Simple America

Wood Badge training is over. Before I go into the details I just want to remind the readers (and I learned I have SR 719 folks visiting which is cool, way cool) this is my blog. It is about my life and my views on the things I see and do. This is not a Boy Scout blog, I just happen to be a Boy Scout leader and I write about that experience as I do anything else I do. If the Boys Scouts upset you, make you angry, whatever; skip this post. If I offend Boy Scouts with some of my other posts or links I believe in freedom sorry. This is me. Please skip my blog if I upset you in any way. Everyone else proceed and feel free to comment. Lurking is allowed here too.

 

I can be pretty selfish as a person at times but I believe this weekend I made a lot of choices that I normally would not do because of my selfish inclination. I think I really grew to some extent. The first thing I did was carpool. I did not want to do it, but I did it. When I drive I like to think and I actually work on my writing while I drive. I will speak out dialogue just to see if the words I write later sound as appealing when spoken aloud. Plus I get nervous with other folks in the car. But I agreed at our last patrol meeting to carpool with two of my patrol members. I felt my van could hold all of our gear. I arrived at the one member’s home around 5:35. Ai Yah! I was five minutes late and I did not want to keep them.

 

The other member had not arrived, so we loaded up. Then I started to regret carpooling for the other member had not arrived. The fellow who I was with started doing something for work and I was really wishing I had followed my selfish nature. Then the missing Owl called to say he was running behind and would drive straight there. So I’m really ready to go, but the other chap is trying to follow up on his work issue. It was rough for me to wait, but I did so quietly. We wanted to arrive at 6:30 and the clock was already passed six. Oh, well. We could not enter camp until seven so I let him be. After all this open work issue could diminish his enjoyment of the weekend. I relaxed which is difficult for me.

 

Finally, he took care of business and we were on the road. And the early morning drive was pleasant. I enjoyed the conversation and did not mind the carpooling so much. We arrived at around a quarter to the hour. We were not far from where the conference center is located. We parked and unloaded. My leg did not enjoy this too much, but I ignored the pain as I carried my gear and that of other patrol members down to the bridge. To get more in the spirits of the weekend I kept asking the staff I encountered if this was the way to Gilwell. I think they all got a kick out of it. The staffers had arrived the day before to get Koester Lodge and rest of the facilities ready for us. They would not let us cross the bridge, but we could see campsites. It’s a beautiful place with the tall Texas pines and a lovely green field. And Koester Lodge, a site dedicated to Wood Badge training. One thing I saw surprised me. There were seven Venture Scouts on the other side of the bridge.

 

At seven the SPL gave us permission to cross the bridge and go set our gear down in lines according to Gilwell order (everything is done based on Gilwell order which is a ranking of patrols starting with Beavers and working its way down to the Antelopes. The Owls are fifth in Gilwell order. We got our gear moved and met this cute little girl, who is the Venture Scout that would assist us Friday and Saturday morning. Now I could see that the picnic tables and dining flies were already set up. They even placed the chuck boxes on the tables for us. Donuts and coffee were on the table under the pavillion, as well as the Gilwell Gazette (newsletter we receive every day of the course). Then they pointed out our site, which was in Gilwell order of course. We moved our stuff over there and then we walked over the grounds. Our troop guide noted all of the important features and mentioned some of the rules also.

 

Then we had a class at the Quartermaster Store. They explained the procedure for picking up food and getting supplies. Next was a visit to the model campsite. Here we met the entire Venture Crew. These kids were great and over the next couple of days they would remind us of why we are scout leaders. After the introductions they showed us how to handle the propane stoves and setup the tents. After this was done we went to our campsite and set up our tents. We had four tents and in no time we had them setup. We also set up the stove and placed the chuck boxes where they could be used most efficiently. I inventoried the chuck boxes as we did not want to have to pay for any of the cookware at the end of the course. We were missing a large spoon which I reported. At the end of the class we had 3 large spoons. Don’t know how that happened.

