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

Not until after the introduction of Cub Scouts in 1930 were women allowed to participate as adult volunteers in the BSA. Even the early years of Cub Scouts had no women. It wasn’t until 1932 that women were allowed to serve as Den Mothers, and then still under the guidance of a Boy Scout Den Chief. Nearly 60 years passed before the BSA removed all gender restrictions on adult volunteer positions. In February 1988, when I was 10 years old, I may have been one of the first groups of Cub Scouts to move into a Boy Scout Troop that had the opportunity to be lead by a female Scoutmaster. I never made it to Boy Scouts and I have no idea if at that time there would have been any female Scoutmasters in my area, but only in that year would that have been possible.

So you ask, what’s the big deal? Why am I even talking about it? It’s the 21^st century, right? Well, here’s the deal, I’m upset about the role women play in modern day Scouting. Ya, that’s right, I’m not happy with it at all.

This last weekend I had the fortunate honor of taking part in my Ordeal ceremony to become part of the BSA’s honor society, the Order of the Arrow. An honor that was granted to me by my district and something I don’t take lightly. Upon my return home I learned something, something I’ve known to some extent for some time, but I guess I never fully understood. My wife pointed out that I was now part of the “Boys Club” and one step further away from the two of us being on equal terms in regards how we are perceived in Scouting circles. This is the first thing since we both joined Scouting many years ago that we did not take on together. I’m not going to get into the politics of how she did not get elected into the OA, but let’s just say I feel she was cheated out of it by someone that has not devoted their life to cheerful service of others. My wife deserved the nomination from the district way more than the person that was nominated in by our unit, and to be honest, she deserved it way more than I did.

But there’s the rub. When it comes to perception of our roles in Scouting she is often looked upon by others as not a proper member of the BSA. She hears comments like “How are you able to be a Boy Scout?”, “Oh, you’re a Den Mother, right?”, “I didn’t think they let girls be in Boy Scouts.”, “When did the let women in Scouts?” and worst of all “You’re not a real Boy Scout.” Most of these comments come from non-Scouters and typically those of older generations. But sadly she is often looked upon within Scouting as not an equal. The two of us are fortunate to do so much together, but when we meet up with fellow Scouters they look at me when they talk, her opinions are not always heard, and her advice is not always asked for or sought after.

In 1971 a women by the name of Catherine Pollard became the Scoutmaster for Troop 13 in Milford, CT. She took on the role as no male adult was willing to serve as the guide for the young men of the Troop and she felt a duty to take that on for the sake of her Scouts. The BSA didn’t recognize her position and it wasn’t until 1988 that she was able to officially register as a Scoutmaster. Sad to think that was only 23 years ago. You walk into any BSA event today and you’re going to see many women filling many important roles with the organization. I’ve met many female Scoutmasters and I look upon their service with no less admiration than any male Scoutmaster.

The issue is so many of my fellow Scouters do not share that view. My wonderful wife thinks to herself that she is less important and less impactful to the youth of the BSA than men that wear the same uniform. In my house I wear the patch of Scoutmaster, but that is only because I’m more outspoken and more comfortable being in the spotlight. My wife should wear the patch of Scoutmaster Advisor. She’s the one that often gets the things done that I often get credit for. She keeps me in line and guides me in how I lead. I have no doubt that she has the ability to lead any Troop out there and do it better than most other Scoutmasters. She has a passion, she has skills, she has it all.

My wife questioned her role in Scouting this weekend and wondered if it was all worth it. In this day in age were women have achieved so much in terms of equality, it’s a sad state that her time in the BSA has not been played on the same field. Why should she have to fight to gain a voice in a male dominated organization when we all have the same mission and equal skills to accomplish it? I don’t understand.

It saddens me to think that as we go out to better the life of boys in this world and to take our skills and focus on training the future leaders of society that she is still fighting to have her voice heard. She has to struggle to overcome a roadblock that is put in front of her that holds her back from being able to be an effective leader. This is a waste of her amazing talents.

I’d like to say to my wife I’m sorry. I’m sorry you’ve had to deal with it all. I’m sorry I didn’t take enough notice of the internal struggles you go through. I’m sorry that I haven’t stood up for you more. I’m sorry that you’ve come to the point of finding the challenge too much to bear.

I’d also like to thank every female Scouter for your unselfish service to these young men. You have taken on a role that is not easy to live out and for that you have my heartfelt thanks.

To my wonderful wife, you are an amazing person and the model of a true Scouter. You live every day by the Scout Oath and Law. You live a wonderful life of cheerful service. You are an amazing mentor to both adults and youth alike. I wish I was only half of what you are as that would make me a million times the person I am today. I dedicate my life to support you and to allow you to live the life you have always wanted.

