Four Styles of Leadership- Part B

Obviously using only four different styles of leadership is not going to work all of the time. These are not guaranteed methods but are methods that should give a new leader a starting place to work with. People can fill multiple books full of information on the different styles of leadership, I am just focusing on the most basic styles that work well within the scouting program. Again these are not solve all strategies and should not bbe treated as the solution to every situation that will come up.

The Persuading Style of Leadership

Definition: This style of leadership is best when used with scouts who learned the skill but have not made it into their own practice. They still need conviencing that it is the way to accomplish the task. A Leader with this style is suppose to help them try out their new knowledge on their own, offering help on a as needed basis and praise for any degree of achievement.

Used Well: Jack the patrol setup tents as a group on our last campout. I think you can do it yourself this time, Pick a good site, pitch your tent and if you need any help I'll be over here with the new guys.

Used poorly: Setup that stove by yourself, I am busy.

The delegating Style of Leadership

Definition: This style of leadership should be used when the leader knows that the assigned task can be completed. The leader empowers others to use their skills and knowledge to complete tasks responsibly and successfully.

Used Well: Mike you are really good at your knots and I need you to sit through the knots class to help the instructor teach the new scouts the knots, would you go help them.

Used Poorly: Hey charlie I know it is going to be boring for you but you are supposed to go sit trough that first aid demonstration to help the instructor teach the class.

Hopefully this is a good start for youth leaders. These are the first four styles of leadership that I usually try to get the new youth leaders to practice because once they have these four styles under control then the group will function fairly smoothly and effectively and the trainer can start focusing on the finer points of the leadership development continum. Obiviously this continum does not end and is a life long journey but the fact remains the trainer has to start somewhere.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 Philmont AA '08

Scout Joke of the Week

10 Reasons Not to be an Eagle Scout:

10. Scout uniform is not a "babe magnet."
9. Outdoor latrines have no walls.
8. Miss the chance to see every facet of Murphy's law in action on a single campout.
7. Avoid flack from your friends for missing whatever goes on during the weekend of your campout.
6. Never get to sleep three guys in the same wet sleeping bag.
5. Miss the opportunity to spend two months of each summer in your teen years applying every antibiotic cream,
lotion and spray offered by the medical world on boils, infections, rashes and poison ivy.
4. Avoid continual advice about leadership from Scoutmasters.
3. You won't have to make a 7 a.m. campout departure the night after prom.
2. Have more time to run with your gang.
1. You'll be like the other 98 percent of Scout

-author unknown

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 Philmont AA '08

Four Styles of Leadership- Part A

Since lately I have been trying to focus on leadership theroy and its application I figured it woul be appropriate to definite the four main styles of leadership which include the telling style, the coaching style, The persauding style, and the delegating style. In this post I will define the style, then give a example of it being used well, and then finally give a example of the style being used poorly.

Style 1: The Telling Style of Leadership

Definition: The telling style of leadership is used when a person needs to communicate immediately or in a emergency and also when their is a need to give specific instructions when a person is first learning the skill. This style is defined as one-way communication from one person to another and usually involves little discussion.

Used Well: I need you and Jim to go to the comissary to pick up food at exactly 4:30 pm in order to pick up our food for dinner, remember to bring the milk cart wagon with you to haul the food.

Used Poorly: Okay everybody get to the flag gathering area on the double, and I mean everybody. I will tell you way we have to hurry to get there after we get their.

Style 2: The Coaching Style of Leadership

Definition: This style of leadership involves two way communication and is communication that should promote the asking of questions and sharing observations. The leader should offer support, encouragement, instruction, and praise.

Used Well: Joe to tie a square you hold one end of a rope in each hand like this. Pass the right and under the rope in your left hand, and pull it snug. Next pass the rope in your left hand over and under the one now in your right hand and pull it snug. Got it? Now you give it a try.

Used poorly: You want to know how to setup that tent? Come on everybody knows how to setup that it, it is as easy as tying your shoes and we have only practiced it a million times.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 Philmont AA '08

Respect

Many scouts in this world think that a person can just demand respect no matter how they act and they will get it. Respect cannot be demanded of a person it must be earned by developing a relationship with the person under you that is trusting and is a two way street. What I mean by two way street is that the leader must respect the subordinate and the subordinate must be willing to respect the leader. Demanding respect will get a person nowhere in life and it definitely not a very effective way for getting information and ideas across to the members of the patrol.

