell you about some important things that I am excited about.

Let me begin with words of thanks. I am blessed to be a member of the troop and I am thankful for the opportunity to be the Troop Committee Chair. I thoroughly enjoy scouting at the troop level; it keeps me young at heart and brings me joy. Although we are a small troop, we are a strong vibrant troop; an important part of this community. We have great members – scouts and scouters alike. Thank you scouts for your continued dedication to the scouting program and the desire to excel in all you do. Whether you realize it or not, you are fulfilling and important role in the community, nation and the world. For over a century scouts like you, across the globe, have contributed greatly to the advancement of peace, harmony and love by doing what you do through scouting by serving your community, providing leadership, and setting the example of hope; for this I am thankful. I am also thankful for all who volunteer. Without the fantastic volunteers who give so much of themselves, there are no programs, no scouts, and no troop; thank you for all you do. For all others, thank you for your time, assistance and support. Your dedication is also important; you provide the behind the scenes support and encouragement needed for the rest. One cannot do it alone; it takes all of us joined together as a team, to share our gifts and talents in whatever way we can.  For this collaborative effort I am truly thankful – I thank you.

Wow, we just wrapped up one Eagle Scout Leadership Project for Travis Harper, where over 140 hours of service donated to help our Chartering organization, Oakland Cumberland Presbyterian Church. That is fantastic; I thank you for your support. Logan Spencer is working on his Eagle Scout Leadership Project and with it there will be an opportunity to volunteer again. I look forward to honoring Travis and Logan at their Courts of Honor.

 Today seven people participated in Scouting for Food, but the best is yet to come. We have some exciting programs coming up in the next six months. I am really looking forward to the programs and events. Here is a brief overview. Engineer Day at R.C. Manchester and Flag collection on Dec 7; Flag Retirement ceremony with the American Legion in mid-December; Winter Camp and serve at Marcella’s Kitchen during Christmas break; Corvette Museum in January; Klondike Derby and University of Scouting in February; Predators Hockey game in March; Troop Reunion Banquet in the spring. Wow, that’s the sign of a strong and vibrant troop! So, if you ever hear a child say “I’m bored”, help them get involved in scouting; problem solved.

I want to introduce you to something new the troop is planning; the first Troop Reunion Banquet in spring 2014. Troop 422 has a rich history going back to the 1990s, and to my knowledge this troop is currently the oldest troop in Marshall County. In this short time fourteen Eagle Scouts come from the troop’s ranks, but has never held an event like this. We want to reconnect with our roots by celebrating with founding members and the troop’s Eagle Scouts.  We are in the initial planning stages for this reunion banquet and hope to invite all Eagle Scouts, former leaders and their families. Planning and organizing this event will not be a small undertaking – it will require your help. Fortunately we have an in-house event planner to lead us through the challenges, but as I said, she cannot do it alone. We are going to need things planned, prepped, printed, mailed, called, set up, served, torn down and cleaned up. Everyone’s involvement will make this a big success for our members and guests. Currently we need help with tracking down Eagle Scouts, and former leaders, and gathering and organizing troop history / timeline for programs and invitations. If you are a history buff, word smith, telephone maker, or have troop history knowledge please contact me to volunteer your expertise.

In closing, I would like to encourage you to share your blessings with others especially those that are struggling and less fortunate. Also, please remember to pray and give thanks for all the troop’s volunteer leaders, for the members of our community that serve and protect us, and for all members of the military and their families especially those on deployment and in harm’s way. Finally, surround yourself with loved ones and be thankful for all that you have.

Happy Thanksgiving

Sincerely,
David

 

The most worth-while thing is to try to put happiness into the lives of others.
Robert Baden-Powell