The last laugh

[MasterYota]

I was involved with the Boy Scouts organization for the better part of my growing up years. We spent many days volunteering and helping out as best we could. As a group we had many travels out into the wilderness for camps, jamboree's and whatnot. While we did have supervision, we were left alone alot to figure out our own way, and to police ourselves in our activities. Problems and challenges were ours to solve, but guidance was there if we were stumped.

Aside from my own father and Granddad, these Scoutmasters were the only other real men in my life during that time. I learned alot from all of them during those formative years, and I give credit to them for guiding me along the right path. The Scouting organizatin as whole was the best thing to ever happen to me, and I cherish those memories. All these years later, I can still recite the Scout promise, law and motto. And they still have relivance to me today.

Promise: On my honour, I promise to do my best, to love and serve God, my Queen, my Country and my fellow man and to live by the Scout law.

Law: A Scout is helpful and trustworthy, kind and cheerfull, considerate and clean, and wise in the use of his resources.

Motto: Be prepared.

I can think of no better code to live by.

[NNICKB]

All these years later, I can still recite the Scout promise, law and motto. And they still have relivance to me today.

I can think of no better code to live by.

The Boy Scout organization is one of the best things any boy (or man) can be involved with. I was a Boy Scout, and later became Scoutmaster for a large troop, in California, I have served others in various capacities. It is some of the most rewarding work I have ever done.

The five year time period from ages 11 through 16 is most critical for a boy. He goes through more changes than at any time in his life. (I know this can be hard to believe if you, like me, have had stuff sitting on your desk or workbench for that length of time.) Working with boys of this age carries great responsibility, as they will look to your example, good and bad, whether you like it or not, or even know it or not.

No matter what the boy becomes during his manhood, no matter how important or prestigious, he will always look up to any man who invested his time and interest in him as a boy. I certainly still feel that way about some of the great men who helped me along, including, of course, my Dad.

Long after I moved back to the other side of the country, some of my old scouts would still write or even look me up during their travels. It is very humbling to be greeted by a bright-eyed man in his 30s, who still holds you in higher regard than you may have of yourself!

Of course, if all you want out of life is to be treated like a rock star, there is no easier way than to show up at a Boy Scout camp driving your FFPW. You may even let some of them drive it. Hey, they can't hurt it, that's for sure.

Great thread.

[Bruce]

What About

I was involved with the Boy Scouts organization for the better part of my growing up years. We spent many days volunteering and helping out as best we could. As a group we had many travels out into the wilderness for camps, jamboree's and whatnot. While we did have supervision, we were left alone alot to figure out our own way, and to police ourselves in our activities. Problems and challenges were ours to solve, but guidance was there if we were stumped.

Aside from my own father and Granddad, these Scoutmasters were the only other real men in my life during that time. I learned alot from all of them during those formative years, and I give credit to them for guiding me along the right path. The Scouting organizatin as whole was the best thing to ever happen to me, and I cherish those memories. All these years later, I can still recite the Scout promise, law and motto. And they still have relivance to me today.

Promise: On my honour, I promise to do my best, to love and serve God, my Queen, my Country and my fellow man and to live by the Scout law.

Law: A Scout is helpful and trustworthy, kind and cheerfull, considerate and clean, and wise in the use of his resources.

Motto: Be prepared.

I can think of no better code to live by.

"Do A Good Turn Daily"?

I think the Boy Scouts of America might have had some small differences from our Canadian neighbors to the Great North?
I to was a life long Boy Scout, my Dad was an Eagle Scout, and had 65 years plus and earned the Silver Beaver while still an active Scout Master. My children weren't interested, but later wanted to do the Indian Guide/Indian Princess's YMCA program, not the same, but the camping was similar.
Life is a good thing, isn't it?

[NNICKB]

I think the Boy Scouts of America might have had some small differences from our Canadian neighbors to the Great North?

Indeed. But I always said what made the Boy Scouts was your local troop, not the national office.

All of us around here have to "serve my Queen" as well. You know, the brunette one.

[Bruce]

Heh-Heh....

