unsung heroes part II

I don't even know where to begin on how this made me feel. But first...

Before I dive in, I just wanted to acknowledge those who read a previous post, or at least took the time to look at it. I try not to write frivolity, and it is good to know that many people empathized with that ideal, acknowledging the unsung heroes around us. And while the timing of this post coincides with the end of the 2nd session of Scouts BSA at Camp Geiger, I do want to maintain the theme of gratitude.

Normally management team exercises to me are just so meh. Been there done that, wish I hadn't bought the t-shirt, etc. So when, as a staff, we were directed to begin an exercise, I won't deny a little eye rolling may have occurred, on my part (hope it wasn't obvious, Ed). As it turned out, you have my feelings summed up in the first sentence of the post. 

Our task was to find people, preferably people that weren't close friends, and to write on the paper taped to their back, how they had had an impact on you. Me, not being much of a joiner, went and found those that had had that impact on me, and so noted it. To my surprise, people wrote on my paper as well. I feel that I often serve as an example of what not to do, particularly in the "Life for Life" segment. I am constantly giving encouragement to youth, campers and staff, to not wait, to not hesitate in getting their Eagle Scout. I think of how much I have regretted that stupidity (for me, that is all it was, easy to admit), and don't want anyone else to have those feelings two, three, twenty years and more down the road. If you can't read the comments in the picture, let me spell them out.

Loving to all

Compassionate

Amazing Boss

You're really nice

Caring 

You're the best

Selfless leader

Very compassionate

You're such an inspiration, you're always so nice in the hardest moments

Not going to lie, I don't see it. But that is exactly why we did such an exercise. And by that I don't mean "so that Phil can see what others think". I thought I knew what others think, and lets just say those descriptions would not have come up.

Which brings me to more of the Unsung.

I would start by praising my personal hero. She sees me off on Sunday, and when I come home Saturday afternoon, she helps me unload the car, SHE gets the laundry going, and knows that it is time for some serious relaxation before leaving and starting another week. She doesn't complain about the limited time at home, or the laundry that needs to be done. I am sure that there are many others that are in a similar situation. These do not get the credit they deserve, and for that, I sing the praises of all of those who allow a close contact, whether spouse, parent, child, or other relation to spend a summer away. Many of those on staff probably could tell a similar tale. But it doesn't stop there.

It takes a lot to have a successful Scouts BSA Troop. It take enormous effort by many to put together the organization necessary for a troop to come to Camp, whether it is local in St. Joseph, or the Omaha area, or Washington State. The longer the travel, the more that logistics chain needs to be planned and executed, with more risk in the system. Those that don't stay the week play their roles, but those that take time from jobs and family to be out are true heroes, as are those that support them in their roles at home. Perhaps they are parents of a Scouts BSA youth, cherishing their opportunity to spend a week with their son or daughter at Scout Camp. We watch them grow, yearn to pick them up when they fall, and as they turn into young adults and ultimately men and women, wonder where the time is gone. We are grateful for those moments, whether we could spend a week year after year, or just able to get away for a day or two at a time. 

Those that come to camp are rewarded with claws or beads, acknowledgement from staff and other parents for their sacrifice. It would be wrong to not recognize, again, those that don't or can't come, but put in the time so that others can. They receive no beads for that service, but scouting couldn't run without them.

So, when you see one wearing a Geiger Mom, Dad, or Grandparent shirt, thank them for helping to perpetuate the movement! Maybe no shirt, but pizza or fried chicken on Wednesday night? Thank them! The list goes on and on. Fund raisers? Those that show up for every service project? How about that member of your congregation that hasn't had a youth in the program for years, but still writes a Friends of Scouting check every year? I know plenty of them. Take the time, my friend, to express your sincere gratitude to all that make this organization and activity possible.

Nothing lifts up an individual more than recognizing them for the part they play. We change lives in the Boy Scouts of America, and specifically for this writer here in the Pony Express Council and Camp Geiger.