To get respect a person should start with the following tasks:

1. Attitude: Have a positive and appropriate attitude even when their is a problem. A positive attitude can make or break the difference between pulling out of a problem and not pulling out of a problem. As soon as the leader looses their positive attitude, the group will loose their positive attitude which makes it very hard to to accomplish the assigned tasks of the group.
   
2. Behavior: Be a person that is kind and generous. Never assign a task that you would not be willing to do yourself. Being kind is necessary in order to develop a relationship that will lead a person to wanting to be helpful to you.
3. Loyalty: A Be there for you scouts. This does not mean that you have to make every meeting but you must faithfully serve your scouts in every possible manner. A leader cannot make every meeting but the leader must be willing to stay in regular contact with your group members.
4. Listen: A leader must learn to actively listen to the ideas of his superiors and his subordinates. Active listening requires a person to make eye contact and fully pay attention to that person. A leader must first learn to listen before he can learn to communicate.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 Philmont AA '08

Patrol Duty Roster

One of the biggest problems that a new patrol leader faces is determining how to evenly and fairly distribute the work load between the various scouts in his patrol. Distributing the work load within a patrol is essential because it allows the patrol to learn how to work as a team and it also teaches the patrol how important working together is. The Patrol duty roster is essential document for every outing that should be agreed on by the members of the patrol before the outing even begins. Dividing and making a patrol duty roster helps to ensure balance and makes sure everyone has a job to do.

The patrol duty roster has jobs on it that are referred to as patrol Leadership positions. All of the patrol leadership positions except for Patrol Leader do not count for rank advancement. Some of the important Patrol leadership positions include:

• Patrol Leader: Directs and supervises the activities of the patrol. Communicates information to his assigned members from the Senior Patrol Leader.
  
• Assistant Patrol Leader: Serves at the discretion of the patrol leader meaning that he helps the patrol leader as necessary and fills in for the patrol leader on a as needed basis.
• Head Cook: in charge of preparation and the cooking of the meal based on the outings meal plan. Directs the Assistant cook to do various tasks.
• Assistant Cook: Assists the head cook in the preparation and cooking of the meal.
  
• Grubmaster: The person who is in-charge of securing the food for the patrol before the campout. Informs cook what is on the menu on a as needed basis. This position is primarily for before the outing begins.
• Cheermaster: Leaders the patrol in songs and the patrols yell. Helps the patrol to keep a high level of morale with his commrades.
• Fireman: Incharge of preparing and lighting the fire for cooking or for warmth. Also ensures the fire that the patrol is incharge of is completely out before he goes to bed.
• Waterman: Gathers water to cooking, cleaning, and drinking. If filtration is necessary this person should have a assistant.
  
• Scribe: In charge of keeping patrol records such as duty rosters, meal plans, attendance, and advancement paperwork. Assistants the Troop scribe on a as needed basis.
• Quartmaster: Solves gear issues to his level of expertise or gets assistance from the Troop quartermaster. Reports need for repairs, broken, or lost items to the Troop quartermaster.
• Head KP Person: Is incharge of setting up and maintaining the dish line. Washes the patrol dishes and supervises the washing of personal dishes.
• Assistant KP Person: assistants the head KP person in the washing of patrol and personal dishes.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 Philmont AA '08

Quote of the Week- Team power

“When a team outgrows individual performance and learns team confidence, excellence becomes a reality.”
Joe Paterno

“The way a team plays as a whole determines its success. You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world, but if they don't play together, the club won't be worth a dime.”
Babe Ruth

“Respect your fellow human being, treat them fairly, disagree with them honestly, enjoy their friendship, explore your thoughts about one another candidly, work together for a common goal and help one another achieve it.”
Bill Bradley

“When a gifted team dedicates itself to unselfish trust and combines instinct with boldness and effort, it is ready to climb.”
Patanjali

“One piece of log creates a small fire, adequate to warm you up,
add just a few more pieces to blast an immense bonfire,
large enough to warm up your entire circle of friends;
needless to say that individuality counts but team work dynamites.”
Master Jin Kwon

“I don't believe in team motivation. I believe in getting a team prepared so it knows it will have the necessary confidence when it steps on a field and be prepared to play a good game.”
Tom Landry

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 Philmont AA '08

Scout Poem

Me? A Scout

By Robert E. Besecker

Me? A Scout?
That's what I want to be.
A shirt of orange, a Tiger Cub,
Just Mom and Dad and me.

