A banner year

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 upcoming camping season met and did a preliminary pick for staff assignments. It is the staff that makes Camp Geiger an elite camp, a camp above the rest. The staff is made up of mostly Eagle Scouts, and several that are not only spending their summer away from school or college, but many that have gone into education, spending their summer away from their job of teaching. The experience that they bring is impressive to say the least. It is an HONOR to be selected a member of the staff. I definitely am humbled that I have been selected for another year. The staff provide the program, which defines the camp. A variety of Merit Badge offerings to interest any youth, a Dining Hall program that is another shining star of the camp, and extracurricular activities from Cowboy Action, the Geiger ELITE program, frisbee golf, and more keeps kids busy from sunrise to well after sunset.

How does a camp in a small Scouting America council have such a premier staff? Is it the pay? Absolutely not. Then what? And how does this small council, in the midwest with typically hot humid summers, attract Scouts BSA troops from all over the country? This brings me to the second milestone. 

It was in 1925 that H. Roe Bartle came to the St. Joseph, MO council as its new Scout Executive, and instigated an honor camping society that celebrates 100 years this year. Bartle, of course, was to go on to serve as the Exec in the Kansas City council, as Mayor of Kansas City, and being instrumental in bringing the Dallas Texans, and Lamar Hunt to Kansas City. That team in the move changed its name to honor Bartle, and the Chiefs were born. Bartle’s program, the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, is largely responsible for the elite staff, and the attraction of troops nationally, and globally.

It seems that things are changing in this world faster than we can see. Norms are being challenged and changed, people seem adrift at times, not knowing which way they should go. Fewer kids are anchored properly, with timeless values and morals to guide them through these storms. All want a port in the storm, if you will, a place where timeless values are being taught, along side the latest technical learning. Camp Geiger is one of those ports.

Anyone can teach and talk about the Scout Oath and Law, but how do you impress them on youth in such a way that it carries with them throughout their lives? The honor society, the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, teaches those values in such a way that they are remembered, and treasured. Pageantry is used to reinforce them, and they instill in the youth a feeling of self worth, a moral compass that helps them steer through life.

So, back to the beginning, what was the fear? Conclave is the first event held to recognize the Centennial of Mic-O-Say. It is a great time, always, but this year, even more so. Lots of people. And? I was asked last week to sing the Star Spangled Banner to open the festivities. In front of people. As a solo. How does a bass with a limited range sing a song known for stretching voices? Having watched professionals mess up the words, that was a concern. Practicing during the drive, the voice was a little scratchy, not able to hit the high notes without falsetto. But, I had agreed. to do it, and was going to do it. I will admit, I think I pulled it off. It was confidence from a number of sources that enabled me to do it, including a belief in self worth that I found on the hills above the river at Camp Geiger.

Are you a Geiger alumni? Come on out this summer! Not been to Geiger, and wondering what its all about? Here is the Council’s webpage on Camp

http://ponyexpressbsa.org/camping-and-activities/scout-camping

You are welcome to come and enjoy! Ceremonies are on the usual nights, with Visitior’s Night, and its very special program, Wednesday night. 

Camp Geiger is 90! Mic-O-Say is 100! Hope to see you there!!!!