Indeed. But I always said what made the Boy Scouts was your local troop, not the national office.

All of us around here have to "serve my Queen" as well. You know, the brunette one.

The queen around here has auburn hair, I don't know what your talking about?

[Jonas Smith]

A man should...

I thought of a few other good ones...

Own a watch with hands, not one of those digital jobs.

Have a good pair of leather boots and keep them greased.

Know how to carve the meat at the dinner table, (and if you are using one of those electric carving knives you are immediatly disqualified).

Own a proper set of tools (If you bought them through a clothing mail order catalog, you are out again).

Know how to fistfight.

Know when to say you are sorry and mean it.

Mentor a kid

Don't be caught without your pocketknife. (I am personally terribly guilty of this one.)

Don't consider a post '72 1/2 ton truck. (LOL!)

If you are not a cowboy, don't wear the hat. If you wear the hat, you better be a cowboy.

Take your woman to the opera at least once in this life (or at least a fancy evening out).

I'll think of more I'm sure, but I have to go bleed my brakes.

[Kevin Mienke]

Those are all good.

Your first one is a good one to remember if you are going to ride your motorcycle into a cedar fence on a snow covered mountain, break your watch and have to replace it. I've never done that. But since YOU have....
I should tell you I have an Elgin pocket watch that was made in 1918. I have to wind it once in the morning and again in the evening, but it keeps perfect time. It is protected more in my pocket than those that are worn on the wrist. It is the right watch for a man who works with his hands AND/OR the man who rides his motorcycle into cedar fences.

[Jonas Smith]

I forgot the most important one

And this applies to my latest motorcycle adventure as well as many other things in life...

WALK IT OFF and then get back on the bike, back to work, back in the game.

I think this is a lesson you taught us Kevin.

[Kevin Mienke]

WALK IT OFF and then get back on the bike, back to work, back in the game.

That has to be rule #1. Because we're gonna fall, even if we're doing everything right.

[Ron in Indiana]

I've never been without my Boy Scout pocket knife since 1966. I've had to replace it a few times from use but I always have a Scout knife. My latest is a bit of a disappointment because it's stamped CHINA on the blade. Thinner than all my others too. What's the world coming to?

My dad was a Scoutmaster for 22 years until his death in 1988. Being a Scout I picked up the torch and carried it until 1994 as Scoutmaster. My two brothers were Scouts also with my youngest brother being the first Eagle in our troop.
In 1979 I was able to join my Dad and brother on the trip of a lifetime to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. We have a picture of the three of us on top of the Tooth of Time. I have worn a Philmont belt and buckle almost everyday since then to remember that trip. There is no finer organization than the Boy Scouts to build young men into leaders.

[Gordon Maney]

And this applies to my latest motorcycle adventure as well as many other things in life...

WALK IT OFF and then get back on the bike, back to work, back in the game.

I think this is a lesson you taught us Kevin.

He teaches us quite a lot.

[74w300uteline]

eagle scout on your resume

a human resources big wig for a Fortune 100 company told me that when they see Eagle Scout on a resume they do not have to read any further. Even if formal education is not an exact fit for the job, they know that they are getting an employee who has solid character and can be groomed for almost any position,probably multiple positions. Employer sees candidate as a sound longterm investment.

[Kevin Mienke]

The fire department likes to hire vererans of the Armed Forces. It is no wonder why.

Growing up, I had a friend who did not have much in the way of skills. He didn't have boy scouts or little league. He didn't take industrial arts classes.

He had no confidence.

He didn't have any interests and he didn't have a mentor growing up. He joined the Marine Corps out of High School and came back a different man....full of confidence and skill.

[Jonas Smith]

Taking my own advice...

I should find a safer hobby, like rock climbing.

[Kevin Mienke]

I should find a safer hobby, like rock climbing.

In FD drill school we did a lot of rapelling from tall buildings. One of the tests was to rappel halfway down, invert your whole body, let loose of the rope, get yourself upright again, and proceed down.

It was a thrill. Each knot was one you tied yourself.