This picture shows just how my wife has traveled through Scouting. Often alone and with many difficult paths traversed, but she goes forward anyway. This was the day she was presented her Wood Badge beads, recognized for her unselfish service and dedication to others. She stood alone on Gilwell field this day, but she had the thoughts of every Scout in her heart. That is something she will never loose.

This last Sunday my wife and I drove our son to Camp Cowles for him to spend a week participating in this year’s NYLT course with the Inland Northwest Council. For the first time that I can remember, I purposely did not wear my uniform as I traveled to camp. This time was different, I was not going as Scoutmaster, Roundtable Commissioner, Camp Staffer, or General Scouter. This time I was going simply as Dad.

My son has been in Boy Scouts for 2 1/2 years now and I started with the Troop 6 months before he did. Before that he spent 4 years in the Cub Scout program. Over that time I’ve been with him and the Troop on just about every outing, gone to every major campout or event, spent 3 weeks over those years with him at Summer Camp, and been to almost every Den, Pack, and Troop meeting.

Over that time, especially since he joined Boy Scouts, I’ve done my best to give him space, let him do his own thing and I stood by and played my role as Scoutmaster or general Scouter, but not Dad. I make it very clear to him that when I put on the tan shirt, I’m not Dad any longer. Now, I’ll never stop being his Dad, but I serve him and all of the other Scouts that I’m responsible for, not just him. I feel I’ve done well at this, but he’s never really had the opportunity to be without myself or my wife on a Scouting event for any real length of time.

Now, here’s the real issue. My son has now been gone for roughly 5 days and I know right now he’s getting ready for his Patrol’s Outpost Camp at NYLY. And you know what?? I miss him. Ya, being the parent of a Scout that is off having a great time without you is hard enough, but I’m pretty sure being the “Scouter” parent of a Scout is even harder. I have an idea of what he’s doing and hoping he’s having a great time and learning lots, but I really don’t know for sure. I want to be there and watch him go through all of this and see how he’s succeeding. It brings me so much joy to watch my Scouts take part in this game with a purpose and I know that it’s for the best that he’s doing this on his own, but it kills me to not be there with him this week.

My Scoutmaster brain can’t wrap itself around the fact that for this week, I’m just Dad. The guy that will show up tomorrow night and watch him close down his week of NYLT and then take him back home. Tomorrow night I will happily put on my tan shirt and sit around the closing campfire as my son says goodbye, to what I hope has been a week he will never forget.

That brings me to one of my fondest memories in Scouting, the closing campfire of our first summer camp at Camp Easton 3 years ago. We stood in the campfire bowl, looked out over the beautiful lake and sunset, and sang Scout Vespers. That night Andrew found his way next to me and I was able hold his hand and close down camp singing that great song. My hope is that tomorrow night we’ll sing Scout Vespers again, but my dream is that he’ll have taken a step away from his Scoutmaster Dad and join his patrol in holding hands around that campfire. Letting go and not being there is tough, but I know it’s what he needs, and maybe I do too.

YIS

My wife Bobbie Jo and I had been up for a few hours already, a bit tired as we hadn’t slept well the night before. It was at this moment that we left the comfort of our car and marched with 38 other men and women, all dressed in tan and green, towards a world we knew little about, but were excited to see. The journey had begun.

On this Thursday morning I thought I knew what I was getting myself in to. I had heard stories about this wonderful place called Gilwell and wanted so badly to be part of the Wood Badge Brotherhood. I was as wide eyed as a brand new Scout, the first time he gets to put on his brand new tan shirt. As nervous as that same new Scout the first time he lifts his right arm in the Scout sign and promises to live his life by the Scout Oath and Law. Little did I know, now exactly 267 days later, that this first step in my journey would change me so profoundly.

Today, June 3, 2011, 267 days since I first stepped foot on Gilwell field, I mark a milestone in my journey. Today I am proud to say I have worked my ticket, all the way back to Gilwell, that happy land. At the moment this post goes live I will be completing the last item on my Wood Badge ticket.

This is not the end of my journey. As I said, this is just a milestone, a goal reached, a task completed, but it is far from the end of my journey. I now stand atop a mountain, looking out over the vastness before me with the desire to see it all. I know now, what I did not know on that first day, that these last 267 days have prepared me to go forward and share my joy of Scouting with others. I now understand the “why.” “Why” we do what we do and “why” it matters.

A lot has happened since I attended Wood Badge, more than just what my ticket covered.

• I am now a Scoutmaster, a proud Scoutmaster. I am humbled by my Scouts every day as they stretch to new limits and share their journey with me. I am honored to serve as their guide.
• I have had the honor to train other Scoutmasters in the skills of leading their Troops. To share my passion with them and encourage them to better themselves.
• I have completed my first year as Roundtable Commissioner.
• I have watched my Troop become Scout Lead. Something that brings great joy to my life.
• And so many other things that would keep me talking for months.