Me? A Scout?
I'm a 2nd grader now.
I'll work real hard to be a Wolf,
If you'll just show me how.

Cub Scouting's fun! I'm now a Bear.
A pocketknife to show!
Time to make my pinewood car,
Dad'll help, I know.

Me? A Scout? A Webelos Scout,
And all my best friends too!
Learning 'bout so many things,
And so many things to do.

Now it's time to cross the bridge,
It should be quite a night.
It's really hard for me to think,
Me? The Arrow of Light!

Me? A Scout? A Boy Scout.
So many skills to learn.
Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class,
So many ranks to earn.

I'll work real hard through Star and Life,
and work in Cheerful Service too.
Seems so long since I was Cubbing,
When everything was new.

Me? A Scout? An Eagle Scout!
I'm surely flyin' high.
A Scout is what I'll always be,
The Spirit shall not die.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 Philmont AA '08

Joint Unit Scout Outings

Most people probably do not think too often about conducting outings with multiple units outside of district events because the majority of units out there are big enough to support their outings but for troops in semi-rural to rural areas joint outings are sometimes the only way to accomplish really exciting and different outings. These outings do not include district events like freezerees, klondikes, camporees, or resident camps they are outings that fall outside of the regular district program calender.

On the kenai Peninsula in Alaska this type of outing is what allows Kenai Peninsula Scout units to have a full camping schedule for the year.

Yes this is definitely not in the scoutmaster handbook and is definitely not the norm for scout units but think about it and give it a try, what harm could it do. If nothing else the scouts will find out about how other troops function without having to contend with a competition weekend.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 Philmont AA '08

Humanitarian Car Race with Scouts

Two Scout Leaders take part in the 4L Trophy

Bastien (22 years old) and Mélanie (24 years old) are brother and sister. She likes thrills and travels, he likes mechanics and music. They are both Scout Leaders of the French Scouts and Guides Association (SGDF) in Sallanches (France). They had been looking for some time to participate in a humanitarian project in the spirit of Scouting. So when they inherited the mythical Renault 4L car from their grandfather, it was very natural for them to decide to take part in the 4L Trophy Raid to fulfill their dream and promote their values.

Mélanie explains the goal of their approach: "We want to show that volunteer work is something that has great rewards. Of course, it takes time and one must work hard, but what a joy it is to pass on to young people the values that we live by: sharing, solidarity, autonomy, team spirit, self-confidence".

The 4L Trophy Raid is an Adventure Raid which allows students, exclusively driving a Renault 4L and equipped with a simple compass and a map, to go through France, Spain and Morocco, to distribute school supplies and sport equipment.

A ranking is prepared every night. Speed is completely excluded from the challenge, instead it is the team which achieved the least kilometres and which easily overcame the trial, which wins that day's leg.

"The 4L Trophy is for us the means to accomplish a humanitarian project in a certain continuation of our Scout journey. The 4L (painted with the colours of the SGDF units) attracts the attention of passers-by. It becomes an original way to present Scouting. This adventure is also a way to surpass ourselves and meet new people", says Bastien.

Departed on February, 19th 2009 from Paris, the 12th edition of the Raid arrived March, 1st in Merzouga, Morocco having transported almost 58 tons of school supplies over 6000 km in hundreds of vehicles.

Ranked 665th out of the 1000 participants, Bastien and Mélanie declared: "The Scout Movement is often presented as the “school of life”. For us, this challenge mainly allowed us to impart to the young people we supervise, the taste of adventure and solidarity, and we are proud to have been able to contribute to the elimination of illiteracy for deprived children".

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 Philmont AA '08

Quote of the Week- Confidence

“Confidence...thrives on honesty, on honor, on the sacredness of obligations, on faithful protection and on unselfish performance. Without them it cannot live.”

—Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945), 32nd U.S. president

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 Philmont AA '08

District Freezere

This year the Soldotna LDS Troop hosted the Tustumena District Great Alaska Council Freezeere. This event was not as could as it could have been when comparing it to cold alaska temperatures but it was cold enough to warrant standard winter camping procedures. During this one night campout we ended up have 2 to 3 inches of wet snow fall during the night. This wet snow is definitely not my favorite type of snow because it caused everything to be not just wet but super wet.

