Transitions

Every day is a transition. Scouting volunteers are rewarded with seeing an ongoing transition in the scouts over months and years as they learn skills, push their leadership skills, and outgrow pants. Sometimes these transitions are gradual and sometimes instantaneous.

Last night the troop had a 'retirement' picnic for me. A new Scoutmaster is guiding the troop now. He's an Eagle Scout and a terrific guy with a 2nd Class scout son in the troop, so he'll do an awesome job. I started looking for someone 10 months ago and we've had a 6-month transition time so he's ready to go.

We spent a week at summer camp together where a lot of traditions, ideas, and "things I never got to" were shared. I've given him a DVD packed with planning and program documents from past high adventures, weekend campouts, fundraising, joining, advancement, and training. He's got everything I could think of to pass on and a fresh view so the troop will continue to thrive under his direction.

My involvement in the troop will be only as a merit badge counselor now. I figure it's best to have me away from troop meetings and campouts so there's no temptation to look to me for advice and no confusion about who's the scoutmaster.

The troop presented me with a custom walking stick from MsSticks.com and it's beautiful. If you're looking for a unique gift for a scout or scouter, check her site out.

I shared a new Life Paths scoutmaster minute. A few people were curious about what I'd do now that I have all this free time. Well, if you're interested in that, check back tomorrow and I'll let you know my plans. :-)

Scout On