 

It is at this time that I got hit with my selfish streak. I come from a troop that uses the patrol method pretty strictly. And I felt that this was the way to go. Our patrol leader should set up a duty roster and supervise it. This was never done the entire weekend. But this patrol just clicked right on. We functioned well, ate good, cleaned our dishes and no one felt lazy or was accused of being a slacker. It’s surprising to me it worked and I’m glad I toned down my negative thoughts. Though I did mention these to a lesser extent while discussing and completing the daily patrol summary. I hope that the Boy Scout leaders in my patrol will make their boys follow the correct procedures. My belief is the boys’ immaturity needs the formalized rosters to get these jobs done. It was really tough for me to let this go. This writing may not present how anal retentive I am on issues of this sort. But I grew and our patrol functioned.

 

Then we had our opening flag ceremony. The staff came on to the field as they always did wearing the different gag gifts and clothing they received from the first weekend. This would be added to as the weekend proceeded. The Staff had a theme based on the Andy Griffin Show and as they would march to the field they would play the show’s theme on kazoos. It was always fun to watch them advance and try to catch what new gags might be unveiled. I could spend an entire posting on each staff member detailing all of the things they received and why. But I feel this was very personal to our course and I choose not to write about this. Instead let it be a memory for each member of Troop 1 as time passes. The historic flag raised this morning had 46 stars, which is the same flag that flew in 1910 when American Scouting began.

 

After the ceremony, the patrol leaders went to patrol corners and the rest of the patrol visited the quartermaster to get food and supplies. Our lunch was grilled cheese sandwiches and vegetable soup. Unfortunately our bread was smushed beyond toasting. We had cheese sandwiches instead.

 

After lunch we got back into the classroom. Our classes Friday focused on problem solving and conflict resolution. Important information, especially when you are to lead young boys. We had some interesting games to play as well. These games were to help us use our newly taught problem solving techniques. First we had a pair of boards, 2’ X 4” and probably 10 foot in length. Several ropes were secured to these ropes. Our task was to move from point A to point B and then turn around and return to A. This kind of scared me because of my leg. Then an instructor said I could just stand aside if I wanted and I felt relived. The relief was short lived as another staffer told me to get on the boards and that kind of pissed me off. I had a rough time at first because I had to hold two sets of ropes with each hand and I did not set my foot into a comfortable position. Once I found the right footing, the entire tasked improved for everyone. What a detriment unfolds when one unbalanced cog is present. I was happy to have done the task upon its completion, though my leg stiffened a bit.

 

Next we did the Brownsea Island task. This consists of laying a tarp on the ground. The team stands on the tarp with the objective of flipping it over so the bottom switches with the top. The patrol may not step off the island while changing sides. We did this pretty quickly and the staff commented on how they liked they way we worked the problem. We actually switched leadership several times, as the person with the best perspective took charge. We even had people crouch down to identify whose feet needed to move. We did really well. I’m proud to be an Owl.

 

After that we had a game in which seven tiles were placed on the ground. We split into two teams that stood on opposite ends. One person stood on each tile and everyone faced the middle tile at the start. Once the game started, you could move one square at a time. Only one person could move. You could only pass one person when you moved. You could not pass anyone that faced the same direction as you. Players could not move backwards. The task was completed when the teams changed sides. We completed the task in two tries. Strangely enough we could not complete this task when we moved in reverse. Minds are strange. Go figure.

 

The last task consisted of moving a marble down a pipeline from point a to point b, maybe 20 feet. The pipes were cut in different sizes, angles, and cuts. Each patrol member could move anywhere, except when the marble passed through the tube they held. When in possession of the marble, the individual had to remain stationary. We completed the challenge by using just two team members. By using two pieces of pipe, one straight and one curved, the marble was passed from one team member to the next. The angle of the curved piece was used to slow the velocity of the marble, while the straight piece passed it on to other patrol member. The staff said we did not perform this task adequately, as we never had complete team consensus.

 

For conflict management we did some roleplaying and this actually split us up and allowed us to interact with Beaver Patrol. This was an interesting exercise as both actors shared common knowledge and then both sides also had personal knowledge, worries, and concerns. The two parties then interacted, which is the roleplay. It was very interesting exercise. During the analysis of it, we also learned that different groups were given different background information, which provided good fodder for good discussion. It was also during this task that one of the Beavers asked me if I was the guy with the blog? Yikes, I’ve been caught ha-ha.

 

Supper was beef stew. It tasted really good. Tried to complete my ticket after supper. The Troop Guide was concerned as none of us had completed our ticket yet. Every free minute was spent on thinking on the ticket. Writing down notes. I even had other Troop Guides coming to help. I got a lot of knowledge from the advice they provided. In fact one really helped confirm my desire to study Project Wild. But no matter how hard I tried I could get only 4 tickets and I need 5.

