WOOD BADGE WE6-49-11

Weekend #1 of our Wood Badge Course is now complete.
And, it was a success from everything I saw, heard,
and was told.  And, I wanted to post right away.  But,
it took me a little extra time to take it all in and
find the words to express how really wonderful this
experience has all been for all.

Let's start from the beginning.  All 46 participants
were at the entrance before the check-in time.  No
one was late!  That was our first clue.  And, the
convoy of participant vehicles arriving at the old
commissary was both exciting and scary at the same time.
"It's really starting now!", the Staffers thought.

The participants seemed to really enjoy all the components
of their Course experience from their brief time as Cub
Scouts to Troop Meetings, Patrol Meetings, Gilwell Assemblies,
and all.  I was initially impressed by their enthusiasm,
then by their quick grasp of the events, and most of all
later impressed by their strength of character.

Looking at the Staffers, I kept wondering "How are all
these things going so smoothly, even better than how
we practiced?"  Maybe like how a chunk of coal turns
into a diamond by pressure, our Staff performed like
the stars they always were when it really counted!

As for me?  Well, I'm might be the luckiest one of all.
You see, I get to observe, take pictures/videos/notes,
and view the activities like a Historian trying to
capture the proper perspective.  And, all evidence shows
that this is a very special Course indeed, one that was
destined to make positive changes and excitement.  And,
ultimately, one that was destined to leave a legacy.

We still have this two-and-a-half week break of real
activity, followed by weekend #2, then by the 18 months
of participant ticket work and beadings.  So, there's
much more work and fun left on the table.

But, weekend #1 has already made its mark and changed
us for the better.  We met new friends.  We formed patrols
and bonds that we'll always be connected with.  And, I
think each one of us surprised ourselves with how well
we performed in our own ways.

So, on that note, I'll continue to support Staff and
Participants during this break.  And, I'll look forward
to seeing everyone again soon back on the hill for weekend #2.

- happily your Course Scribe, Mike

Hi everyone!

This weekend was our Staff's final time to complete
all preparations for our upcoming Wood Badge Course.
And though it was work, it didn't feel like it. Much
like setting the table for welcomed guests, our final
tasks this weekend were those details we wanted to
do to welcome you and to provide the best Wood Badge
experience possible to all our Participants.

And, it's my honor to let you know that the table is
set, the bell is ringing, and the gate will open on
May 12th to receive you.

I'll post pictures from this weekend on our website
soon.  So, please check back to see them.

In the meanwhile, continue your own final tasks to make
sure you're ready too.  Are your Medical Records turned in?
Is your full uniform ready for inspection?  Did you check
your packing list to bring what you need?  Are you
ready to learn in an outdoor experience with your fellow
Scouters?

I was very excited to start my own Wood Badge experience
in 2009.  But, I'm even more excited for our Participants
and their Wood Badge experience in this year's Course!

So, I look forward to seeing you on the Hill real soon!

- your Course Scribe, Mike

We met most of our course participants this week and it appears we have some dedicated and enthused scout leaders joining us on the Hill in about a month. The staff has one more full weekend to finish all the last details of our preparations and then we will be ready to rock and roll (literally as evidenced by the course song). If it isn't obvious, we are having a lot of fun as a staff and are ready to share that with our course participants. We hope you are excited. We are! - Mary 

This weekend was another highly successful round of Staff development at Mataguay.  With less than one month until the first meeting with Course Participants, all Staffers were focused on refining the plans, practicing our parts, and preparing every detail.  It was serious work!

But also, all Staffers looked forward to simply being together again, helping each other in our tasks, and sharing laughs along the way.  So, while I sincerely meant it when I told everyone that I'm very glad to be a part of this Staff, it really was an echo of what each Staffer was also thinking and saying.

The secret seems to be that, much like how adults of units have the common thread of wanting to help the Scouts, the Staff recognized our common thread of wanting to help the Course Participants.  You are our focus and our greatest motivation because of all you do for your units.

With our 30-day Pre-Course meeting coming up soon on April 13th, I can imagine you're getting excited.  Just know that we are too.  So, in the meantime, continue your preparations as we continue ours too.

And, I look forward to meeting each and every one of you soon.

- your Course Scribe, Mike

Check out the updated Staff Bios page and you'll see that it's transformed from a "collection" of pictures that were available for each Staff member to a uniformed "set" of Staff pictures.  This webpage transformation also happens to model how the Staff started from diverse backgrounds and now work towards a shared focus - to provide the best Course for our participants.

This is one of those observations I'm privileged to see as I look at all the Staff activities through my camera lens.  Just this past weekend, I got a sneak peak at the Troop Guides busy working on their preparations while the Core Staff continued refining the Course materials and tools.  So, everything checks out ok as we look forward to our upcoming second round of Staff Development.

Be sure to check back for updates from that!

- your Troop Scribe, Mike

This Staff Development weekend was a highly productive one!  The classroom is being prepared.  The presentations are being refined.  And, most of all, your Staff is working like a team!

There's still more for the Staff to do.  But, rest assured that everything is shaping up fine.  This is going to be an exciting Course!

If you're interested in seeing some of what's going on now, check out the photos.  And, check back on this website again as we'll continue to keep you updated, especially as the Course nears.

- Mike, your Troop Scribe

Wow, what a night!  In between Staff preparation sessions, we enjoyed a very special celebration.  At tonight's San Diego-Imperial Council Dinner & Meeting, 3 of the W6-49-11 Staffers were awarded with Council's highest recognition, the Silver Beaver Award.  Mary Bostwick, Daniel Marks, and George McMahon are among the recipients in the 2010 Class of Silver Beavers.  And, they are now among the other Silver Beaver honorees in the W6-49-11 Course Staff.

I think the Course Participants are going to benefit greatly from this group of dedicated Scouters who are passionate about helping others bring out their best.  I'm looking forward to it.

- Mike, your Troop Scribe

The Staff Orientation session was a success yesterday in so many ways, I felt compelled to share my observation that our team of Troop Guides, Quartermasters, ASM's, and Directors are the finest one could hope for.  Their dedication to the values of the Course and to the genuine experience of the participants is a real strength of this team.  And, I know the participants will benefit from this in the best possible way.
- Mike, your Troop Scribe

Staff gathered yesterday in a special session of the Trainer's EDGE Conference as the official kick-off to the 2011 Wood Badge course. It is apparent we have some very skilled trainers on this staff who are anxiously awaiting their oppportunity to share their love of scouting with others. I am very pleased with the potential I see in this staff. Participants, you are in for a real treat! - Mary