For the competition our patrol was to use cotton balls dipped in vasoline, a flint striking fire starter, wood we could gahter,and a t-shirt to make a cup of water. The other two parts of the challenge for the day was to build a snare and to throw sticks at various targets in a course. Our group did not work together very well for two reasons. The first reason is because the leader in charge of the group does not get the respect he deserves. The Second reason is because everybody in the group is more concerned about their personal interests than working together to chaieve a goal. It is really hard to do well in any competition when the people you depend on for that competition are not willing to be cooperative.

A few of the lessons I stressed to the group after this experience include the following ideas:

1. Never Give: When I say never give up what I truthfully mean is that you never give up until you have exhausted all methods that are possible for completing a task. Once a leader stops believing in task completion the group will join that band wagon of thinking that the task is impossible to complete.
2. Teamwork: Remember the saying together everyone achieves more. There is no I in team. Teamwork is necessary for any task that requires multiple people to get the job done efficient. Yes the majority of tasks a person completes can be done by themselves but are you really getting the task done in a effective and efficient manner. When working as a individual in most cases the answer is no. Teamwork is required to hold together a group.
   
3. Follow directions: The leaders in the Troop are not out there just to pick on a certain scout when giving instructions. These instructions are either to accomplish a task that must be done or to prevent or stop unsafe actions from occuring when possible. Following directions means actively listening to the information given by a person, ensuring you intetrepret the information correctly, acting on that intrepretation, and then evaluating or examing our performance on the activity.

These are just a few of my observations from a recent campout. I could probably write a book with the amount of information I have to process about this campout but I am not here to do that.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 Philmont AA '08

Arrowmen in Action

Here is the second installment of Arrowmen in Action.

Arrowmen In Action: Serving the People of a State

This semester, as many Arrowmen are taking their seats in the schoolhouse, Jeff St. Cyr will be taking his seat in the state house. That’s right, at just twenty years old, Jeff—an Eagle Scout, Vigil Honor section chief from Troop 53 in Alton, New Hampshire—is a member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives. In addition, he’s a student at the University of New Hampshire and, on top of that, chairs his local school board in Alton, New Hampshire.

For Jeff, leadership is something that he’s used to. "It’s always been a part of my life," he says. In fact, Jeff credits Scouting with giving him the fundamental skills that it takes to be a leader. He was involved in his troop leadership from an early age, starting first as an assistant patrol leader and then working his way up. Today, Jeff serves as Section Chief for NE-1A and will serve as the Conference Vice Chief for Communications at NOAC this summer.

But when he’s not visiting lodges or planning for the conference, Jeff is also representing New Hampshire’s fifth district in the House of Representatives and chairing his local school board. His service on the school board is Jeff’s way of giving back. "I attended the school system when I was younger," says Jeff. "It’s good to be able to bring a youth perspective to the board."

The New Hampshire House of Representatives is made up of 400 members. Of that body, just three are Jeff’s age. The part-time nature of the legislature attracts either young folks who do not yet have careers or retired citizens who have the time and resources to devote to spending time in the capital. But for Jeff, time management is his key to getting things done. "I do a lot of traveling back and forth," he says. His priorities still lie with getting an education—something Jeff knows is important for his future.

And how does he manage to represent his 3,000 or so constituents in the state house, chair the school board, and run a section? "There’s a balance of working with Scouting and serving constituents," that Jeff seems to have perfected. At the end of the day, Jeff just enjoys being involved in his community and wants others to know they can be involved, too. "Arrowmen in their communities can certainly get involved," he encourages. All it takes is the "Power of One".

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 Philmont AA '08

Trouble Maker Do's and Don'ts

One of the biggest headaches and heartaches in scouting does not come from failed activities or meetings it comes from figuring out how to deal with those pesky scouts that are determined to be troublemakers. I dislike using that term because it has such a negative connotation attached to it. I agree that the behavior exhibited by these so called troublemakers is definitely problematic but the truth of the matter is that for the majority of troublemakers it isn't that they have evil or bad intentions in is usually because of age, maturity level, personal or family issues, or even problems at school. Most kids are not bad but are just misguided. Learning how to deal and not deal with these scouts is one of the most important skills you can learn while being a scout leader. I have complied a list of some of the do's and don'ts of troublemakers that I though are the most important. Of course this list is just a start, in order to work with troublemakers you must understand what is causing the behavior, how the scout works, and what would be a appropriate solution for that particular individual. Their is no set rule or solution for every scout but here is what I consider the basics to be.

