I have been the president since late November, 2008, and was very surprised by the calling. The call came from our new bishop, who happened to be the last YM President. After accepting the call, I quickly realized just how little I knew about 1) running a program as big as the Young Men, 2) how to interact with male youth, and 3) how to work with the YW president (she was also new -- in fact, she was called weeks after I was). It was actually a rough start for a few months and a few of the Priests didn't like me and let me know. After some time, we both learned how to co-exist: they realized where I stood with some of their behavior; and I realized what to expect from them based on where they were coming from.
But I learned to really enjoy the Priests, Venture Scouting, interacting with the youth, going on campouts, sharing spiritual thoughts over campfires, building a trebuchet and throwing pumpkins after Halloween, etc. Last Sunday, even though I was told I was being released, I also learned that my time with the youth was not yet over.A few months ago, my 2nd Counselor (and Scoutmaster -- in our ward they do both) announced he was moving. We started our search for a replacement. We were having the quandary of whether we needed to call someone who is an Eagle Scout who has had previous experience running Scouts, or realizing that everyone has to begin somewhere. I submitted a few names to the bishop and included replacement names for my 1st Counselor (and Varsity Coach) because he'd been in that calling for about 4 years.
Weeks passed and I heard nothing from the bishop. The Young Men's Presidency is the only presidency in the church where the auxiliary president doesn't choose his own counselors. My counselors were the responsibility of the bishop, as he is the president of the Aaronic Priesthood. I realize the reason in terms of doctrine and policy; I really don't understand that in terms of logistics. So I waited. I pestered the bishop for news ... updates ... anything. I even quoted scripture to him about the parable of the unjust judge. Somewhere along the line, I jokingly said, "Bishop, you can release me and call me as Scoutmaster." We both laughed at the possibility.
Until last Sunday when it became a reality.
Two years ago I would have soiled my pants had I been called as Scoutmaster. Now, after a full year of running youth around in circles, leading a Venturing Crew, attending roundtables, court of honors, and campouts, I feel much more at ease and not completely overwhelmed.
Here goes to a few years and maybe a lifetime of Scouting. Wish me luck!
7 comments:
Good luck! I think this calling is perfect for you. You've always loved all things outdoors, and can fill this role with ease compared to some. Brent was called as Scoutmaster and I think he was completely overwhelmed with it, partly because he never grew up with a strong scouting experience of his own. Our Stake Pres. here has really put a lot of emphasis on the scouting program. Statistics show that ym who achieve the Eagle, are something like 90% more likely to serve a successful mission. In fact, in our stake, we even have a 3rd Stake Primary counselor called just for the cub scout program. It sure helps parents get the program figured out too. Good scout leaders make all the difference in boy's lives. So, congrats on the calling. You will still have as much interaction with the YM as before, just with a different focus. And I'm sure the YM are glad you're not going too far!
Good luck. I wish we had a stronger scouting program here in Iowa (I am not passing that tidbit on to the bishop). With such a transient ward, we may have a scout master for a couple years max before he finishes his training and moves on. We need a Mark Green or Jim Peterson.
I am sure you will do well. My prayers are with you.
Man, out of the frying pan and into the fire! Scouting is not huge here (thankfully), but Sage is a scouterman in his ward, and the campouts and meetings and activities are overwhelming. But since you've dealt with them before you know what to expect. I feel for your wife and girls for vacay time wasted on camping with boys!
I am so grateful for some very good scoutmasters that we had over the years. I think they were a very important part of our boys' lives. I know it is a tough calling, but you will really become important to both the boys and the parents - if you aren't there already.
I do worry about your back and that part of your physical health. I hope you will be careful and wise about that.
The Lord will bless you and He will bless Jen and the girls as well.
Good luck. I think this will be a good calling for you. Are you happy with the calling? Relieved to be released from the YM president?
To tell you the truth, I'm kind of jealous. I love Scouting and my Scoutmaster always were important people in my life. I hope you enjoy it as much as I think you will...besides the all the hard work it will be.
There are certain things that make me very relieved to not be YM president anymore. And I am excited that the Boy Scout program is much more structured than the Venturing stuff. And I don't have to go to any 7:30am meetings anymore. I've been in the PEC for over three years now so it will be a bit weird not being "in the loop" at all.
The toughest thing will simply be the fact that I have 16 deacons on my roster; 9 or 10 are active.
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