 

Then it was time to go play the Diversity board game. Everyone takes a turn rolling dice and then picking up a card. The card had a question and the player would answer the question or in some cases the entire patrol would answer. For this game our Venture Scout joined us. Now being the gamer that my blog buddies and partners know I am, this game was tough on me. My selfish nature was knocking once again. It wanted to roll the dice, ask the question, answer the question, and pass the dice. Chop! Chop! The patrol though took this game and really opened up to each other. We spent a lot of time on each question, really getting to know one another. The question I remember best from this game asked about favorite holidays. Everybody was different from each other. One fellow talked about all of the pies they made for Thanksgiving and how each person could pick an entire pie to eat. Another spoke of how at the end of Ramadan they would visit or call every woman in the family and they could not eat until they had finished doing this. My fellow Owls were surprised when I told them I enjoyed Chinese New Year the most. Just because of all the food and red envelopes. I like the food better than Christmas or Thanksgiving. And I enjoy my wife’s family even if I miss a lot of conversation when they chat in Cantonese. I am glad I suppressed my selfish nature and got closer to my patrol.

 

After the game the Venture Scouts led us all in a song. And it was very cool experience, because the boy that led us had his mother on the staff. Later when she was our guest for breakfast I learned that she had never seen him in that setting and she enjoyed watching him. And you could tell that night as I looked at her watching him lead us in song. It was a song I knew but the lad added a few verses, which made it more fun. After the song was done, our Troop Guides were promoted to Venture Instructors. This effectively distanced us some more from these folks. We could always count on them joining us for our meals. This would not happen again until the final lunch. Of course this is another reason to complete our tickets early and I had not.

 

After the ceremony we had the campfire. We were in charge of this event. We coordinated the affair and MCed the proceedings. The start was a bit worrisome. We started a chant of “Who? Who? Who’ll light the fire?” (Who was spoken like an Owl too) We planned on just doing this twice and having the fire ignite. We were using black powder to light it up, but there was some problems with the igniter and we chanted about 6 times before it worked. This is one of the best campfires I ever attended. Wish I could have done more. I think my fellow Owls were trying to watch at for my bum leg, by keeping me sitting after the fire started. In fact a lot of time during this weekend I was coddled. I won’t complain, I’m not complaining, the selfish part of me wanted to hurt myself again I’m sure.

 

There was a cracker barrel in Koester Lodge after the campfire. Lots of goodies to eat and people for good conversation. The past classes had their troop flags hanging inside and this afforded me the chance to look at them closer. I asked staff to point out their class flags and I also looked for my fellow scouters from Troop 80. I bumped into an Eagle Patrol member who is in my troop. Together we looked at flags, pointing out names. Secretly we look forward to our own flag hanging on this wall. I look forward to helping him on his ticket where I may also.

 

After that tried to work on my ticket some more and there was nothing inside my numb skull. Finally, it was lights out and to bed I went. As usual when I camp I could not sleep the entire first night. A lot of rolling and at one point I felt stifled in the tent as it was warm. I put on my shoes and walked a bit. If I had I not I fear I would have had a panic attack. When I get hot in a stuffy area sometimes I feel like I cannot breathe. This went away after I got some fresh air.

 

The morning finally came. We had French toast and bacon on the menu. I cracked a dozen eggs and before the meal was completed I would crack six more. Wish I had nutmeg of cinnamon. Breakfast was good anyway. Really filled me up and made for a good day.

 

This was a day for  projects. But first we had the flag ceremony and on this morn we saw the raising of the Continental Flag. This was the first American Flag to be recognized by a foreign nation, the Netherlands. It is very different as the union held England’s Union Jack and the stripes were red, white, and blue.

 

I cannot recall the exact classes we held Saturday morning. I was tired and had a hard time keeping my eyes open with little sleep the night before, only five hours the night before that. I hate sleeping in class and not having the memory to jot notes down. Once the classes were done we were released to go change clothes for our conservation project.

