SCOUT EXECUTIVE'S MINUTE

Dear Fellow Scouters:

Over the years I have set many goals for myself. Some of them were short term while others would take years to accomplish. Some were serious and others just for the fun of doing it.

So far I have accomplished the following from my list of goals: Earned the rank of Eagle Scout, became elected and served as an Order of the Arrow Lodge Chief, earned my Bachelor’s degree, piloted an airplane and a train, learned how to ski and fence, learned how to shoot rifles and shotguns plus some archery, learned how to drive a manual transmission car, earned my general class amateur radio license, played the trombone, learned to play golf and tennis, drove a Porsche, went to Philmont and two National Jamborees, traveled to the Bahamas and England, and served as a Scout Executive by my 35th birthday.

One of my goals to accomplish along with three other friends is to dine in the “ten best steakhouses in America” --- so far we’re halfway here! Others on my list that are “works in progress” or future goals: Earn my master’s or a law degree, travel to all 50 states (42 states so far), write a book on leadership, learn how to play bridge, be able to play the guitar, drive Route 66 from Chicago to California, serve on the BSA National Staff, travel to Germany, Greece, Italy, Hawaii, Cuba, and Russia, become a really good amateur photographer, and become a college professor after I retire from the BSA.

Other accomplishments that were fun or interesting that added color to my life, but were not actual goals: Raced snowmobiles, hiked on the Appalachian Trail, installed a water line at camp, constructed two camp pavilions, drove to the top of Pike’s Peak and Mount Washington, conducted research and analysis on eastern Europe and Russia that was used by the CIA, drove a tank with the Tennessee Army National Guard, announced at the Gator Bowl, flew on an air-to-air refueling mission with the US Air Force, learned how to throw a casting net for shrimp, went bass fishing in Texas, served on a Wood Badge staff, became a Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow, cruised the Caribbean, toured Mexico, served on three national committees for my fraternity, produced three major shows along with a real Hollywood producer, deputized by the police twice to assist during a vehicular accident, talked with the Astronauts while they were on board the Space Shuttle, learned how to hang drywall and do mudding, lived in eight states, served as the foreman of a grand jury, co-authored a piece of legislation that became a law, commissioned by the Governor as a trustee, and enjoyed Texas as well as Carolina barbeque along with Chinese, Mexican, Italian, Southern, and Cajun cuisine.

Scouting helps young people and adults to set as well as attain challenging goals over the course of their lifetimes. Most of what I have listed above as accomplishments would not have been possible had it not been for my Scouting background and training. Setting and achieving these goals not only helped to attain the goals that had been established, but also produced many other positive experiences in the process. Learning by doing is a fundamental Scouting process. Once obtained then new goals can be set to help further personal growth and development. Scouting really works!

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