a thought

For those that don't know, Mic-O-Say is an Honor Camping Society of Scouts BSA in both the Pony Express Council, based in St. Joseph, Mo, and the Heart of America Council, based in Kansas City, MO.  I can speak on a very limited basis regarding the group in KC, and do NOT speak as an official spokesman for the group in Pony Express. 

Wow, a disclaimer for something other than The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  How odd.

The tribe, to which Mic-O-Say is referred, and will be here as well henceforth, holds its induction and advancement ceremonies on Thursday and Friday nights during summer camp.  While the exact procedures are not "secret", in keeping with Scouts BSA policy, they are held as a mystique for the young men, and soon, young women, as an incentive.  What is known by all is that these activities go late into the night.  

For those long time members of the tribe, if any read this, they know that in the old days (yup, just pulled the "when I was your age" card, and I am not even that old) they went much later.  MUCH LATER.  I wonder if it is time to evaluate our start and ending times for these ceremonies.  Is there a difference between then and now that may cause me to advocate for such a thing?  YES!

Back in the day, Camp Geiger was a hidden gem in the National BSA landscape.  Most troops that attended camp there, here, whatever (I am writing during my time away, what does that say about where my mind is?) were from the Pony Express Council.  Maybe a two hour drive maximum?  Probably not even that.  We also had breakfast in the Dining Hall on Saturday at the normal time, which was not a crack of dawn wakening.  

Not so today.  Today, many troops are up and going around 6 am, getting gear packed, getting vehicles in the campsite to load up and get ready to head home.  Cinnamon rolls are delivered to each troop in the campsites, often to be used as incentives by the Campmaster to get work done.  

Compounding that is the fact that over half of the troops camping at Camp Geiger are out of Council troops.  In first session alone, we had troops from Arkansas, and the Wichita area.  I think the Arkansas people said an 8 hour drive.  And they aren't even the farthest away this summer.  So imagine, from a safety point of view, staying up late for ceremonies, getting up early, and driving home.  So, you may ask, why doesn't the driver just not go to ceremonies?  Not a bad solution, but even still, late night for them, and then who is awake with them in the vehicles driving home?  

Am I advocating overthrowing the system?  No, of course not.  I love ceremonies, no matter what some may think.  I love how they flow, the give and take of those that lead.  Mostly, I love the pageantry for the boys, and soon (4th week)  girl troops attending camp, with girls that will stand in the tapping circle for the first time.  I am just suggesting that we discuss the issue.  Encourage the leaders of those far away troops to honestly give their opinions of staying up late, getting up early and driving home.

I love ceremonies, Thursday and Friday nights.  I love the deeper meaning of the teachings of the Scout Oath and Law, in ways that the boys learn it, without knowing that is what they are being taught.  I know that the kids, especially those newly inducted will be very tired, and may miss most of what happens Friday night.  That is okay, they can come back next year, (or next week) and have a completely different perspective.  I have heard some say that they have found God through the tribe.  I didn't find God, but make no mistake, I understand Him, and his relationship with us much better because of it.

Few read anymore, but I do think it is an important safety consideration.  I am thankful that ceremonies don't go on until 2 or so like before, but wonder if maybe they could be tightened up a little.  Just a thought....


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