I sit here, on my couch, thinking about what 2011 has meant to me. Most years come and go and I struggle to remember what happened other than the occasional big event. 2011 seemed different. I went into this year with the mindset that I was going to take everything I could from the time I had, I was going to do things different, I was going to do things better. Looking back at it, I feel pretty good about what I’ve done.

 

Today completes my first full year as Scoutmaster, a responsibility I have come to love. I have seen the difference I make in the lives of the young men I serve. I have become their friend, trusted advisor, and source of encouragement. People often see my involvement in Scouting as a burden, I can not disagree more. I feel like I have found something in life, outside my family of course, where I can make a difference in this world. The things I have seen in my Scouts makes me so proud and the experiences we have shared makes me smile from ear to ear.

The week at summer camp this year was probably my happiest time in Scouting. The Troop did an amazing job. They participated fully, and 100% of it was because of the Scouts. They took away the Honor Troop award, something they probably don’t think too much about, but when they were called up to receive their ribbon, I couldn’t have been prouder. Summer camp this year wasn’t about the merit badges, for the first time it was about 7 Scouts, bonding together, tackling the adventure, and showing that they knew what it means to be a Boy Scout.

 

I watched my first of many “Scout Lead” Troop meetings. They have really come a long way and really enjoy the fact that they’ve done it on their own. We adventured into the backcountry for the first time as a Troop and along the trail I was able to do a Scoutmaster conference, one I will not soon forget.

 

My wonderful Bear and I completed our Wood Badge tickets on the same day and were honored to receive our beads during this year’s Wood Badge course. I still look back at the picture of her singing the Gilwell song at the close of the course, with her beads and neckerchief around her neck and it still makes me beam with pride.

 

I watched as my wife took on an interim role as District Executive within our Council. Actually, as I write she’s busy putting together her Charters to bed and writing her final report. I’m so proud of what she had done for our district. She’s earned the respect of so many Scouters. She probably doesn’t know how much she’s grown as a person through this process, but I couldn’t be prouder of her. She’s an amazing woman and I’m glad she’s finally proving that to herself.

 

We’ve lost a few Scouts from the Troop this year, but gained a few more. We’re on track for becoming a great Troop and the recruiting efforts are paying off. I’m excited about the new batch of Scouts that will be joining us in 2012.

 

I’ve made some great new friends and I thank you all for your dedication to the greatest youth movement our world has ever seen.

 

There are so many things that make me smile and proud. There’s no way to list them all. I’ll close 2011 out with a short video of the adventures of Troop 141. It’s something I showed at the close of Scoutmaster Specific Training. It shows the reason why I do what I do. My role as Scoutmaster means so much to me and I can only hope what I do continues to make a difference.

 

For all of you reading this, I wish you the very best in 2012. May your Scouting light continue to shine and your dedication continue to grow.

 

Yours Forever In Scouting

 

Scoutmaster Phil