Scoutmaster's Minute

Scoutmaster's Minute - November 2005

As I am posting some marvelous new updates to History section I am reminded of an interesting comment that I heard at camp this past summer. A man had just driven to camp from Illinois to show all who would stop and give notice, his collection of patches from his sixty plus years in Scouting. As he left the office to go explore camp, a staff member turned to me and said, "We have had a lot of old timers visit this year. Coming to say goodbye."

My relative youth makes bizarre the prospect of me planning a farewell tour of places and people and things that are special to me. Yet, it all was driven home when I learned that one of those pilgrims was a Scouter who greatly influenced my Scouting experience and my Bear Paw experience.

Hundreds and thousands of Scouts over decades have come to Bear Paw, to share this special place. Countless skills and friendships and memories and lessons are forever tied to a time in so many lives....and one place.

So, as we prepare to celebrate sixty years of Scouting at Bear Paw, forget not that the oldest stories in our oral tradition are rapidly becoming more quiet. When you see that old man with a smile on his face, and a spring in his step and maybe a small tear in his eye trekking across camp, be sure to stop and say hello. The opportunity to pass along one more little bit of Bear Paw will make a tired Scout's day, and strengthen the bond we all share.

One thing is for certain, Bear Paw will continue to live in the hearts and minds of all who make her. If you are lucky, one sunny afternoon, decades from now, you will be able to tell the tale of your days on Bear Paw Lake.

May the Great Scoutmaster of all Scouts, be with us 'til we meet again. And may we follow the trail that leads to him. Good Night Scouts.