I took more vacation this year than I have in most of my years with Scouting. Even doing so, I still only used about half of my vacation. That being said I want to tell you about my experiences this summer. I started with a trip to North Carolina with my wife and some of our family. This was the first vacation I took with my wife in the last four years.
Then, I took a motorcycle ride with some of our Board Members and other members of the community. A couple of our Board Members asked why I took vacation for the trip. That it should have been a business trip since it was an auction package item. I responded by letting them know that I didn’t consider it working, I was on a motorcycle trip with friends. Then I took my annual backpacking trip with friends that I have worked with in the past. We had a great time in the Diamond Peak area and even had a Cougar growl at us to stay away from her family.
Finally, I went to Chicago this last weekend to surprise my father. My sister was taking him to a Cubs game for his birthday. I flew in to surprise him. I was at Wrigley Field in their seats when they arrived. Now it is important to know that the last time I saw my father was 4½ years ago when my mother passed way. My father came up from behind and told me I was sitting in their seats. I responded that my sister had told me to sit in those seats, they were her seats. We debated face to face for a while as to why I had a right to be there. It wasn’t until I told him my sister’s name that he realized it was his son he was talking to the whole time. My father is sharp and has no memory issues. It just told me that I had not been with my father and family for way too long.
In addition, there has been more change in Scouting over the last 8½ years than in the previous 105 years. As a matter of fact, our world is changing, and I am struggling to change with it. I believe in Scouting with all my heart and believe it should not only be a relevant part of our society, but also a vital part of our society. I am just struggling with the new world we live in. With that being said, I have decided the best thing for Oregon Trail Council is to step aside and let the council find a new Scout Executive that has a clear vision of how Scouting can be relevant and vital in our changing world. I will be retiring as of this Friday, September 15th.
I know the Board will select the right person to take this council into the future, expand the number of families that are involved in the program, continue the strong financial sustainability history that my predecessors established, and to help the community understand why we need Scouting.
As far as what’s next for me, that chapter is yet to be written. I do know for now that I am going to go out there and enjoy life!
As always, you all have my appreciation for what you do in Scouting! Thank you for taking the time to read this article! And, again, thank you so much for your time, energy, and dedication to Scouting! Have a great and SAFE month!
I’m out.
Yours in Scouting,
