Why am I still here?

 It is a fair question.

After all, the units that I have been associated with since I entered the Cub Scout Program in 1972 have all had one thing in common...

They were chartered by a local congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The Church of Jesus Christ was one of the first national chartering organizations of the Boy Scouts of America, and t in 2019 had a registration of over 500,000 youth and leaders. It was the largest single chartering organization in BSA. 

Operative word.. Was.

Why? If you were not aware, in 2018, the Prophet and President of the Church of Jesus Christ, Russell M. Nelson, announced that effective January 1, 2020, said church would no longer participate, as a chartering organization. Youth were encouraged to seek out opportunities outside of that framework, if they wanted to continue on, but that the church was going to create a global program for its youth 8-18. The Restored Church of Jesus Christ had remained affiliated with BSA through a number of changes, and while the end date coincided with the introduction of girls into its programs, according to the church leadership, that was not the reason. I believe them, as the need to create a program that works globally fits in with the ideals of a worldwide church that boasts consistency regardless of where you happen to attend, or visit meetings.

I know, too much context. So, then, why am I still here?

When I retired in 2016, the first thing that I wanted to do was to be on the Camp Geiger Staff for Scout Camp. I had been looking forward to that opportunity, probably my whole adult life. Camp Geiger has given me so much, and even with the small amount of frustration trying to build and maintain a tradition of Camp Geiger (and the Tribe of Mic-O-Say), a program that is centered around mostly young men 12-14, was not conducive for that purpose.

I wasn't hired.

That was a hard one to get around. So I came out with my Troop, and did my normal thing. I was hired for the 2018 Season, instructing in the afternoon, and working in the evening, and partial mornings in the Trading Post. It was that spring that the big announcement was made regarding the Church of Jesus Christ and Scouting. 2019, the Troop that I had been affiliated with for more than two decades, essentially ceased to function. There were a few boys that were determined to get their Eagle Scout award, and they pressed forward, and did complete the requirements and completed their Eagle.

So as the end of 2019 loomed, the question was going to be, "so now what?" 

Wow, too much context! 

On my other non-political blog, I wrote a post mortem for the Troop and its trips to Camp Geiger. Something that I had been a part of directly, or otherwise for the entire time period. The results, particularly regarding the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and scouts that went on to Eagle were categorized in the View from the Rim blogpost found here:

https://philsviewsfromtherim.blogspot.com/2019/12/troop-103-and-camp-geiger-1998-2019.html

It would have been easy to walk away. For decades, literally, I had taken a week from family and come to camp to lead young men. But as the youth had tired of a program centered around the Scout Oath and Law, it seemed to be like throwing Starfish from the beach back into the ocean. What is the point?  Well, it matters to the one, now doesn't it? 

As far as coming to camp, I enjoyed my staff job, and for the other half, being the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, well, I volunteered for assignments but was not given any, and so I felt stagnated, and stopped asking, accepting my role as a "Keeper Emeritus" or a "retired keeper". Of course such a thing doesn't exist, but there I was, desiring less and less to attend ceremonies. But I went.

While COVID had a huge impact on Scouting in 2020, those that do not mention the withdrawal of 20% of BSA's membership as a result of the Church of Jesus Christ's withdrawal from the program, are not painting a complete picture. While the loss of so many was devastating out west, where whole councils were consolidated, to say that even here, in Missouri and Kansas, was not significant may be a case of denial of the obvious.

As for me, I had made my decision while a Keeper of the Sacred Bundle, with no thought of advancement. Mic-O-Say was a deciding factor, not because I expected to advance ever, but because I wanted to support a program that had given so much to me. I wanted to support a camp that had become a home away from home. It was an opportunity to give back, and to support programs and facilities that had helped shape who I had become. That is what Mic-O-Say and scouting are all about. Helping those around us, without thought of reward, but because that is the right thing to do.

Yes, I advanced to Tribal Council, as a Sachem later that year. That just enhances my desire to do my best to help others, particularly the younger and weaker. Pretty sure I have heard that before.

For a review on my feelings that day, here is the link: https://philsviewsfromtherim.blogspot.com/2020/07/hell-froze-over.html

So here I am, in the second year of not belonging to a unit outside of the Camp Staff Venture Crew. That didn't last long. I am now working in the Soaring Eagle District having just been registered as a Unit Commissioner, so that I am giving back, not just to Camp Geiger, or the Pony Express Council, but to assist other units as well.

And that is what it is all about. So long as BSA stays to its core values, it is likely that I will be along for the ride.