A Scoutmaster's Blog

This is a online journal of a Boy Scout troop scoutmaster's point of view and thoughts on over 25 years as a Boy Scout Leader in central Minnesota. This site also serves as the home of the "Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast" which features Scouting related videos. Visit the site of Melrose Boy Scout Troop 68 at http://www.melrosetroop68.org for nearly 200 pages of local Scouting history.

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Name: Scoutmaster Steve B.
Location: Minnesota, United States

Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 68, Melrose, Minnesota for over 25 years. Has been an assistant scoutmaster, roundtable commissioner, Philmont advisor, and Jamboree Scoutmaster.

Thursday, January 25, 2007

The Blog... Is it worth it?

It began on May 18, 2006. There was this scoutmaster (me) who thought it would be a great idea to start an online journal (blog) about his career as a Scout leader (only one hour a week). Since then he has posted 45 entries (this one is #46) covering a variety of topics.

Now, the question is.... is it worth it?

One of the frustrating things about writing a blog is wondering if anyone actually reads it, and what they think about it when they do read it. During the last eight months I have received approximately a dozen comments left on blog entries. I have also received several emails from people relating to the blog. I get the impression that these people have been enjoying the blog.

There have been a couple high points. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the "Ten Reasons To Be An Adult Leader" was popular enough to be linked to from a couple other websites. Recently, I was reading one of the Scouting forums in which I am a member, when I noticed that someone commented that this blog was a "must read for all". I smiled to myself a few days after reading that one.

I do not consider myself to be a great writer. I know I will never make a living from writing. I have had people tell me that I write like I speak, and that is just fine with me. I have no intention to be anyone other then who I am.

Now, I have a few questions for you, the reader of this blog. Who are you? Where are you from? Do you hold a position in Scouting? Are there some topics you would like to see covered in this blog? Do you like it just the way it is?

Answer the question. Leave a comment or two. I would love to hear from you. Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to read "A Scoutmaster's Blog".

5 Comments:

Anonymous Robert said...

I think your doing great with the blog. It's given me many things to think about. I look forward to the next installment.

Robert
Cubmaster Pack 47
Tennessee

January 25, 2007  
Anonymous vpalango@comcast.net said...

I can't say I read your blog weekly, but I do check in from time to time, and I find it energizing in the same way that I find things like my district roundtable energizing.

Your blog is one of many places that reminds me of the fact that I am just part of a larger movement, that goes back a long way. It also reminds me that I always have alot to learn about the art/science of being a scoutmaster, and to always try and learn, and improve in my skills.

Yours In Scouting,

Vernon L. Palango
Scoutmaster - Troop 131 - Wrentham, MA

January 29, 2007  
Blogger Heidi said...

My son completed his Arrow of Light last Monday. When he finishes his last Craftsman project next week, he will transfer to a Troop.

Last fall, he wanted to quit.

But we've found a Troop, or they actively sought us, that is, him, and they will keep him just enough uncomfortable to grow. Just involved and engaged enough to stay.

I'll stick around the Pack for another year to keep the transition smooth there. I'll start attending Troop committee meetings, but the Scoutmaster and I agree that after being a den leader for five years and overlapping as Cubmaster for two more, I need to get out of my boy's way. And I'll be proud to do so.

Along the way, I found Cub-Scout-Talk and Boy-Scout-Talk. I searched Google for Scouting blogs to get the real stories, the conflicts resolved, the trips well prepared. And Star Trekkin'.

Thanks for sharing. Consider it a Roundtable extension.

February 02, 2007  
Blogger Jim said...

Don't stop blogging, man! It's nice to see someone else out there with similar thoughts and feelings. I just found your blog recently and I find That I share most of your feelings.
I have been a Cub and Boy Scout leader for twenty years myself but this is my first year as a Scoutmaster. I look forward to reading your thoughts.

March 11, 2007  
Blogger Abi said...

hey i only just found your blog, but it's a great read, its nice to read another persons view on scouting, i am 18 years old and from the UK. i run weekly a beaver pack (5-8yr olds) of both boys and girls, and have been helping since i was 11. i love it, and love the relationship you can get from the children. i love your blog, keep it up man, it shows that scouting is very much alive! shouting for scouting 2007!

Sammie Banks
6th Bolton 1st Eagley Beavers
Bolton North
UK

July 18, 2007  

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