"Strickly for Cubmaster"

In reply to Bob Knudson's question about the value of "Stickly for
Cubmasters", thanks for the question, Bob.
When I took "Strickly for Cubmasters", I had been a Cubmaster for
Three full years and been on District Training staff for two years. Imagine
my disappointment to fully recongnize the sylabus for Adult Leader Basic
Training. It did not take long to relize that I was extreamly privilaged to
be in the company of some outstanding folks. The course was presented in a
style that I could adapt and adopt in my training position back in my home
district. BSA policies were presented in a high energy style by two premire
instructors who I came to admire in a way too short week. The benifit of
seeing how the training could be done was invaluable as a trainer.
As a Cubmaster, the full benifit came from standing in the
breakfast, lunch, and dinner line in front of the dinning hall, talking with
Scout folks, men and women, from all over creation. The crowd in front of
the lemon aid and coke dispenser, who were constantly talking "shop" on
breaks. The cracker barrel get together where you heard scout songs and
discussions until everyone headed off to bed. In a room FULL of Cubmasters
there where only four that had never had Cubmaster basic. I cannot say
enough about the people who were there that week. The wonderful cerimonies
that were exchanged or just given freely. The ideas and approaches of 44
Cubmasters from 30 states!!!!!
A week or so ago, someone metioned all the "other" folks you meet at
Phillmont. There were Webelos leaders, Committee Members, District Camp
Directors, along with parents of Boy Scouts that are on treks or on staff.
All normal everyday down to earth Scouters who are willing to share
everything they know with a humble fellow like myself. Great staff.
Wonderfull experience.
Mike Walton talked about the surroundings a few days ago, and did an
outstanding job of painting a word picture of the place. The "Tooth of
Time" is a rock outcroping up the hill. The beautiful Villa with the huge
lawn and the shade trees lining the drive, and the Canadian River across the
road, where that mother bear brought her Cub to drink one morning. The
compound with the feel of a small intimate college somewhere in the
mountains. The cool air in the mornings and knowing that it was hotter
than.......yea, there, back in Texas. 40 degrees at night in JULY!!! The
BUFFALOs who came up to the fence on our arrival day and were not seen
again. The Rugged beauty!! Between the great, great people and the
surrounding, it brings to mind the line in the song that says; "Heaven is a
place on Earth".
It will be something I will never forget. A great time to be a
Scouter, A Great time to be a Dad. Great Rocking Chair memories for later.
Shucks, I think I will go look at my Phillmont pictures now.
I have gone on long enough. Go! Enjoy the experience! Meet and
talk with humble people who do not even know they are great! Pick up some
wonderful ideas and refresh your committment to Scouts and Scouting.

Truely Yours in Scouting
Joe Marsh
Dad
Land of Texas

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