 

I almost did not change, but in the end I did. We got tools out of our vehicles and we put them in the back of trucks or carried them if we felt like it. Then we walked to the lake where we had Scout’s Own Service and the campfire of our first weekend. This was the longest walk I have made since tearing muscles in my calf. I did it without a staff to lean on also. The Owls were supposed to clear the pier, so that’s where I went. I probably misunderstood, because all of the other Owls were somewhere else. I pulled a lot plants out of the lake with my hoe. Also cleared a huge clump of ground cover that covered the pier and made it unsightly looking. Troop 1 really did a good job. We did a lot in a short amount of time. Now the lake could be clearly seen.

 

I walked back with one of my patrol members and we stopped at the Trading Post. We both bought belts and I purchased a Wood Badge buckle also. Then we walked the rest of the way to camp. After working on the project I stunk pretty bad, especially where the mud splattered me. I went to take a shower. The kudu horn blew as I stepped into the shower, but I ignored the call to gather. I needed the shower more than anything else. My selfish nature arose once more, but my nose and that of my compatriots would surely not mind my short absence.

 

Turns out the horn was calling us to lunch. So I did not miss a lot. We had all the fixings for sandwiches and it was good.

 

After lunch we had patrol presentations. I still had not seen the poster I had laid out. It’s the most ambitious layout I have ever done. We would be the fourth presentation, as the SPL chose to use reverse Gilwell order. We setup the stand the one fellow developed. Since our last patrol meeting he had even added a back light for when the presentation was set up indoors. Finally we rolled out the poster and my jaw dropped. I was worried about some distortion on some of the pictures I pasted, but they all looked pretty good. The colors were right on. Jane thank you for your critically viewing my poster. You saved the day my friend.

 

The Antelopes went first and their project covered the different levels of First Aid taught through out scouting. They had a clever way of adding to the first aid kit based on the new skills taught at each level of scouting. I liked the way they incorporated real first aid devices into their presentation. An excellent start for this phase of Wood Badge.

 

The Buffaloes followed with a mall centerpiece that portrayed various scouting activities on a polygonal surface that depicted a rock wall. As you approached the wall from different angles you saw a different level of scouting doing activities appropriate for those kids. Very clever and artistic. They should be proud of the good job they did.

 

The Bears were next and they had very scouty looking presentation. It looked like a pioneering project and it held up posters that explained scouting. Pioneering has always fascinated me since my first Webelos Day back at Camp Hudson and the look of this project really appealed to me in a big way. Da Bears did a fantastic job.

 

While these projects were proceeding I realized I had failed as a patrol leader. We had no plan for our presentation; in fact the other Owls thought the presentation was on how we developed the project. I knew better as I had confirmed with our Troop Guide the scope of the presentation. But our meetings were so long and we never prepared for this. I should have typed up a presentation outline during the time I was patrol leader and submitted it to my comrades. So I take full responsibility for any failure on this.

 

Fortunately, I was blessed to be with five brilliant people. And by the time we got up there, we had a presentation outline and each of us had talking points. They called for us and we set up the board. The presentation on Climbing Through Scouting went great. Everyone hit a homerun and no one is the wiser to my personal failure. Thank you fellow Owls. I also thank the Lord for giving me a strong voice and suppressing the nerves that tingled a bit before I discussed the points of the Climb On Safely program of scouting. I also thank the Staff that watched intently, which boosted my confidence and I also appreciate the complements they gave me afterwards. I thank Sam Havens from St. Thomas University who trained me in public speaking and Pack 80 for giving me the time as Cubmaster to refine this ability.

 

The Foxes followed us. They discussed aquatics and scouting. They really had a cute set up. They built a miniature life guard tower and they placed poster boards showing different aquatic activities at the various levels of scouting. Very creative folks those Foxes.

 

The Eagles came next. The made a mall display of the whatzit box. Now a whatzit box is a fun part of scouting, something we participated in every day of Wood Badge training. The whatzit box holds several items. There is a cloth that allows someone to stick their hand inside the box, but not see the contents. The Eagles display had two Whatzit boxes, one for Cub Scouts and another for Boy Scouts. This display would attract boys into trying the whatzit box. The answers were available after they tried. The stand that held the whatzit box was covered in scout pictures and patches. Very clever and fun. It should be an effective recruiting tool.

 

The Bob Whites were next and they had a beautifully laid out poster. Much more beautiful than mine, I would award a bid to them if I had to choose between the two. On their poster they listed all of the activities boys could participate while in Boy Scouts and at what level they could attempt the activity. Beautiful, simply beautiful.

