Oh What Lucky Man I Am

[Eamonn]

We started signing up Scouts for the Jamboree a year ago last September. At times I am not too bright. The Scouts all seemed very young and very small. In 2001, we had a lot of Scouts who had attended the previous Jamboree. They were an older bunch.
I was a wee bit sad that my son, who was with me in 2001 decided that he would go on staff and not spend quality time with his old man. Worse still was the fact that he seemed to relish the idea that he wouldn't be with me. I kept reminding myself about giving him "Roots and Wings".
The Jamboree Troop has been meeting monthly. At first it was very much hurry up and do nothing!!
I of course knew a good many of the Lads, in fact I had been Cubmaster when some of them joined in Tiger Cubs. Still trying to get to know Lads that you only see once a month is a little tough. But at the Troop meeting we had tonight I seen that we had turned the corner. I seen that I now know everyones name. I am fast approaching the age when I will be lucky to know my own name!!
The Patrol meeting were outstanding. A lot of good stuff was happening. The SPL who does come from one of the better Troops, which does use the methods of Scouting, was in fine form tonight.
I really do enjoy Lads of Scout age. They are fun to be with. Maybe I'm just an overgrown kid, but spending time with them is just great.
It must show, as I had asked our DE to drop some papers off and he noted that I was really enjoying myself.
Looking at the Troop, it is surprising how much the Scouts have sprung up. The little guys are now not so little.
Some of these Lads come from Troops where the Patrol Method was long forgotten. They were shocked when they elected the Jr Leaders, even more shocked when they became one!!
I seen tonight that it is at long last working. We became a real Troop tonight.
I had set a goal that as well as attending the Jamboree, I wanted these Scouts to see how a Troop should work. I have never voiced that, just plugged away at it. Some of the parents have noticed and asked questions, one parent even said it was like his old Troop when he was a Scout and what a shame it was that this wasn't happening in his son's Troop.
I am a very lucky fellow, we have a great bunch and I know that even if it rains every day at the Jamboree we are going to have the best-est time.