Lets Start on the Don'ts:

• Don't Yell and scream at the scout it will just fuel the scouts fire and he will continue acting the way he is acting
• Don't reprimand him in front of his peers, he will despise you if you do reprimand him their.
• Don't be rude when telling the scout what he did wrong
• Don't just criticize the person.
• Don't focus on just bad.

Now here are so of the Do's of troublemakers:

• Do be patient calm and understanding. Kids will always be kids not matter what you do.
• Do make the scout aware of his bad behavior but do so privately and in a manner that conveys the issue but is non threatening and concise.
• Do point out the postive things the scout does. Keeping positive will make the scout see that you are there to be a part of the solution
• Do allow the scout to share his side of the story. Just talking to the scout about the issue will do miracles.

The reason why I post this is because I lost focus during a recent scout meeting and overreacted to a situation with a particular scout. I should have not overreacted but as humans no one is perfect and everyone must learn how to work with others even if you do not see eye to eye on a issue. I will definitely refocus my energy for this scout to work with him to solve the issue and will not allow myself to loose control of the situation again. The situation did not turn out horrible but it was exactly what you would call ideal.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 Philmont AA '08

Tour Permit and Health Form- Correction

Correction for:
Tour Permit and Health Form Post
Published on February 20, 2009

Through a comment posted on my blog it has come to my attention that I mis spoke about the policies and procedures for the tour permit. The correction is as follows:

I said that: "All adults on the outing who are leaders are required to have Youth Protection Training."

Which should have said this: "All registered adults participating in any nationally conducted event or activity must have completed BSA Youth Protection training. At least one registered adult who has completed BSA Youth Protection training must be present at all other events and activities that require a tour permit."

I apologize for the incorrect information.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616

Tour Permit and Health Form

Here are a few helpful reminders regarding the new format to the Local Tour Permit that is effective immediately:

• All adults on the outing who are leaders are required to have Youth Protection Training. This training is good for 2 years from date of certification
• hazardous Weather Training is now required for at least one adult going on the outing.

Again let me remind you that the New Health Form has replaced the class 1,2, and 3 medical forms. This new health form requires all participants no matter what age to get a annual physical for strenuous high adventure activities and for long term camp outs like summer camp. This standard is different from the old medical form which determined the amount of time physicals were good for by age. Also this form includes a hold harmless and video/photo release form. I believe that the addition of these two forms is very important in this digital age.

Some of this is not new but I wanted to remind those people who have to start worrying about planning summer camp.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616

Physically Fit

Most of the people I know and hangout with think the media has become obsessed with a perfect and ripped body image for males in particular. I believe that being fit and healthy is different than just looking good and being ripped. Scouts need to stay and maintain a appropriate weight for the body size and composition. I am not say all scouts need to look like super jocks but scouts need to be healthy. The only way to figure out if you are a healthy weight and size is to talk to your family physician. This is the only way to know if you are fit. Remember to not measure your level of physical ability against others, measure it against what you think you are capable of and you will rarely let yourself down. Falling into peer pressure is the not solution.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616

Cub Scout Survival 101

Akela was teaching his Cub Scouts about survival in the desert.

"What are the three most important things you should bring with you in case you get lost in the desert?" he asked.

Several hands went up, and many important things were suggested such as food, matches, etc. Then one little boy in the back eagerly raised his hand.

"Yes Timmy, what are the three most important things you would bring with you?" asked the Akela.

Timmy replied: "A compass, a canteen of water, and a deck of cards."

"Why's that Timmy?"

"Well," answered Timmy, "the compass is to find the right direction, the water is to prevent dehydration..."

"And what about the deck of cards?" asked the Akela impatiently.

"Well, Sir, as soon as you start playing Solitaire, someone is bound to come up behind you and say, "Put that red nine on top of that black ten!"