 

The Beavers closed the round of presentations. They had three large posters boards that had very colorfully hand drawn backgrounds that gave the feeling of being in the outdoors. Each board was dedicated to a different level of scouting, covered with photographs and information. Another wonderful presentation.

 

It was such a relief to finish this phase of our training. After that it was back to my impossible ticket. I could not think. Sitting, sitting, and more sitting and not a single idea would come to mind. I felt like a blank page. I’ve never had writer’s block before. This hurt.

 

I stopped long enough for the flags to go down and then we had a quick patrol meeting. Our troop guide came by with letters for us to read (though we did not read them until the next day) and a gift. He gave us beautiful picture frames that had wood badge emblems covering the glass. My troop guide got me together with my scoutmaster who is also troop guide for the Foxes. Thank the lord for these men, because their resourcefulness allowed me to finish this agonizing task. At last a fifth goal for my ticket.

 

Now I just needed to type it into the computer and the Troop Guide would print it out in the morning. Turns out me and another Owl were the last two finishing our tickets. It was agonizing getting this done. The other Owls picked up the food and we even received ice cream, coke and root beer. The Troop Guide also left us a peach pie. But I would learn of this later. Now it was type, type, type. Finally, at 7:30 I was done. I checked on my Owl-mate and he was not done. Oh I wish I finished sooner. Being slow on this really robs some of the wood badge experience. If I could give any advice to future Wood Badgers it would be get this done quickly. If you lack ideas call your organization and see if there is a need you might not realize.

 

This is my ticket:

1. Create a directory of at least 50 organizations that might need assistance where Boy Scout service projects and/or Eagle projects could help.
2. Help the boys plan and execute a conservation project at a camp, state park, or national park.
3. Aid at least three boys in earning the Leave No Trace Awareness Award for Boy Scouts.
4. Attend a Project Wild course. Use the information gained to help boys better understand fish and wildlife management.
5. Guide boy scouts at Cub Scout Fair in the Polaris District. The scouts will assist the younger boys earn activity pins and belt loops.

 

The last item is also my diversity ticket. One is required for every Wood Badge ticket. This meets the diversity requirement as the Cub Scouts are Hispanic. The Cub Scout Leader I am helping is a real fun chap too. He is a Fox patrol member and very outgoing and energetic.

 

I returned to the patrol area and everyone is waiting for me and the other guy. He said he was not going to eat as he wanted to eat junk food at the cracker barrel. So we went ahead and cooked. There were bowtie noodles, grilled onions, and chicken marinated in white wine mixture (if not white wine it was something clear). We ate and it was just the five of us. No guests from the staff like other meals. The staff left us for the night and we were on our own for activities and such. I took a plate of food to our busy comrade, despite what he said earlier. And he ate it (and got seconds later too). It was a tasty meal.

 

Later that night, we joined the other patrols under the awning and sang the Limerick song led by one of my Owl-mates. More songs were sung and then my carpool mate presented the words to a song, to recalling our conservation project. It was to the tune of the Quartermaster Song, which is one of my favorites. I look forward to gathering with Wood Badgers in the future and singing this song with them. We ate pretty well as everyone bought food to contribute to the cracker barrel.

 

We talked about a lot of things that night. And some things I choose to leave out now, though I may bring some topics up in future posts as it strikes my fancy.

 

I slept on night two, but it was not a satisfying sleep. It felt like the night sped by at the speed of light. Waking up almost before my head hit my cot. I forgot my pillows darn it. Cannot remember the last time I slept for 7 hours, but I did. I was the last one out of bed and the others were already cooking breakfast. I was surprised we were given food to cook. We had to have the chuck box turned in at 10:30. We had scrambled eggs and bacon. Better than the cold cereal and pastries I expected.

 

The Texas flag was honored at the morning ceremony. We sang the Strake Lake View Renew song for the staff and they loved it. This was the last time for funny presentations to patrol members and staff. The last time we would hear kazoos playing the Andy Griffin Show tune. The last time to hear the Bob Whites blow their bird calls. We honored our troop guide by dressing him up as a Bedouin. He looked really good. Folks were calling him sheik and then we handed him my staff and some calls of Moses were added. I gave a presentation to the Owls and Troop Guide then. I reminded them of how when we became Scout Leaders they promised that this volunteering would never take up more than one hour a week. It’s a big joke in scouting, as any serious scouter knows it takes so much more. I gave my fellow Owls a patch that wrote, “Just One Hour a Week” upon it. Three scout leaders are depicted around these words belly laughing at the thought of just one hour.

