From: The NetWoods Virtual Campsite, Steve Tobin, Campmaster
Date: Sun, 12 Nov 1995 21:48:07 -0800
From: Scott Drown <scottdd@HALCYON.COM>
Subject: A Scoutmaster's Minute
I have been looking about for Scoutmaster's Minutes and Steve Tobin's site has been alot of help. It is my feeling that the Minute is an important teaching tool and ending to a meeting. I gave the following a couple of weeks ago ad lib but wanted to share it. I hope you will feel it has merit. I called it:
Good Evening.
A few weeks ago the grandfather of one of the Scouts visited the Troop. He was a Scout himself during the Depression in the 1930s, about 60 years ago. It was a hard time for him and many others but he had good memories of Scouting. He watched the meeting and visited with the Scouts and joined in in our closing circle for the Scoutmaster's Minute. We then sang Scout Vespers as we always do.
His wife of 30 some odd years was with him and she noticed that the grandfather, who had not been involved in Scouting in years, still remembered the words and tune to the Scout Vespers and was able to sing with the Troop with no hesitation. He remarked to his wife afterwards that that simple song brought back all the memories. Memories of all the things he had done in Scouts, all the the fun he had had, all the valuable lessons he had learned in Scouts that later helped him. It also showed him that the traditions of Scouting were still steadfast after so many years.
Memories and traditions powerful things. Memories and tradiition are an important part to Scouting. It is important to recall for both Scouts and Scouters that what we build here in the Troop are memories - traditions. We build them between ourselves while following the Scout Oath and Law. They are the start of memories that will last us a lifetime.
So as you walk the Scouting trail remember the memories are what you build. Pledge yourself to build good memories, good memories of the fun you have had, good memories of the lessons you have learned.
As you leave tonight reflect on the memories and tradtions of Scouting that you yourself can carry forward to the betterment of all.
Good Night
Scott Drown
SM Troop 39, Maltby
Mt. Baker Council, Everett Wa.\