SCOUT EXECUTIVE'S MINUTE

Dear Fellow Scouters:

Having just returned from the Boy Scouts of America’s Annual Meeting held this year in Washington, DC, I wanted to share some thoughts and observations as I have been participating in these gatherings for the last twenty-two years.

First, it was the largest BSA Annual Meeting EVER in the history of the BSA. I don’t know if it was location or timing or the resurgence in our overall program, but I do know that attendance broke all previous records. The NWSC was ably represented by Council President Rich Politowicz, Vice President Marie Diffley, Council Advisory Committee Member Jacque Anderson, and yours truly. We purposefully attended different sessions during the day so we could cover as much ground as possible for the council and then met at mealtime to share information on what we had learned.

Second, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, (Distinguished Eagle Scout) was presented one of the Silver Buffalo Awards at the Americanism Breakfast. He spoke eloquently of his time in Scouting, his service on the staff at Philmont Scout Ranch, and the importance of Scouting to America’s future. He was introduced to an instant standing ovation by the crowd and ended his speech with the same. Other Silver Buffalo recipients included the Surgeon General and Ray Wood, Central Region President.

Third, new BSA President Rick Cronk certainly knows how to capture an audience. His remarks were positive, uplifting, and sparked energy into the crowd that I have not seen in many BSA Presidents (they tend to be very serious and stiff once they become BSA President). His interaction with volunteers and staff already charts a re-energized course of direction.

Fourth, you will see that the newly configured Supply Group (no longer just a Division, but a Group means that they’re higher up on the totem pole) will begin to offer an expanded list of items. One thing that I saw was a pair of Scout uniform pants that zipped away into uniform shorts and made of rip-stop weather-resistant material.

Fifth, three resolutions were offered with all being referred to committees for the appropriate action. One that drew thunderous applause during its reading was a resolution for the BSA to sue the ACLU for damages for all current, previous, and future donors lost as a result of their actions against the BSA. This was the second time that such a similar proposal has been made to the group and referred to committee.

Sixth, how did the Northwest Suburban Council fare during the meeting? Considering that we were not a Quality Council for 2005, pretty well! The NWSC was recognized as winning two National President’s Awards for Marketing Excellence, the National Endowment Achievement Award for 2005, Central Region Scoutreach Award for 2005, and in the “Top Ten Councils” in the region for new James E. West Fellows for and best “Boys’ Life” subscription records for 2005.

Finally, you can feel confident on the course that BSA is taking, its leadership, its values, and its combination of successes as well as challenges. With the key volunteers and professionals that I have seen, talked with directly, and heard from the podium I am convinced that as a movement we are on the right and true course for America’s youth both now and into the future.

Best regards,
Stephen J. Taylor, CFRE
Scout Executive
staylor@bsamail.org