SCOUTMASTER’S MINUTE
Gary M. Louie
THANKSGIVING
Well, Thanksgiving was almost 2 weeks ago and there are only 17 days until Christmas!
This is the time of year where we all pause in the middle of our busy schedules to think and reflect on those things that are most important in life. It is a season when we think about family and loved ones, about giving to others, about being thankful for all that we have. It is a time to think about not what we can get from others, but how we can give to others and serve others as well.
As I reflected on these things in preparing for this Scoutmaster’s Minute, I thought that this was the perfect time to express my gratitude to you who are here before me this evening!
Scouts,
I would like to thank you for choosing Troop 176 to be your “scouting home”! Some of you have been with our troop for almost 7 years, some for only 2 months. You guys are so enthusiastic, so energetic! You are filled with potential, you are hard working and committed to your scouting ideals and to your fellow scouts.
I am so thankful that we are all so different in many ways – age (some are 10 - some are almost 18), ethnic background, faith backgrounds, personalities, strengths, and even work areas that challenge us as leaders to be creative in meeting your scouting needs! Even in our differences, we are all united in the bond of scouting, and that bond transcends all of those differences!
Parents and adult leaders,
You are also filled with enthusiasm and energy! I guess that’s where your scouts get theirs from! I have seen you sacrifice your time, your talents, and your finances for our scouts. You have volunteered in so many ways – on the troop committee, as leaders and drivers on outings, as merit badge counselors, as trainers, as cooks, as carpenters, as computer support, as fund raisers, as Christmas tree salesmen, and in so many other ways!
Some of you have been with our troop for many years. Thank you for sticking with us through the lean times as well as in the times of plenty. This troop is build on the foundation that you have helped lay. For you who are new parents, thank you for your fresh enthusiasm! For when we see your enthusiasm, it rekindles our own!
My cousin-in-law is a scoutmaster of a troop up in
It is truly a privilege for me to serve along-side you as a co-laborer for the sake of our scouts! Without your encouragement and support I would not be able to do this!
So I do want to thank all of you for being a part of our Troop 176 family!
Thank you - all of you!