As I was posting the previous entry to this blog, I began thinking about other multi-generational families of Melrose Boy Scout Troop 68. There have been a few of these.
Jerome is two years younger then I am. We were both members of the Falcon Patrol in the mid 1970’s. His younger brother, Shawn, joined the troop in the 1980’s, a few years after I became the scoutmaster. Their nephew, Zack, is currently a member of the troop, in the Nighthawk Patrol.
John was also a member of Troop 68 when I was a Boy Scout. John grew up, got married, and moved to the Twin Cities area. When he moved back to Melrose his sons joined Troop 68 as they got old enough. John’s two oldest boys, Nick and Jacob, have both earned the rank of Eagle Scouts while members of the troop. His youngest son, Lucas, joined the troop early this year.
Bill was an adult leader of Troop 68 in the 1960’s. One of his youngest sons was a member of the troop when I became the assistant scoutmaster in 1980. Bill’s grandson, Chris, joined the troop in 2000 and last year was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout.
One final note about spanning the generations. When I was a student in high school I never gave a thought to being a scoutmaster when I became an adult. I found it interesting that many of the members of the troop committee who appointed me as the scoutmaster were former high school teachers of mine. I am sure it never occurred to them that one of their students would one day be in charge of teaching their sons the skills needed in Boy Scouting.
A little ironic, don’t ya think?
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As i get older and older i realize what good scout leaders i had as a scout. How greatful i am to them for the lessons i learned. I hope to pass along some of those same lessons.