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Where has time gone? It's almost over

 Webelos Weekend has begun. Extra time off for the staff, mostly back and getting ready to roll out the proverbial red carpet to this most important segment of youth. How important? For the program it is the easiest group to recruit into Scouts BSA, as they are already in the Scouting America family.  It cannot be understated how critical that recruitment phase is to the program. There are so many activities and programs that compete for time and dollars with Scouting, that we must keep those that are already in, in, as well as seeking out new members. There is no question that Scouting, like any organization needs membership to thrive, to be successful. Even more importantly, America, and the world, need a vibrant scouting program. Scouting teaches values and timeless principles to the upcoming generations. Lessons in being good citizens, and good people. Yes, Scouting has had its black marks. There is no sugar coating here. But since the implementation of Youth Protection tr...
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And so it begins...

 This morning, walking around, making sure the slushie machine is on, and slushing. Trash is out, carboard is hidden away, it's finally here. The ninetieth season of Scouts gathering on the hills above the river. Camp Geiger and her memories... Today is not really a camp day, though for me it is just the first of many, as it is the day for the Tribal Feast. An annual event, Feast marks the time that members of Camp Geiger's Honor Camping Society come together to celebrate the beginning of the camping season, to prepare youth for responsibilities at camp regarding their paint stations in the various retreats.  These retreats, overseen by members of the Tribal Council, and facilitated by the Keepers of the Sacred Bundle are opportunities for learning, how to build fires, how to chant and maintain a rhythm on the drum, but most importantly, to instruct on safety for youth that will be tapped this year, as well as those advancing. Safety is paramount, and is infused in every step ...
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A banner year

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You have no idea the fear that I felt driving to Conclave this weekend. Was I concerned about the weather? Of course I was. But that was not what was driving the fear. Was it the truck I was driving, due to the weather? Not really, but by the time I left Paola, the tires had rounded out pretty well, after sitting for months. So what was it?  This year marks two very important milestones in the Pony Express Council of Scouting America, formerly the Boy Scouts of America. The first is that it is the 90th Anniversary of Camp Geiger, or Geiger Scout Reservation. With Scout Camps all over the country closing due to costs and fewer scouts, few shine like the Camp in St. Joseph, MO. First class amenities from Storm Shelters with running water, premier shooting ranges for target and range activities, to a COPE course that is the shining jewel of the physical facilities. But my friends, we have not even discussed the biggest draw of Camp Geiger. Just this morning, the Area Directors for the...
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How is it almost over?

 First an update: https://scoutingevent.com/311-fallwb2024 August 23-25 and September 21-22, 2024.  These dates are fast approaching. How fast?  When Scouts BSA camp ends next week, the deadline to have sufficient participants is just a few days away. There is a minimum number to run the course, and while they are nearly there, we aren't. You can scroll to past blogs to learn the importance of Wood Badge training. It is a win for Scouting for you to be trained, but more importantly, it is a win for you as an individual to receive the training. If you aren't Wood Badge trained, you should be. This morning, I woke earlier than usual. Not sure why. Did not need to, as the store is not open this closing day of Webelos Weekend. Probably the realization that when I wake up next Saturday, it will be the last day the store is open for summer camp. When I was getting around, looking outside, I realized the sky is not as light as it was, and the days are getting shorter. How did we...
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And so it begins...

 Tonight, most of the staff have gone home for their 24 hours, give or take, of rest before Camp begins. Before diving into the 2024 camping season, some important words for Scout Leaders... If you are Woodbadge trained, DO NOT tune out!! The Pony Express Council has a Woodbadge course coming up at the end of the summer. Information for the course, including a link to register, and contact info can be found here: http://ponyexpressbsa.org/training/wood-badge For those who have been trained, do you have leaders in your unit that have not been? Encourage them to inquire. And take the course. I have stressed the importance in the skills learned, not just for Scouting, but for life and career. If you have not been trained, what is keeping you? I get scheduling conflicts, but would encourage you to find a way to take it, if possible. Make no mistake, I was a serial Woodbadge skeptic. I was wrong. Dead wrong. Finances should not keep you from the course, contact the Council Office, if it...
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Like Mosquitoes to the Zapper, plus an update.

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  I originally was going to write "Like Moths to the Flame", but since it is about camp, it seemed that mosquitoes were more appropriate. It is a loving comparison to staff members hearing the call for training for the season.   But first, and update... The Wood Badge course scheduled for next month has been postponed until after Scouts BSA camp. The dates are August 23-25 and the second weekend September 21-22. More information can be found by clicking the link below https://scoutingevent.com/Download/311130444/OR/2024_Wood_Badge_Flyer_2024_Fall.pdf   The course was postponed due to an insufficient number of participants enrolled prior to the deadline (Set by National). This gives you, dear reader, additional opportunity to sign up. I cannot stress how valuable Wood Badge training is, not just for Scouting, but for every facet of your life and interaction with other people.  Do you know any leaders that could benefit from the training? (answer...if they have no...
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Back to Gilwell, Happy Land!

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If you don't get the reference in the title, this blog is for you. If you are a member of ScoutsBSA and your leader is pushing you to your Eagle, this blog is for you. If you get it, but know someone that might not, this blog is especially for you! There, I think I have all bases covered. Shall we begin? The Pony Express Council has a Wood Badge Course coming up this spring. The staff for the course was set up over the summer, and training has been ongoing for the last several months. How much training? There are sixteen members of the staff. A total of on site training is approaching over 300 total hours. This Saturday we are returning for an additional 100+ hours. Now mind you, this is the on site training. It does not include set up, take down, and individual preparations for the group meetings. The course will be held at Camp Geiger in St. Joseph, MO. It comprises of two weekends. The first is April 5-7, Friday starting in the morning, through Sunday afternoon. The second is Ap...
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