 

After that we focused on cleaning up the gear and returning the chuck boxes and quartermaster boxes. A lot of work and very rushed. Then we had to pack our own gear. I placed the items I wanted to keep with me on the picnic table, my water bottle and song book. I propped up my staff as well. Then I lugged my stuff to my car in a series of 2 and ½ trips. Some stuff made it half way; I left it and went back. As usual I’m slow, and now Troop 1 is leaving for Scouts Own Service. I wanted my staff for the hike, so I went back to gather my songbook, water bottle, and staff. Folks were telling me to join them, but I promised to catch up as soon as I could. I get to the picnic table and my songbook is gone, but my water bottle is gone. Selfish me comes back and I’m pissed a bit. The water bottle was placed on top of the songbook for a reason. So I’m still a bit peeved as I walk to catch up with the troop.

 

At this time of selfishness a gift comes by. A gift almost rejected. The scout camp leader, who is on Wood Badge staff offered me a ride. Despite my arrogance, selfish me is not a cripple feeling pain and stiffness, I accepted the ride. I have wanted to talk with him. He confirmed the camp has a conservation program. I just schedule a time and project. Bring the boys up at 8 in the morning and work until 5. They provide lunch and the boys earn the Camp Strake Conservation patch and certificate and that would satisfy one point on my ticket. Yay!

 

So I catch up with the Owls and hop out of the truck. My anger has dissipated and I get my songbook back from a helpful Owl-mate. The Scouts Own Service occurs at the same spot as our conservation project. The view is truly beautiful now. Across the lake I watch as a stork stands in the reeds looking for a fish. The service is wonderful. They gave us all a frame made of Popsicle sticks. And they told us to use this to look at things in a new way. I would later use that when I got home to look at my wife and children. Did I mention the service was wonderful? I used the reflection time to pray, especially to confess my sins. Removed the taint of my selfishness and made myself good with God and able to be a good Owl again.

 

After the service we went to the Conference Center Dining Room for lunch. Before we entered the Dining Hall one of the Beavers led us in a salute to the SPL. These inspired the first tears of the day. She escaped to go inside and compose herself. There were a lot more people present today for the final meal of Troop 1. Our projects lay out on tables along the walls. They served barbecue brisket and links. Good eating. Speeches were made. The lady that works in the cafeteria was honored as she is retiring. A new building is going to be constructed and it will be named after her. More tears shed and they would not be the last. Then we all took turns, in Gilwell order, to honor our Troop Guide. We gave our Troop Guide a Key Map of Houston (his family said he could use one as he went to many different places for various scout activities). We also gave him a scrap book containing the events of the course. We were standing up in front of the whole troop and our presenter cried. I could only look at the floor as my own tears fell down my cheeks. The sorrow remains, as I recall this moment. A gasp stifled with a cough.

 

We sat through it. Words, tears, and applause. Memories that will reside in my heart until the day I breathe my last. A hope that this group can come together someday, but one that cannot be easily accomplished.

 

After the meal we looked at our project for the last time. We broke it down and loaded it onto a truck that will take these eight projects to council headquarters. There they will be used to recruit new boys and adult leaders to join scouting. With that done we walked back to Koester Lodge. Final classes connecting and emphasizing the knowledge of previous classes in an attempt to summarize the importance of what we have learned. We are asked to leave the lodge and introspectively contemplate this information. Close to the lodge there is a huge pine tree. Aged, regal and bold. I cannot recall the last time I sat down underneath the shady boughs of a tree. I took this time to sit and try and be the boy I once was. I leaned back into the firm bark and looked up into the beautiful Texas sky and thought personal thoughts. Visions I choose to keep to myself. I held a pine cone that must have fallen from those aged limbs. I fondled it, feeling the cone prick my fingers, but not painfully. Holding a pinecone requires respect for if you choose to crush it will poke back into your hand. I held it gently and thought of pinecones past.

 

The kudu horn blew for our return to Koester. I left the pinecone for the next Wood Badger class. One last chat. More advice to make me a better man so I can make a better boy. We sing another song, arms clasped around our neighbor. And we know the end is drawing ever nearer.