The author is unkown but I thought it was really funny

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
JASM
T1616

A Eagle's Obligation

The Eagle Rank represents proficiency in all Scouting skills, and is attained by only about 2 percent of all young men in Scouting. It represents a great deal of teamwork as a member and leader of a troop. You demonstrated, by living the Scout Oath and Law, in an effort to perpetuate the Scouting Spirit. It also represents years of hard work, strength of character, persistence and, more important, it is indicative of what lies in the future as a Scout grows into manhood. Eagle Rank testifies that a Scout has an understanding of his community and his nation, and a willingness to become involved. It is also fitting at this time, to explain that not only does this badge signify his hard work, it also signifies certain obligations on his part.
The first obligation of an Eagle Scout is Honor. The white in the Eagle Badge represents honor, and it is the sacred foundation of his character. Character is not what you think of yourself, [ Scout's name ], but what you are, deep inside. It is what you do to reflect credit upon your home, family, church, school, friends, and yourself. Always let the white of the badge remind you to live with honor.
The second obligation of an Eagle Scout is Loyalty. The blue in the Eagle Badge represents loyalty, your loyalty, for without it, character lacks direction. Regardless of how rough the road, how difficult the task, or how impossible the situation, you must remain loyal to your cause and purpose. It is the sense of belonging, being a part of a team and working together with others. It is standing by your work, your promises and your pledges. It is also the feeling you give others....knowing that they can count on you. Let the blue of this badge remind you to remain loyal.
The third obligation of an Eagle Scout is Courage. The red in the Eagle Badge represents courage, it gives your character force and strength. If you have faith in God and your fellowman, you are able to face each day unafraid and strive to share in the work at hand. You should do your part in all things, regardless of danger, adversity, or hardship. Let the red of the badge remind you of courage.
The fourth obligation is Responsibility. and is represented by the Scout Motto, Be Prepared. It means that you are always in a state of readiness, both in mind and body, so you will be able to face danger and help others to the best of your ability. It also means that you have been trained for emergencies, and that you are confident of your ability to do your duty as an Eagle Scouts.
The fifth and final obligation is that of Service. This obligation is represented by the Eagle. You must extend a helping hand to those who still toil up the Scouting trail, just as others helped you achieve your goal. It means that the daily good turn must continue. You must strive to protect the weak and defend the helpless. The Eagle also indicates that you are now an elite member of an esteemed group of world citizens. With this honor comes the knowledge that any discredit which falls upon you, also befalls your brother Eagle Scouts.
Are you willing to accept these obligations, responsibilities, and the honor of the Eagle Scout Badge?
Answer: Yes, with the help of God, I am.
Remember your obligations of Honor, Loyalty, Courage, Responsibility, and Service. Our heartfelt congratulations to you on this very, very special occasion, and our sincere hope is that you may always wear your Eagle Badge with dignity and pride.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
JASM
Troop 1616

National Training Center

Well the news is spreading but it looks like the Jamboree will be staying in the Virginia/West Virginia Region if they go through with the negotiations that they are planning on doing. I really do not care where the jamboree is, yes it would have been nice to have it in a more central location. The location should not affect scouts wanting to go to this event. Yes the price is really high for those on the west coast but with prior planning anything is possible if you put your mind to it. These events are not just for the rich and well to do scouts, they are for all scouts who are willing to work in order to attend these events. Not everybody is going to have the same financial capacity but if a Scout is truly thrifty and with the proper amount of time given should be able to attend a big event like the National Jamboree. These event dates or approximate time frame is known a few years in advance, so there really is not excuse for not paving your own way to attending one of these events.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
JASM
Troop 1616

Quote of the Week- Power of Individual

"We all have ability. The difference is how we use it." - Stevie Wonder

"For every person who doubts you, tell you you will fail, try twice as hard to prove them wrong."
---Unknown

"The power of one man or one woman doing the right thing for the right reason, and at the right time, is the greatest influence in our society."
---Jack Kemp

"Be yourself. An original is always worth more than a copy."
---Unknown

"We have no choice of what color we're born or who our parents are or whether we're rich or poor. What we do have is some choice over what we make of our lives once we're here."
---Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor

"Never think life is not worth living or that you cannot make a difference. Never give up."
---Marcia Wright-Edelman

"If you believe in yourself, things are possible."
---Shannon Macmillan

"A true hero does what needs to be done and needs no other reason."
---Unknown

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616