There are so many things in life that are different from when I was growing up. Imagine, years ago, when kids cam home from school.....what options were available for acivities back then? What did many of you do when you came home from school? I had an after-school job......I delivered the Buffalo News papers 7 days a week to approximately 120 homes in my neighborhood. I was able to do this in about 45 minutes to an hour daily, which still allowed me plenty of time to play one of the games being played in my neighborhood.....such as football, street hockey, basketball, freeze tag, etc. I also, obviously, made enough time to make sure that my school work was done and any chores around my family home were completed as well. There seldom came a day when I was not outside after delivering my papers as I figured out quickly how to balance my time and responsibilities......
I was extremely lucky to grow up in the area I did as I had choices, but I also had other things that kept me busy.....such as playing in the woods behind my house and actively working on my Scouting badges and advancement. I was constantly on the go, kind of like I am to this very day. Ironically, I still play in the woods behind my house and now.....I HELP other boiys with their Scouting advancements and merit badges. While I still enjoy playing sports and doing adult things like working on my house, I continue to make time to enjoy my Scouting career.
I encourage all members of our Scouting program, whether you are an adult or a child, to make room for Scouting and it's pursuits in your lives. Boys, remember that school and family comes first. Sports obviously have an importance in our towns as well as most of you play at least one sport. Scouting is one of those things that will always be here in BR, as we understand that boys are busy and have multiple choices for activities in their lives. Adults, please encourage your sons to open their books at home and work on advancement requirements as much as possible. Afetr they achieve first class rank, the onus will be more on merit badges and other achievements. This is where boys can really step up and take a plethora of merit badges to actively learn. We are extremely lucky to have many merit badge counselors in our local area who are willing to work on things as long as the boys ASK.....
Scouting definitely has a place in our everyday lives and our communities. Scouting is a place where our boys can actively make choices that can drastically alter their lives and in turn, make them better young men and adults. I cannot stress enough how important the following phrase is:
Your boys will get out of Scouting EXACTLY what they put into it.
As always, I am here for each and every one of you.......
Yours in Scouting AND For The Boys,
Big Mike
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