Eagle Scout Project Counselors in Poway

In an attempt to help you Life Scouts reach Eagle Scout, I've located a listing of the Eagle Project Counselor's in the area.  Stop delaying and do it!!!

Here is the link to the list of counselors:

http://www.sdicbsa.org/advancement/eagle/counselors.asp

Next, I found a page on the City of Poway's website that discusses guidelines for Eagle Projects specific to Poway.  Of particular interest is the section discussing the appropriate SIZE of the Eagle Project.  Remember what I've said before: it's not the size that matters, but instead the planning that goes into the project.

Excerpt from that page:
Size
How big a project is required? There are no specific requirements, as long as the project is helpful to a religious institution, school, or community. The amount of time spent by you in planning your project and the actual working time spent in carrying out the project should be as much as is necessary for you to demonstrate your leadership of others.

Taken directly from the Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook or see the The National Eagle Scout Association, Boy Scouts of America website.

Contact Information:
Bob Hahn, Parks Maintenance Supervisor Public Works Department 14467 Lake Poway Road Poway, CA 92064 (858) 668-4721	Boy Scouts of America Pacific-Desert Council (858) 298-6121

Follow the link at:

http://poway.org/Index.aspx?page=321

Hope this helps and see you at the top!

Sincerely,


Sensei Brian

Boy Scouts and Your Legacy

What will be your legacy?  Do you already have a family tradition?  Why does it matter?

I think it's cool to have a family tradition...I think most people do.  I'm taking a kung-fu class soon with a 3rd generation Grand Master of Tiger Claw Kung Fu.  Kung-fu has been in his family for 100 years!  It means that he has this in his blood, spirit, mind...in every way in every day.  That's why I'm such a huge Boy Scout advocate...I'm a third generation Eagle Scout.  My grandpa was a lone Scout...he lived on a farm and STILL earned his Eagle Scout...he had more merit badges than anyone else in the family: 2 complete sashes.  That is some serious dedication.  My father followed, but got further into the Order of the Arrow then my grandpa, earing the Vigil Honor and Founders Award.  How could I beat that?  And it's not a negative feeling...just that feeling that I needed to do something great...to continue the family tradition and make a meaningful impact on the family line.  My brother and I both have received our Eagle Scout, Vigil Honor, and Founders Award. 

To make my impact I started a special Merit Badge Program in the hopes of helping Scouts reach Eagle Scout.  To help other Scouts START their own family traditions.  To help others make SCOUTING the best part of their lives. 

I'm thinking about this right now because I'm asking myself, "What will my Son do?"  I don't have kids yet, but it's fun to think about a 4th generation of greatness. 

So now I ask YOU:  what is your family tradition of greatness?  Are you all Stanford Graduates?  Do you all have Black Belts in Kempo?  Do you all speak 3 languages?  But more importantly, what can you do to contribute and expand this Family Dream?

See you at the top!

-Brian D Colwell

Scouting and Leadership Skills

Don Cunningham, 2001 National OA Chief, wrote:

http://www.oa-bsa.org/resources/thoughts/thoughts_c_leadership.htm

"...leadership has been studied for years, dating back to the writings of Attila the Hun. Philosophers, business managers, psychologists, and sociologists alike have attempted to come up with the perfect definition of the vague term "leadership." I feel that no group or professional has come as close as we, the members of the Order of the Arrow, in defining this quality that we strive to instill in our members. Simply put, there is no one definition for a leader. The process of influencing others is subject to interpretation and differs with culture, age, society, etc. However, one attribute applies to all leadership: setting the example. In the Order of the Arrow, we call this "walking like you talk." Our members put it to practice in their daily lives and our leaders make it a reality in units, lodges, and communities across the nation."

What made the great leaders of men so great?  Attila, Ghengis Khan, Hannibal, Caesar, Alexander the Great to name a few.  There were willing to do anything they asked those that followed them to do.  They didn't say "do!"  They DID with their men.  They were loved and respected, and probably a bit feared as well.  They were great fighters.  They were GREAT SALES PEOPLE!  They had the ability to motivate people to greatness, to push themselves to make their leaders proud. 

Are you a great leader?

See you at the top!

-Brian

Getting in touch with nature through Scouting

Scott Hunter, 2001 National OA Vice Chief, wrote:

http://www.oa-bsa.org/resources/thoughts/thoughts_vc_adventure.htm

"...I recall sitting in the wilderness and looking deep within my soul. As a young man I did a great deal of soul searching to find purpose and direction in my life. In nature I found my place, and I found my answers. Looking out over the landscapes, high mountain peaks, and tranquil waters, nature always allowed me to find that inner voice that became so important in shaping the person I am today."


There are 4 moments I'll never forget. Camping moments that shaped my life and attitudes.

1. Philmont Scout Ranch: at the top of Mount Baldy. I realized just how small I really was...but how could I fill the space of the world with my spirit and life?

2. My Vigil. Don't talk about, be about it. I won't talk about it here, but I saw 2 paths before me that night. Both just were, neither right or wrong...I had a vision of my future. I chose the correct path for me, because my girlfriend of 2 weeks at that time became my wife.

3. Sleeping out under the stars...no lights anywhere...just a huge sky full stars and planets. It was truly amazing. I'm not inspired by sun rises...but that night I'll never forget just how close the stars seemed. I thought I could touch them...and then that night a mountain lion walked up to me...smelled me...and walked away...........I seriously thought I was going to be eaten.......

4. Camping in the Ventura Wilderness. I found a nice cozy spot under some trees to set up a small tent...the grass had even been matted down for me...and then I realized it was because a VERY LARGE animal had been sleeping there the night before...


See you at the top!