Service

This is another of the requirements for my 100 years award. This letter was sent to the editor of the Elko Daily Free Press.

I joined the Cub Scouts 29 years ago. That started a lifelong learning process; I learned to be prepared and to do a good turn daily; I learned that camp counselors are flammable and that you should always pack your underwear in a waterproof bag; I’ve learned that it’s possible to receive an award you didn’t earn, but it’s nowhere near as satisfying as working for it; I’ve learned many virtues such as trustworthiness, loyalty, friendliness, courtesy, kindness, obedience, cheerfulness, thrift, courage, cleanliness, and reverence.

I’ve also learned the importance of being helpful. I’ve been fortunate enough to be on both the giving and the receiving end of service. One of the highlights of my scouting career has been my association with the local Cub Scout Day Camp, which is usually held the first or second weekend of June. During Day Camp, I get to provide a service to the boys and the community and I get to receive the benefits of working with others. The boys have the opportunity to play games and complete items required for advancement. The adults have the opportunity to provide a good example and see the growth of the wonderful boys.

Our district has an amazing group of people that seem to be involved in all the big events. These people give of their time and talents to help our boys grow to be men we can be proud of as a community and as a country. I would encourage anyone that has the time (all other qualifications can be earned on the job!) to volunteer with a troop or pack or even with the district.

My Scout Hero

One of the items on my "To Do" list for the 100 Years of Scouting award is to "Think of a Scouting leader (youth or adult) who made a positive difference in your life. Write a letter to the editor of a local publication about how that individual taught you about leadership."

When I think of great scouters, of great scout leaders, a few people come to my mind. I think of the people I went through Wood Badge with; I think of my nephews, the oldest of whom have already earned their Eagles; I think of the leaders that taught my National Camping School course (best training ever!!!); but the one person who rises to the top, who has affected me personally the most, is Julee Hicks. Her dedication, devotion, organization and enthusiasm to get the job done always has me in awe. She personifies the statement "above and beyond" with respect to scouting. And yet, she doesn't do it for accolades or for personal gain.

She doesn't limit her volunteerism to her local area. (She volunteered to come over 1000 miles to assist me with our district's Day Camp. Of course, I couldn't let her put herself out like that, but she would have come if I'd said yes).

When I was involved with her unit several years ago, she was the grease that kept the unit running smoothly. All the "i"s were dotted and all the "t"s crossed. One of my loftiest Scouting goals is to become more like Julee.

During my military service I was stationed at an NROTC unit and one of the primary ideals was that as future officers we should lead from the front. Julee does that. She's in the fray, making a difference. Thanks for your fine example Julee. You have no idea how your example has benefited many scouts where I live now.

Service Projects for Cub Scouts

The new Cub Scout delivery method encourages holding two regular den meetings a month and using the extra week for an activity or outing. One possibility, especially in the colder winter months, is to do a service project with the boys. It can be difficult, though, coming up with service project ideas for this age range. Here are some websites with suggestions:

366 Community Service Ideas from UNL

Community Service Ideas For Kids from Buzzle

Developing Service Project Ideas For Younger Children from Corporation for National and Community Service

Community Service Ideas For Kids Of All Ages from Kid Activities

Kidz4Troops

LDS Service Ideas from About.com

Service Projects For Kids from suite101.com

Pocket Flag Project

Boys this age can learn to tie quilts (a good reinforcement of square knot tying); read to younger children or the elderly; draw pictures and write letters (for troops, hospital children, rest home residents or missionaries); sign up to clean the church as a unit when it's your ward's turn (a good activity for involving families too); clean up trash in a neighborhood, park or canyon. If your area has a festival of trees you can plan ahead for next year. After Christmas artificial trees can often be found on clearance for a very low price. If someone in your pack is willing to get a tree and store it for a year, the boys would have a great time making ornaments and decorating a tree to donate next year. In the summer or spring an environmental service project can be tied in to the Leave No Trace Award. You can find suggestions for projects to meet the requirements for the award here. You'll need to contact the groundskeepers of local campgrounds and hiking trails to find out exactly what is needed.

You may need to call around to various organizations in your community to find out exactly what it is that they need that the boys can do. Some may prefer visits, while other may ask for drawings and letters or quilts. Try contacting your local senior center, hospital, museum, animal shelter, homeless shelter, foster parent association, schools or library.