The Importance of Displaying one's Competence
A long explanation to demonstrate why I -- and many other people involved in Scouting -- wear what seems like uniform shirts better fitting for third world dictators and military chiefs than those of volunteers or professionals interested in helping your family have a great Scouting experience. (Illustration of what I'm talking about) The last time I was in Iraq, I suffered a serious eye injury. The year I was there, there were two... [More]
By: Mike Walton (blackeagle) On: 2020-05-25A Letter to Mom
Backpacks ready to be worn to go camping. Stock image purchased by Mike Walton (This was originally included in "Patches and Pins," but several editors recommended that I remove it from the book because it was more truth than fiction, and I reluctantly was "selling" the book as a fiction novel based upon my life. "Make up your mind," they would write. I kept this story, however, and some of you who followed me... [More]
By: Mike Walton (blackeagle) On: 2020-05-21Brought to you by the Letters Q, M, C, and S
Courtesy of the 007 Museum (thanks!) I am a fan...no, I am "ga-ga" over Captain James Bond, formerly Commander James Bond, otherwise known as "double knot seven" (007), one of a few who have a legal "license to kill." A few people have played this role, among them my "best" Bond, the actor Pierce Brosnan ("Remington Steele" if you recall how he got to be "James Bond"...), shown in the above image on the left.Even... [More]
By: Mike Walton (blackeagle) On: 2020-05-18Camp Theodore Naish
This BSA camp was one that was recommended to us by our readers. Camp Naish consists of 900 acres owned by the Heart of America Council, Boy Scouts of America. This land consists of several rolling hills, rising up to 400 feet above the Kaw River valley nearby. Three hills on Camp Naish rise more than 1,000 feet above sea level and are the highest in Wyandotte County. The hills at Naish are... [More]
By: InsaneScouter On: 2020-05-14When I grow up
When we were children, we all wondered and thought about what we might be when we grew up. Sometimes, young children might say that they want to be singers or actors, models, or pop-stars. Some will say that they want to become firefighters, electricians, or police officers. Others want to be engineers or archeologists or doctors. When I was in elementary school, I had pretty much decided that I wanted to be a teacher. By... [More]
By: InsaneScouter On: 2020-05-11Growing up in Alaska
Now would be an excellent time to read a book to your smallest kids, or have the young children who already know how to read, read it for themselves. This book has won a number of awards since it has been published. This is the story of a little baby Arctic Tern who, with the help of his parents, grows up learning how to take care... [More]
By: InsaneScouter On: 2020-05-07Service Project?
Joe Csatari (BSA Image used under Fair Usage Policy) A Frequently Asked Question of Scouters like myself is one which Mike Clark wrote and asked recently:"Has anyone defined "a service project"?"Service project: an individual or group event designed to demonstrate elements of community pride, volunteerism, and/or dedication to principles of the individual or group involved. Activities that "give back" or "pay forward" similar type activities performed for the individual or group. (my personal definition of... [More]
By: Mike Walton (blackeagle) On: 2020-05-04Leave No Trace Campfire
Image by fancycrave1 from PixabayLeave No Trace Campfire?The Boy Scouts of America set a goal to instill the right values in the boys who belong to the organization. While the "Leave No Trace" principle sounds like it doesn't matter, you have to look at the combined effects of millions of people and the negative effects it can have on the environment. When even one person litters, they contribute to a dirty and more polluted environment.... [More]
By: Scott Robertson On: 2020-04-30Truman Volunteer
(Taken from "Eagle Feathers" by Mike Walton (c)1997 ) He made me proud to be Black, a Scout, and a veteran all at the same time. I observed him as he carefully held the arms of the wheelchair, assisting the fragile old woman from her seat and into a waiting automobile. She must have offered him a tip for his kindness as he closed the door of the car."I'm sorry. They won't let us... [More]
By: Mike Walton (blackeagle) On: 2020-04-27Camp Laramie Peak
This BSA camp was one that was recommended to us by our readers. Some of the pictures shown on this web page were also sent in from one of our viewers. Camp Laramie Peak is the 7th oldest Boy Scout Camp in America. Camp Laramie Peak is located on a working ranch. The scenery is amazing and you might get to drive through a herd of buffalo. In 2020, CLP is 100 years old.... [More]
By: InsaneScouter On: 2020-04-20