How to Thank Camp Volunteers?

[SSScout 1615]

Here is an idea I would like to see done "again".

When I escorted my Webelos Scouts to summer camp some years ago,  I was presented with a set of forms by the camp staff. These were in addition to the usual health,  realeases,  desired classes, etc.

These forms said, in essence, "fill out this information sheet, and we will send your boss, your employer, a thank you note, extolling your virtues and telling your employer how lucky they are to have an employee like you who is so devoted to the future of America, etc.  ".

Well, I filled it out and sure enough, some weeks later I received a memo from my department head acknowledging my camp time service, that this "compliment" would be placed in my file and would be considered when my evaluation came up.  Wow.  I think it actually helped in my next promotion.  The memo from the camp (Heritage Reservation) in the Greater Pittsburgh Council had been signed by . . .Bob Mazzuca.   

When I suggested this idea to the DE who staffed our next CSDC< she was impressed with this way of promoting Scout Service and produced the info sheet.  Some folks  filled it out, I did.  Presto! I got another memo from the Department head.   That was ten or more years ago.   I have not seen another effort at this since.  

SO:  It takes some doing, your DE and CSE need to agree it's a nice idea, but hey,  I think it's worth the effort.   Typing, copying, postage, signing....   

Why do we use up our vacation time?  Just another excuse to go camping?  Yes, I think it is nice to have someone else know WHY we go camping.  If someone with some imprimatur (CSE !)  can send a letter (an actual LETTER ! )  complimenting and thanking our boss for "allowing your employee to help mold the future citizens of America",   hey, do it.   Every little thing helps.   

Talk to your DE and get those letters out ! 

[qwazse 4344]

When he was on res, Bob personally took the addresses of our employers. His enthusiasm for this practice was palpable. He said he did this for every scouter he met, even those who didn't serve him coffee as good as mine!

Epilogue: When he was CSE, our scouts attending Jambo or some regional event would look him up just to say, "Hi". Some of their dads were self-employed, and their wives would get that letter! The guy became a household name!

[awanatech 87]

I just returned from a week of Summer Camp at our Council's camp.  One morning toward the end of the week, at one of the SM Coffees, the Camp Director passed out a form like that to everyone who wanted one. She encouraged us to take at least one for our spouse and one for our employer.  We filled out the info and they should receive a letter thanking them for our time in camp.  I've never had a Camp Director mention anything like that in years past.