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Commissioner’s Corner
Mike’s Mission……and our Mission
At the recent Gathering of Eagles at Minute Maid Park, our keynote speaker, Michael Fossum, Distinguished Eagle Scout and Astronaut offered great insight into the Scouting program. On several occasions, Mike alluded to the fact that “without some great Scout leaders encouraging him to stay in Scouting, he would not be where he is today! In listening to that story, the thought occurred that “PERHAPS’ a unit commissioner was the person who encouraged Mike’s Scoutmaster to realize the talent in a young man who was not sure that Scouting was the right path for his teen age years. We may never know what encouraged Mike Fossum’s Webelos leader, Mickey Allen to keep encouraging Mike to stay in Scouting and become an Eagle Scout. But we do know that Mr. Allen and other leaders kept influencing Mike and through their effort, Mike’s course of life was changed!
Mike’s story is one that could be scripted through our efforts as Unit Commissioners in Sam Houston Area Council……for WE don’t know whose life we are changing by making that monthly unit visit. It is entirely possible that the evening we spend with a Cubmaster, Scoutmaster or Crew advisor may be the catalyst for keeping them in that role to make a difference in the lives of young men we may never meet. Our interaction with a Troop Committee chair or the treasurer of a Pack, Troop or Crew might give them the encouragement to complete their training, enroll in the next Wood Badge Course, recruit new adults, or encourage more boys to join Scouting, Yes, our work is often behind the scenes and seemingly insignificant on the surface, but our visit may provide the key for a unit’s success through our friendship and counsel.
Why does Mike’s story make such a difference at this time in the life of Sam Houston Area Council? Here are three important reasons.
• In the next few weeks, we will be joining with the membership teams from every district in our Council to encourage boys to join Scouting in the Fall Recruiting Campaign. It requires months of planning, teamwork and encouragement to elevate our Campaign to the best in the Nation and our Unit Commissioner team will be an important part of that process.
• Our Council has taken a giant step in the realignment process and that program is nearing its’ completion. June 1 is a great time to look to the future and make every district in Sam Houston Area Council the very best that it can be.
• Read this month’s SquareKnotNotes about some great new ideas for recognizing Scout Spirit. The Scout of the Month program is one option that we can encourage through our monthly commissioner visits. Check out the website for this tool to help recognize a Cub Scout, Boy Scout and Venturer each month in every unit in our Council.
Mike’s story has been a factor in the successes of his mission. Our mission….effective monthly unit visits could help Scouting produce another Mike Fossum!
Until the next campfire…..
Stan Stanley
Council Commissioner
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