Today also brings extra meaning to my life. Something most Wood Badger’s are not lucky enough to have or experience. Today, June 3, 2011, 267 days since she first set foot on Gilwell field, my amazing wife, my wonderful Bear, my partner, my best friend, also completes her Wood Badge ticket. I am so lucky to have someone to travel this journey with and share in its memories. At the time this post goes up, she too will be completing her final Wood Badge ticket item.

Wood Badge was extra special for both of us. We learned a lot about ourselves, each other, and especially what it takes to be married. After the first weekend we hit a rough spot of sorts. Nothing that would cause our marriage to end, but it gave us cause to reflect on how we talk to each other, how we support each other, and how we deal with situations. We had some long conversations, shed some tears and almost didn’t go back for the second weekend. As you know now, we got through them and did go back to Gilwell for week two, both with new insight and renewed excitement about life. I stand here today a stronger, better husband for it. My Ticket reflected my commitment to my wife as I was able to work in an item to ensure our marriage stays strong. Our commitment to each other today is stronger than it was 267 days ago. We both feel that the experience of going to Wood Badge together has made us much better Scouters, but more importantly it has made us better spouses to each other.

So, for those of you that have earned your beads I can now proudly say this Bobwhite can join you on Gilwell field as a full member of your brotherhood. For those of you working your tickets and working your way back to Gilwell, keep up your hard work in the name of Scouting. The effort you put in will show marked changes in the lives of the Scouts you serve. I have seen it and I know you can make it to the end. For those select few that are actually on course this weekend (WE1-611-11) I commend you for taking your first step in a long, joyous journey. I look forward to hearing your stories and helping you with your tickets in any way I can. I welcome a new Bobwhite to the covey today along with a new Fox. These two friends of mine will do great things for Scouting in the David Thompson District.

I now take a step down from my mountain view and walk a new trail. I do not know where it leads, but it is a trail I must explore and conquer as I rise to the top of another mountain. This portion of my journey is dedicated the 6 Scouts of Troop 141, the ones I have the honor to serve as Scoutmaster, to my son, who is the reason I do this all, and to my Bear, who without in my life I would not be the man I am today.

I used to be a Bobwhite,

And a good ol’ Bobwhite too.

But now I’ve finished Bobwhite-ing,

I don’t know what to do.

I’m growing old and feeble,

And I can Bobwhite no more,

So I’m going to work my ticket if I can.

Back to Gilwell, happy land,

I’m going to work my ticket if I can…

Joyously Yours In Scouting,

Phil Peck

Bobwhite Patrol WE1-611-10

Ticket Complete: June 3, 2011

So much has happened and changed in my life of Scouting over the last 100 days. I thought it would be nice to share the highlights to show the magnitude of what 100 days of Scouting is in my life.

• Attended 10 Troop meetings (one cancelled due to weather)
• Attended 1 Court of honor
• Watched 4 Scouts be presented their Eagle Scout Award.
• Watched as one Scout did not pass his Board of Review for Life.
• Sat in on 3 PLC meetings and watched them take over the Troop 100%.
• Was crushed as my Ast. Scoutmaster, my SPL, and a committee member decided to change Troops.
• Welcomed a new 11 year old Scout that found us via beascout.org.
• Watched as a Scout left the troop as it just wasn’t cool any more.
• Saw the return of a Scout that has not been to meetings since October.
• Camped 6 nights with my Scouts.
• Taught roughly 30 Scouts the Geocaching Merit Badge
• Took part in training at ITOLS.
• Watched my Scouts take part in OA elections (1 was voted in) and saw the disappointed in others as they did not get voted in.
• Watched a patrol member be awarded his Wood Badge beads. He’s off to Gilwell as a Troop Guide in June.
• Encouraged 2 Scouters to go to Wood Badge and took a pie in the face in the process.
• Completed 2 Wood Badge ticket items. I’m down to my last one, two more date nights with my wife and I’ll be done.
• Watched my wife complete 2 Wood Badge ticket items. She’ll wrap up at the same time I do in early June.
• Watched my troop for one month become a 100% Scout lead troop.
• Planned, prepared, and ran 4 Roundtable meetings.
• Attended 1 Pack Blue and Gold dinner
• Attended 1 District awards dinner
• Presented at our District FOS breakfast
• Started planning a trip with some fellow Scouters to go to Philmont.
• Listened to 673 hours of podcasts (ok, I made that up, but I listened to them all)
• Read 2,652 blog posts (OK, made that up too). To be honest, I read them all from the 100 days of scouting and was inspired by them all. To see the dedication of other Scouters and to gather some of their experience has been a great pleasure. Thank you to everyone that took on the challenge. I’ve met some new friends along the way.
• Countless other hours reading and writing e-mails, talking to Scouters at the meeting after the meeting, and watching my Scouts play the game.
• Spent 100 days living the Scout Oath and Law and living the life of cheerful service.

