Final Scoutmaster MinuteFinal Scoutmaster Minute
I’d like to borrow a tradition from the Navy, in fact from all of the Armed Forces, that of the Change of Command. The Change of Command is a formal ceremony that transfers the leadership of a ship, station, or group of military personnel from one Commanding Officer to another. While the role of Scoutmaster is not the same as that of a Commanding Officer (the pay for one is usually lower for a Scoutmaster, but not always), I’d like to use the ceremony and tradition. Mainly, through the Change of Command, everyone involved in the Unit knows who is in charge, and when the responsibility for the Unit changes hands. Before I pass along responsibility for the Troop to Michael, I’d like to say my final Scoutmaster Minute. But I beg your indulgence as it may run a little longer than 60 seconds.
First, let me thank all of the Adult Leaders in the Troop. Only through your support, assistance, and friendship was I able to carry on as Scoutmaster.
Let me also thank my family, especially my wife Linda and daughter Laura. They put up with a lot, including too many weekend, and seemingly countless evening meetings. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
There’s a saying among Scoutmasters:
Your best day as Scoutmaster is your first day; your second-best day is your final day as Scoutmaster.
If that is accurate, then I’ve been more fortunate than many, for I count most of my 1,176 days as Scoutmaster, as the best. I’ve had a lot of fun, and learned a great deal. I’ve always said that I learn something new at every Scoutmaster Conference and on every camping trip. But I also recall that not every day as Scoutmaster was the best. I can count, on one hand, the times when things were hard, that’s when a scout, one of our sons, became injured or got sick. Those days were the worst. Fortunately for all of us, they were few and far between.
As Mike Carpenter takes over as Scoutmaster, and I go back to being an Assistant Scoutmaster, I recall some of the things I learned, or told myself over these past 1,176 days (but who’s counting). I’m doing this not so much for Mike’s benefit, as for mine. I also know that the advice of any former Scoutmaster is of limited importance, decreasing in value by approximately 50% for each day he is a former Scoutmaster.
So here goes:
Always remember, you’re in it for the kids, not the parents. The parents place a distant third.
If you’re not having fun, something’s wrong.
If the boys are not having fun, something is very wrong.
If you think you have the best job in the Troop, think again; just look over at your Senior Patrol Leader. He’s got the best job.
Never underestimate the ability of a group of 12 and 13 year old scouts to move mountains.
Never underestimate the ability of a group of 12 and 13 year old scouts to annoy the hell out of you.
Scouting is not for every boy.
Every scout will not become Eagle.
Statistically, it rains 40% of the time on weekends. But it will rain 80% of the time on weekends you’re camping. Go figure.
Every 18-24 months, one Eagle Scout will truly stand head and shoulders above the rest. Use him to set the pace for the Troop and motivate the younger ones.
Remember, you’re not their parent, you’re their Scoutmaster. You have them about an hour and a half each week. They have them the other 166.5 hours. Make your 90 minutes count.
40 years later, I remember my Scoutmaster. So will they.
A Scoutmaster is Trustworthy. But that doesn’t mean you can’t shade the truth when a boy’s feelings are involved.
It’s only an hour a week.
For some boys, you are a father figure.
Being Scoutmaster gives you a second chance to act 15 again. Just remember that some of the things you did as a 15 year old might be a felony today.
Never let them see you sweat. And never, ever let them see fear in your eyes.
Whenever you say that you’d like to quit your job and be Scoutmaster full time, just remember, this is your fulltime job. Your paycheck comes from your part-time job.
Know what the book says. You don’t always have to follow it, just know what it says.
It’s a boy run troop. Let the kids do their job.
Scoutmasters make mistakes
Your son is not an only child.
The other troop always looks better. Believe it or not, sometimes, yours is the other troop.
There is only one Scoutmaster. Don’t let the kids become confused.
There will be a time to go. Try to be the first one to recognize it.
The most important part of your job is to create memories.
Finally, always remember, you’re in it for the kid’s.
And so with that, I’d like to pass along the badge of office to Mike Carpenter. Wear it well, wear it proudly. I know you’ll do a great job. Good luck.
Mike, the Troop is yours.
Jay F. Lubin
Scoutmaster, Troop 76 BSA