I am very proud of the Scouts in the Ship.

I really like nearly all of them and don't dislike any of them.

They never cease to amaze me.

These kids work really hard, they attend school, work part-time jobs, participate in after school activities and still find time for Scouting.

I have never made a big deal about uniforms, they really like their uniforms and have never made a big deal about wearing them.

When I'm not as enthusiastic as maybe I should be they somehow manage to recharge my battery.

They try so very hard to please not just me but the Ship, they want to see it do well.

Of course some are more intelligent then others, some are so darn clever while others seem to struggle even with the easy stuff.

At times they do tease each other, but I've never seen anyone be really unkind.

I feel deeply honored that these young people want to spent time with me.

They will only be young for a very short time. I really enjoy being with them and know that I have no way of ever giving them back their time.

They make me laugh, not at them but with them, we share some really super, outstanding times.

I enjoy their respect and really do my best to respect them.

I keep waiting for a little toad to join the Ship, but so far it hasn't happened.

I know that I have been blessed to just know this group.

I don't think I deserve it.

But I sure as heck enjoy it.

Eamonn.

This reminds me of my days as a scout 30 years ago. We formed an Explorer Post. Of the twenty two boys who were charter members, 18 were Eagle scouts. Within 3 years, all members were Eagle scouts. We capped membership at 25 and for the first 3-4 years, we never dipped below 20 Eagle scouts.

 

When we chartered, there was a transition period while everyone learned how to get along with the others. We had pulled from basically 3 different troops, each with its own culture and displine expectations. Shortly we all grew together and formed our own culture.

 

I remember that everyone was always willing. There was always a desire to excell, to do our best, to reach for the next goal. Working together as such a tight knit group of exceptional people so early in my life was a joy. It took me many years to find another group of people who understood the same values, same ideas, same goals and were so eager to volunteer to accomplish the impossible.

 

In my case it was an all volunteer technical rescue squad. The chief is an Eagle scout. Those who are drawn to the squad enjoy the challegene, both mental and physical of the demanding training and execution of the highly technical rescues. Every meeting starts off with thirty minutes of knot tying. One of our missions is Search and Rescue (SAR). The core training for SAR is wilderness survival, Map & Compass, and hiking skills. We plan, train, and equip ourselves to Be Prepared for any emergency the public might get themselves into including swiftwater, hazardous materials, trench collapse, confined space, and locations requiring rope rescue. We take courses and complete requirements in front of trainers to earn various certifications for which we get a card and a patch. All members must complete at least a 40 advanced first aid course but most are EMTs or Paramedics. The more experienced members usually become state certified instructors and run classes for the newer members. More experienced members are selected as junior officers in charge of specific groups like the dive team, the SAR team, or the technical team. Sound like another group you might be familar with? www.REDSTeam.com

 

I struggled for a couple of decades to find such a group. At times I could not understand while the rest of the world did not take charge, lead, follow, or help out the way our Explorer Post did. It sounds as if you have developed just such a group with your Ship. I envy you the joy you must have working with such a group.

 

Lucky you!

Serendipity I think.

Eamonn