This list doesn’t begin to sum up all of the things that I have done over the last 100 days, but it shows the things I found important. My life in Scouting will not be summed up by 100 days, but with any hope, by many, many years. To have this list to reflect upon I find myself awestruck by the fact that I’ve become so tied and dependent on the program. My life would not be the same if it wasn’t for Thursday nights with my Scouts, late night conversations with my wife about ways we can do a better job, and Twitter conversations with Scouters from across the country.

I would like to thank my wonderful wife, my Bear, for putting up with the time I took to write here. I know at times she didn’t enjoy it, but other times enjoyed the conversations we had afterwards. I want to say thank you to ScoutSigns (aka Todd) for getting this going again. I also want to thank the others that took this challenge on. Even if you didn’t finish or post every day (I don’t think any of us did), your words have been a source of knowledge and encouragement. Your dedication to Scouts shows and I know you’ll share that with others.

I would like to leave you with a closing thought, a Scoutmaster Minute if you will.

There is no greater gift in life than the gift of giving. As Scouters we have dedicated our life to give the joy of Scouting to others. We can not do this for ourselves as the Scouting program is meant for a different generation other than our own. But this gift we give does not go without its thanks and rewards. We have the pleasure of watching little boys grow up to become men. We have a hand in shaping a brighter tomorrow. We become the model and the mentor to so many, across all generations. At times we singlehandedly change the course of someone’s life towards a life of cheerful service to others.

Do not take this gift lightly. It carries much responsibility and should not be discarded as unimportant. Wake up each day with a smile, knowing that today, just as you have done for the last 100 days, you will touch someone’s heart, you will strengthen someone’s soul.

May you find many happy trails, but remember too look back at that shadow you have following you. Don’t loose him along the way.

Yours forever in Scouting and forever grateful for your gift to this world.

Scoutmaster, Commissioner, Husband, Father, Bobwhite, Coach, Teacher, Student, and Friend

Phil

So, just when you think your Scouting day is done, think again. Next time you’re on a plane somewhere, talk to the person next to you and see if they want to talk Scouting.

YIS

Phil

Other than that, I’m headed home tonight to be back with my family. I’m looking forward to that and I know they are too.

Tomorrow marks day 100. My post is all ready to go. I hope everyone enjoys it. I have truly enjoyed everyone’s efforts over the last 100 days, so here’s me giving you all a big hand.

YIS

Phil

I also spent the time this morning over my morning coffee putting together my post for the 100th day. It’s will be a reflection on my last 100 days and what I’ve learned. Two more days left. I don’t think I’ll have time for Scouting tomorrow as I have a full day of work and then the travel home, but I made room for it the last two days, so we’ll see what tomorrow will bring.

YIS

Phil

On a flight from Spokane to Boise an older woman sat next to me on the plane. I smiled as she sat down, but continued to read through my issue of Scouting magazine as we waited to depart. I didn’t say any more to her as we flew on our way to our destination as she was busy reading a book and I was busy trying to not trow up (very bumpy flight). About 2/3 of the way through our short flight I happened to look over at her and noticed she had multiple Eagle Scout pins and mentor pins displayed proudly on her jacket. Well, that meant I had to ask her about them. I reached over and tapped her on the shoulder and asked if she had a son that was an Eagle Scout or someone else in her family. She smiled proudly as she told me she just came from her grandson’s Eagle Scout ceremony from the night before, the 5th of her grandson’s to reach Eagle. She said something else about the event and it struck me, she was at the same Eagle Court of Honor I was at last night!!

What a small world this is. I know her grandson and her daughter (a dedicated Scouter) and we spent the rest of the flight talking about our families and the impact Scouting has made. Her late husband was a Scoutmaster, her sons are Eagle Scouts and now her 5th grandson. She pulled a small jewelry box from her purse and proudly showed me all of the Eagle pins and mentor pins that she had received over the years. You could tell she was proud of each of them.

So, just like the Scout that helped William D Boyce through the fog, I met a stranger today that was closer to me than I would have ever guessed, all because of Scouting. It brought such a joy to me to talk to her, see the pride she had for her family, and to share our joy of Scouting. I left her with a friend at the baggage pickup, probably never to see her again, but she took my name and made it a point to say she was going to tell her daughter and grandson that she met me. I’m glad we had those few minutes to share, I only wish I would have seen the pins when she first sat down. It would have made the trip so much shorter.

You never know where your impact will be felt, so keep delivering the promise of Scouting. Let your light continue to shine.

YIS

Phil