Mike Nicholson

Hi,

Earlier I posted a message indicating what I was thankful for receiving from Scouting from when I started as Cub Scout until now.

As a Scouter I am thankful for the chance to pass on what was given to me. I am also thankful my son and those of my friends and neighbors have the opportunity to learn there is more to living than video games. I am thankful for the energy the Boys pass to me every time we have a meeting or participate in an event. Finally I am thankful for all those who are willing to take the time to pass on what they know, learn or see to those of us who still have questions and problems to solve.

Mike Nicholson

Dad, Den Leader, Dispatcher

Hi,

With Thanksgiving rapidly approaching I know it is time to give thanks for the blessings we have received. As Scout Leaders I know you are giving back to the community. I was wondering what you had received from Scouting? I have many things to give thanks for. In the past I was a Cub Scout, a Boy Scout and an Explorer. I received many things from this.

My first interest in my family history was spurred by an activity in my Bear book. Later as a Boy Scout I became interested in nature and the outdoors while working on the Conservation of Natural Resources badge. This led to a 9-year association with the local Forest Preserve Nature Center and my first part time job. It also led me to a full time job with a person I met there.

Another Boy Scout activity, First Aid, led me into Explorers with a Fire Post at the local volunteer Fire Department. This led to 15-years as a Firefighter, EMT and finally as Lieutenant on a volunteer Department helping to run the ambulance.

The Fire Post also led to my career as a Police/Fire/EMS/9-1-1 Dispatcher. A friend from the Post was a Fire Dispatcher. The Police and Fire Department had combined efforts and needed someone familiar with the Fire Service. I applied and 20-years later I am second in seniority here, behind our Supervisor.

Scouting in a roundabout way led to me meeting my wife, getting married, having 3 children (2 girls and a boy) and returning to Cub Scouts after helping my wife with her Girl Scout Troops. Now I am a Den Leader and the cycle is starting over. I hope to give back as much or more than I received. I am already receiving a renewed enjoyment of life just by being with this active bunch of Wolf's. I am learning some things have not changed from my youth and others have.

I have shared just a small portion of the things I am thankful for that came from Scouting. There are many everyday activities and abilities I learned as a Scout. What about you? Is there something you can share? Something you are thankful for that started with Scouting?

Mike Nicholson

Dad, Den Leader, Dispatcher

Glenview, Illinois

Hi,

Back in the 60's and 70's as a young Scout and even now when we cook over a campfire in the back yard I use the soap trick. A thin coating of dish soap makes it much easier to remove the soot. One word of caution. It is very easy to get soap inside the pot or pan. After a couple of soapy meals I was willing to scrub the top 1/2 inch or so if it meant the food tasted better.

There is only one non-castiron item I will not use this on. For some reason the coffee tastes better out of my old soot covered metal coffee pot.

Have fun and enjoy.

Mike Nicholson

Starting again with Cub Scouts