 

We go back outside and sit at the pavilion. Here we fill out the course assessment. Somebody grabs my staff when I am not looking and I go selfish again. I walk everywhere looking for my staff. Then one of my Owl-mates returns with it. I’m relieved to have it. Why am I still so me?

 

After the assessment we go to the field and line up. I’m expecting a final flag ceremony. The staff comes sans silly clothes and props. Uniforms, immaculate and scout worthy for this formation. One last time we sing Back to Gilwell, rocking side to side hugging our neighbor for the last time. This weekend has blown by so quickly. The first weekend was not this quick. Why? Why does it have to stop? But it does. All things end and Troop 1 is in its final minutes for SR-719. Never will this exact group of people join in sing. And this is not a song you can sing with your boys. They have patrols like Pink Panthers, Red Hot Scorpions, Razorbacks, and Raging Rams. They would never understand. Only when I can visit a class like this can I join in the Wood Badge songs, but then I will not feel totally a part of their experience. It’s not my SR-719. On Lord Baden Powell’s Birthday, there is a Wood Badge banquet and yes the song can be joined here. But will it still feel the same as it did with these 68 scouters. I want it to, but I am uncertain. Even now I physically shake from sweet sorrow of this departure.

 

We received our final Scoutmaster minute and then they come one by one starting with the Scoutmaster walking down the line. He did the Boy Scout handshake and with the other hand he gave us a coin. One side has the 21^st Century Wood Badge emblem, while the other side states, “Make a Difference.” And those were the last words I heard him say after stating my name. And then he was gone to me neighbor, “Make a Difference”. And that is my challenge, the purpose of my written ticket and an unwritten ticket that I will accomplish. Everyone followed from the staff. One by one they came by handshakes, hugs, heartfelt words and tears. So many tears. I’m like Jeremiah the prophet. It doesn’t take much to make me cry. Finally, the staff completed their farewells and walked on towards the road.

 

The SPL addressed us one more time. I’m thinking please let us lower the flag. Just a few more minutes at Gilwell, but no, the closing is at an end. A few heartfelt words and then an Eagle patrol member (wasn’t it an Eagle) stepped out and led us in a salute to the SPL and then another for the staff that stood two lines abreast. For the last time we walked away in reverse Gilwell order following the SPL. As the Antelopes reached the staff they saluted the retiring Wood Badgers. We returned their salute as we reached them and held it until we passed. After I passed the last pair of staff members and dropped my salute, I bawled like a baby. Fighting the sobs I lowered my head but kept walking forward. The SPL stopped at the bridge and she saluted us. I composed myself, pulling back on my old army discipline. As each one of us reached the SPL we stopped faced her and saluted. She was crying and when she saw the tears on my cheeks she looked away. I wish I could be less emotional at times like these. But I walked away from her and almost fell to my knees.

 

I think I heard the person behind me sob. I just looked forward, not wishing to embarrass or be embarrassed. The Owls stopped in the parking lot. We held hands as we formed a ring. One member led us in a Masonic prayer. More tears followed by final hugs and a promise to keep in touch. I am committed to visit 5 bead ceremonies and I intend to keep that commitment. In fact, I would be honored to attend every bead ceremony of the former Troop 1, SR-719.

 

And with that we drove away. Me and my carpool partner headed out. At his request I stooped at a car dealer so he could look at Mini Coopers. He wants to bring his son to a car dealership for Cub Scouts. They’re cute but I don’t want to be inside one when it gets tagged by an SUV. The drive to his home had reasonable traffic. Though one problem did arise along the way home. His wife left a message wishing him a Happy Anniversary. You could hear the alarms go off. We stopped off at a grocery store and he got two dozen roses and a card. So the day was saved. Dropped him off. Hugged one last time and I left.

 

Now I am a lonely owl. I arrived home and unpacked. My wife and kids thought I was mad, though I did not snap or growl at any of them. I did not even hoot. The sorrow still wore on me and my mind remained planted on Gilwell Field and when if ever I could return. I ate slowly, even slower than my son. The next thing I knew my wife was waking me up. That’s only the third time in my life that I fell asleep while eating.

 

Back to Gilwell. Happy Land. Going to work this ticket, I am.