Want to Change The World? Become a Scout Leader and Mentor

By T. R. Shaw Jr.

I come from a Scouting family.  My dad was an Eagle Scout along with uncles, cousins and other relatives.  My nephew recently earned his Eagle status and I couldn't be prouder.  Unfortunately, my resume will never bear the title of Eagle Scout, but it doesn't diminish the fact I can't play a role in Scouting today.

It’s not that I didn’t want to pursue Eagle; I went through Cub Scouts, was an active Webelo and started on the Boy Scout trail.  The problem was in the 1970’s Scouting wasn’t really cool, and few of my friends pursued it.  Add to that, we didn’t have enough adult leaders and volunteers pushing us. In some ways, my era was robbed of a great, life-changing experience.

As an adult, I had a career in the military and funeral service and now I’m pursuing a communication career.  I sold my funeral business and my wife and I started our own public affairs firm which is slowly building.  It’s all about relationships and networking.

Recently, I was invited to help Boy Scouts on the Michigan Southern Shores Field Service Council Board as a volunteer Vice President for Communication and Marketing.  The Council, recently reorganized and now includes nearly every county in Southern Michigan, a huge footprint.

I saw this opportunity as a chance to give back to Scouting, which I’ve financially supported over the years but have not been directly involved in activities or programs.  I also saw it as a business opportunity to expand my communication skills, build a network and circle of influence.

My role is a communication consultant to the Council, but I soon discovered Scouting has a strong base of professional communication executives.  It’s a machine that needs little tuning.  To its credit Scouting has a strong communication and marketing savvy.  Communication and visibility is a presently a challenge due to competition of so many societal elements begging for the attention of youth and their parents.   It’s apparent my role is to help advocate for Scouting and expand the reach.

I recently attended our Council’s Annual Meeting at Albion College.  Like many other annual meetings we discussed performance, numbers and goals and had a good feeling about the direction we are heading, but there is always room for improvement.

Following the meeting, the Council hosted the annual Silver Beaver Recognition luncheon.  I was vaguely familiar with the award.  It recognizes adult leadership in the Scouting Council.

The award was given to seven adult leaders of Scouting, all of whom truly deserved it.  It is given to “adult leaders who have made an impact on the lives of youth through service given to the Council.  It is given to those who implement the Scouting Program and perform community service through hard work, self-sacrifice, dedication and many years of service.”

Each of the recipients had impressive Scouting resumes as Troop and Council leaders and mentors. I was awestruck by their level of service and commitment.  One awardee, Edna Kinney from Monroe, was recognized for more than 60 years of Scouting service, going back to being a Den Mother in the late 1950’s.  She had garnered many other Scouting and community awards over the years and has dedicated most of her life to Scouting.  Most of the other awardees were Eagles who continue to make a difference in Scouting.

Another honoree, Roy More from Ann Arbor was recognized for his recent Silver Antelope Award from Boy Scouts at their National Annual Meeting.  He was one of only 32 volunteers world-wide to earn the distinction recognizing more than 31 years of mentoring and leading Scouts in Ann Arbor.

Another exceptional Scouting leader is Pastor Ron Coleman of Kalamazoo.  He is presently working hard to revitalize Scouting in the neglected inner-city and urban areas of the Council.  Coleman has chatted with hundreds of church leaders in some of the most economically depressed areas of Michigan to bring Scouting to their community.  This is the sort of leadership and vision Scouting represents today because people are stepping up and taking responsibility.

What struck me about this event is how it demonstrates the importance of adult role models and mentors in Scouting.  Without them, there would be no leadership in Scouting. 

Scouting over the years has proven to be a critical element in creating great people and citizens and preparing them for life and public service.  Show me any successful leader or executive today and Scouting is likely in their past.  What we need today are motivated adult leaders and mentors to “show the way and go the way” for the next generation.  I implore professionals in all walks of life to step to the plate for Scouting and volunteer your time, talent, and resources to this venerable character producing institution.

If you truly want to make an impact on Youth today, Scouting offers an outstanding opportunity to mentor and lead.  Never before has it been so critical to coach, lead and motivate the next generation of citizens and leaders. 

To explore volunteer Scouting opportunities, visit:

https://beascout.scouting.org/Volunteer.aspx

The world today is a confusing and volatile place, where the ideals and ethics of Scouting are desperately needed. Scouting will thrive with the help of great people.  

T. R. Shaw Jr., is CEO of Shaw Communication in Battle Creek, Michigan.  He blogs at:  The Reluctant R(L)eader at www.read-mor.blogspot.com