I just wanted to check in and give you some insight into what I have been doing... First off, work is still moderately crazy, no more or less than recent times, so it has not kept me away from here (other than we have a Surf Control feature at work that usually blocks me) The biggest thing that has kept me away has been my involvement in Scouting. As some of you knew, I have one in Cub Scouts (of which I am the Cubmaster for the Pack) and another in Boy Scouts (which I signed on as an ASM / Advisor). An issue came up with the Scoutmaster a few months ago between the SM and some Scouts. Eventually, he resigned (nothing bad, other than ego and differences of opinion). I told the Troop Committee I would step up and run the Troop until a replacement was chosen by the Selection Committee. Either they couldn't find anyone else who was up to the task, or I did it too well, because they ended up asking me, and I accepted. This Saturday, I will be installed as the Scoutmaster for the Troop. So that takes up a lot of my free time. This past weekend we went camping in Virginia (12 degrees) and went to the Tank History Museum in Danville. I am having a lot of fun and feel like I am really making a difference with these boys and our community. So that's why my postings have dropped off and the photo albums too. I still love TrainBoard, but don't quite have the spare time I used to. Heck, even my railfanning has dropped off considerably! Thanks to all of you who keep this site running day in and day out! Harold
Good for you Harold, from an Eagle Scout. I'm impressed that boys are still interested in the whole thing, the way the world is going these days. I had a lot of fun when I was a scout, got me into the whole hiking/camping thing.
Thanks, Steve Anyone who has been a Scout (or is an Eagle) certainly understands. We have a lot of mods on TB who do relate. Harold
Both my son and I were involved in Scouting. Neither made it to Eagle but we did have fun. I was an assistant Scout Master while he was involved so was busy in all the meetings and camping. He still loves to camp, canoe and backpack and does that every chance he gets.
Harold, that's great! As you know, I have always been supportive of your scouting efforts. I was a merit badge counselor for years in an attempt to give something back to scouting, which to me was a godsend as a kid. I'm retired from it now, and happy to hear that guys like you are so involved. My grandnephew in upstate NY is into scouting big time and the way he's going, I'm sure he will obtain Eagle rank. Be Prepared. :teeth:
From a former Scout and Scouter, I tip my field hat off to you. I know how much time it takes even being just a den leader, let alone a cubmaster or Scoutmaster. But I also know what Scouting can bring to the table for boys. And don't forget, there IS a Railroading merit badge (or was last I checked- I even taught that course for a troop in Paris, TX).
I was in scouts from age 8 until I was aged out. I was never an Eagle, probably closer to a Beagle. Charlie
That is a big part of it! Most don't make Eagle, but the skills they learn in Scouting are invaluable.
Yes, I know. I was thinking about teaching the photography merit badge combined with the RR merit badge Harold
Why do I all of a sudden get an image of you and a bunch of Scouts on a railfan expedition? Not that there's anything wrong with that, mind you............
Too bad you can't make a field trip, to, say, Sherman Hill in Wyoming....... I'm sure there's another place close by there in Carolina.
When I road the Southwest Chief last year (we boarded at Flagstaff), there were two empty cars up front with no passengers. I wondered why. Then we stopped in (Raton?) New Mexico, the stop near Philmont Scout Ranch, and picked up a boatload of tired dirty smelly scouts that had been there for a couple weeks. You had to walk through their cars to get to the concessions. PPee-Uuu! But they were funny, still full of energy, although some slept all the way to Chicago. At one point when we went for a snack, my wife preceeded me yelling "Eagle Scout coming through, Clear the way, Move over!!". A whole bunch of them jumped up and saluted ME, the old fart in a Santa Fe t-shirt. I was embarrassed but thrilled at the same time. Good memory...
Steve, That's a great story! We just had one of our boys pass his Eagle Board this past week and he is Eagle # 111 from our Troop. (At Court of Honor Saturday, I also awarded one of our Eagles his fourth Palm!) Harold
