Life after Scouting...

Some Scouters choose the time that they retire; some never retire at all but keep chugging away at the program year after year; and some simply fade away, to become nothing more than a name and a memory.  I guess I always thought I would be a lifer, to be one of those guys who spent 30 plus years in scouting finding new and creative ways to keep the program fresh and alive.

I asked myself earlier this week that if I knew the Loch Leven trip would be my last scout outing would I do anything different?

Nope, not a thing.

I have always charged full speed ahead to keep the program alive and in the tradition of Baden Powell. I have always looked for the new and creative to keep the interest of teenage boys.  I have always been a believer that more is better, especially in the way of outings, trips and activities.

It is easy to let the focus of an outing become too complicated and take away from the basic camping and hiking skills that are the very core of the scouting program.  That was what my additional outings for the troop was all about, to give the scouts a basic outing where they can focus on the skills that form the core that will shape them for the rest of their lives.

Not everyone agreed.  Some thought that the extra outing per month made the calendar "too busy."  Others thought that they took away from existing troop resources.  The more popular my outings became the more determined a small group of leaders worked to quash the whole thing.

So I asked myself the question: did I want to continue the uphill battle and keep going with my outings and strain not only my marriage but possibly my own health?  Or is it time to step away and move on to other things, other exploits and adventures?

Tuesday afternoon I announced to the Assistant Scoutmasters of Troop 136 that I would be stepping down and moving on to other and greater things.  I have no regrets and I am confident that the scouts I have worked with will continue to master their skills and become great leaders not only in the troop but in their communities.

I do not know what the future holds but I do know that I see this as another beginning, another chance to experience what else there is to life.  If there is a message I want to impart to the scouts that would be it: don't be afraid to see what it is all about.  Follow your heart and the Scout Oath and Law and you'll be amazed at the places it will take you.  Too many adults have forgotten this simple fact.

I want to thank all those ASMs and parents that supported me during my time in scouting.  I may not have always been the easiest to work with, and I know I pushed the envelope more than once, but it always paid off in the end, all because of your trust in me.  Please keep true to the traditions of the Zoo Troop and keep the scouting program moving ahead in the tradition of our founder, Baden Powell.

I will never forget what you have brought to scouting and hope to meet up with you again.

Yours in Scouting,
Steve Donaldson