It was a beautiful evening in Melrose on that April day in 1980. A great day to get a few friends together, meet at the city park, and play some ball. I was nineteen years old, almost done with tech college, and was lucky enough to find a full time job, and a place to rent, in my hometown.
We had been playing ball for a little while when I noticed some young boys taking down a tent on the other side of the park. “Could that be a Boy Scout group?” I asked myself. There had not been a troop in town for at least 4 or 5 years. I had been a Boy Scout for a few years when I was in my mid teens and enjoyed it. I had thought about joining a troop as an adult leader after finishing college. Maybe this was my chance.
I walked over to the small group packing up the tent and talked to the adult leader, who also happened to be a policeman in town. He admitted that he was the scoutmaster of the newly formed troop. In fact, the troop was only a few months old. I asked if he needed any help? He was no idiot so he took me up on my offer. I became an assistant scoutmaster.
Little did I realize that I would still be involved with that troop 25 years later.
During the last 25 years I have seen a lot of boys come and go in Scouting. I have formed strong friendships with some of the boys that have continued into their adult lives. I have gone on many trips with the Scouts, including several trips to Philmont Scout Ranch. I have participated in many training sessions, have trained other leaders, and made many friends with other leaders.
With this blog I plan to write about some of my experiences and share some of the things I have noted and felt over those years. I invite your comments and would like to hear from you.
Steve B
Scoutmaster, Troop 68
