Dave's Knot Here! - Boy Scouts

An eclectic mix of things that interest Dave.

Boy Scouts of America

The Boy Scout program provides one of America’s premier “games with a purpose” for youth. As an adult, I find that it’s still a lot of fun. Here you’ll find out what I’ve been up to. And for anybody that knows me, that’s a lot!

Cub Scouts—I was a Wolf, Bear, Lion and Webelos. Those of you that know a bit of Scout history will recognize that as a rarity; only people of a certain age can honestly make that claim. I became a Webelos just as the program started, and Lions went away. I made a few pinewood derby cars, but I don’t think any of them won. I earned my Arrow of Light.

Boy Scouts—I joined large Boy Scout Troop 330 right after Webelos. A few months after joining, the troop decided to split into two smaller troops, and Troop 230 was formed. I stayed active in Troop 230 until shortly after I went to college. Lots of campouts and hikes are among my many wonderful memories of a great active troop under the leadership of Scoutmaster Val Hernandez. I served in various positions, including Senior Patrol Leader for a few terms. I am an Eagle Scout. My only regret: not working a bit harder and earning an Eagle Palm.

Order of the Arrow—As a youth, I was elected into the Order of the Arrow, becoming a Brotherhood member. As an adult, I was awarded the Vigil. Honor, being given the Lenni Lenape name Papesu, which is interpreted as Patient One. My adult involvement in the OA has included serving as Chapter Ceremony Team Advisor and Lodge Ceremony Advisor. I have taught classes at our Section Conclaves, and have attended NOAC 2002 and 2004. The Brotherhood ceremony team I advised was named an Honor Team at NOAC 2004. I’m looking forward to NOAC 2006. In December 2004, I was honored with the Founders Award.

Wood Badge—Been there, done that, got the beads and woggle in 1999 as did my wife Lois. It’s a great training program that all Scouters should go through. What critter am I? I realize it’s bare-ly obvious to many of you, but there’s only one critter worth talking about: a bear! If I had to choose a second critter though it would be-whoooo-ve me to be wise and choose an Owl, since that is what my wife is.

White Stag NYLT (JLTC)—I first became involved in BSA’s Junior Leader Training Conference (JLTC) as a youth when I served as Senior Patrol Leader for an early training conference. Nearly three decades later in 2002, I again became involved, serving as Scoutmaster for two years, and Assistant Course Director and Course Director for one year each. I will be serving a second year as Course Director in 2006. Our Council calls our program White Stag and holds three sessions each summer, with each session consisting of two or three troops. The 2002 course with which I was involved (called White Stag Woods and Water) included canoeing for half the week, and backpacking for the other half. All training was done on the trail! The other years have been the normal in-camp course. Just like I think all adult Scouters should attend Wood Badge, I feel all Scouts should attend White Stag (or whatever their council calls their program). I’m very much looking forward to being the first Course Director to implement the new National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) syllabus in our council in June 2006.

Unit Involvement—I’m currently involved with two units: Troop 007 and Troop 22. Troop 007 is a unit I helped start in early 2002 and is a small, young troop with lots of energy, but still in search of some mature youth to help lead it (in other words, the adults are still doing more than they should). I serve as Troop 007’s Committee Chair. Troop 22, on the other hand, is a large, well established unit, having been chartered over 50 year ago. I became involved with 22 because it is the troop my son, Jon. crossed over into from Webelos. (He is a third-generation Eagle and is now attending Manchester College.) I served as Troop 22’s Junior Leader Training ASM and Advancement Chair for six years. I currently serve as an Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 22. I also serve as an Assistant District Commissioner and Merit Badge Counselor for the Golden Eagle District of the Crossroads of America Council.

Marlinspike Skills—I serve as a staff member for this fun advanced knot-tying course. It focuses on mostly decorative and a few practical knots. Techniques to teach knots to others are also covered. Make sure you take a look at my Knots and Splices page.

Awards—Silver Beaver, Distinguished Commissioner, District Award of Merit, and Boy Scout Leaders Training Award.

Scouting’s a Great Gig!

Last changed on 12/20/05.

Scouting’s a Great Gig!

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