Mike's Place

By Michael L. Craner

Last month I talked about how today's kids seem so far off from when I was their age, and how I was probably so far off from the generation many of you are from. I wrapped up with the realization that all older generations will view the younger ones in this way, and we usually come out alright, especially with lots of love, patience, and guidance from our elders. To review, click here: http://www.pencilstubs.com/magazine/MagPage.asp?NID=2086

I also mentioned that I work with my two sons and their friends in a Cub/Boy Scouting unit. I had a postscript on the original draft, deleted it, then added it again to a comment on last months column, then deleted it again. I'm posting it this month as my column at Mary's urging, and as fate would have it, the timing is perfect for me to include a way that you can help support our youth as well.

Post Script: The way our scouts and other leaders have performed in the last year in the midst of our own minor catastrophe and reorganization compel me to share with you the efforts our scouts and other leaders have made in the past year. I add this to show the commitment of the leaders, and the remaining boys towards their commitment to overcome obstacles that have destroyed other units in the past, and will most likely do so in the future if not for the hard work and care of those who want to see a good program succeed.

Our unit for whatever reason fell apart in the somewhat distant past, and was restarted around 4 years ago by a husband and wife seeking to be part of a solid youth organization for their own son. I believe in the beginning their intentions were honorable, however for whatever reasons in time there arose some questions about how unit funds and projects were being used.

It wasn't until the middle of their divorce proceedings that more questions were raised, and less "benefit of the doubt" were credited to them. Looking back, (hindsight is 20/20) we see a long period of embezzlement and misuse of project efforts. From Unit funds not being accounted for properly, and misspent, to food collections for the poor being kept and consumed by the couple which restarted the unit.

They were very careful to keep all the "power" of managing the unit between themselves, and abused their power and the inexperience of other leaders to keep everyone in the dark about what was really going on.

To make matters worse, when we began to question their motives and actions the personal and verbal abuses against leaders increased. When matters were taken before the local Boy Scouts of America council, the local executives tried to brush it under the table, even to the extent of suggesting other units dissatisfied leaders, parents, and scouts could transfer to, however without committing to an investigation or legal action.

Instead the council executives deferred all responsibility to the charter organization which is a local church, as it is in most communities. The church, having little funds themselves to pursue legal matters, and not wishing any negative media attention, have done little to pursue these criminals either.

The active membership of the unit died down to little more than those of the remaining leaders and their own children for several months while we reorganized and re-educated ourselves on the way things are supposed to be done.

Had we taken the path of the local BSA council and charter organization, once again this outstanding youth program would have collapsed, leaving a community filled largely of lower middle class to poverty range families (many of which are single parent families) completely without the benefit of a positive youth organization.

This fall we ran a campaign and more than doubled our staff of volunteer leaders and scouts in our newly reorganized unit, recovering some scouts which had left amidst the problems of the previous leaders. We are raising money for Katrina victims, planning flag ceremonies at our schools, working on a flag replacement and retirement program for local institutions such as our fire department and Senior Citizens activity center, and most importantly, working with our youth to make them stronger, more intelligent and responsible young adults. My oldest boy Kevin, and two other Boyscouts are now further along than I ever made it in scouting and they are on track to be Eagle Scouts within two years. My youngest son, Shea just started as a Tiger scout this year and is just bursting at the seams to go out and do the neat things his big brother has been doing.

Our charter organization has rallied behind us and is supporting us more than ever, now that they are fully aware of their role, and we even have a strong leader who doesn't even have a child in the organization who constantly keeps us on track and moving forward.

As I said in my last column, our youth today, are our future tomorrow. It is everyone's responsibility to be active in their development and support. From buying overpriced popcorn from them, to assuming leadership roles. If we don't teach them, who will?

As I said in my opening, there is way you can help support our organization right now. From November 1st through November 22nd (Possibly longer, however at this time I am not certain), our unit is selling popcorn from Trails End. This year our council is allowing to sell over the internet, making it easy to offer great popcorn and opportunity to support our scouts from anywhere in the country. All you need to do is go to http://www.orderpopcorn.com and enter a scout or unit code, place your order and it will be shipped directly to you from Trails End. A percentage of the sale will be credited to the scout or unit whose code you used when you placed your order. The popcorn is delicious, high quality, and sealed fresh. Choices range from un-popped kernels, suitable for "old fashioned" popping techniques, to microwave versions, to popped and candied in decorative tins. It IS expensive, however you're not just buying popcorn, you're investing in our youth and our future.

Funds credited to our Troop or Pack as a unit will go into a pool for awards, badges, and group equipment such as tents, dining canopy's, cook stoves, storage/travel trailer. Funds credited to an individual scout will go towards that particular boy's summer camp and other such activities. Plain old donations in any amount are also always accepted, contact me for more info.

To order Popcorn, simply go to:

http://www.orderpopcorn.com