What!? I've been gone three months!?

It's been a good year, with lots going on. We've seen our pack grow and become more organized; we've shared joys and sadness; but, truthfully, we have been a family.

I enjoyed the Christmas Party last night. One of the greatest things I have the privilege of enjoying that most other leaders don't: I get to watch our scouts grow, learn, and become young men. Sure, everyone gets to see this, but, in certain respects, I get to sit back and enjoy it.

Thank you to all of the leaders who have made this year so successful. From freezing at Camp Charles to sweating it out at Mudcats to freezing again at Falls Lake. It is your dedication that keeps our scouts involved.

Thank you to all the parents who have worked with their scouts, contributed to the success of the pack, and done both. Your participation is a much greater contribution than you can possibly imagine.

On a slightly selfish note: a parent approached me last night and, within our conversation, remarked that it is fun to watch me with the boys, that I seem to be just right for the job. Maybe I am just right, maybe I'm lucky, blessed, or pitied. Regardless, I feel honored to be in the role you have me in. I feel it is the right place for me in this part of my life. Among my thanks, I thank you all for supporting me in this role.

Next year, the second half of our scouting year, will be very busy. Each month has at least one major activity. January has the Pine Wood Derby, February has the Blue and Gold Banquet, March has the district Pine Wood Derby and the Webelos to Boy Scout cross-over ceremony.

Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, referred to scouting as fun with a purpose. That's my goal: to teach our scouts to be young men, solid citizens, and believers in God and a higher purpose...and to mostly, HAVE FUN!

Have a Merry Christmas, reminder Christ in the season, and I will see you all on January 6th!

--Tom

Hurricane Ike (Click Me)

The big boys at NDMS have determined it is better to keep us deployed and in staging for Ike, rather than try to re-deploy us. This is sensible and frustrating, as it means cooling our heals a bit longer before the potential for setting up shop. It also makes it harder on family and work. We have gone from a two week deployment to a possibly 3-4 week deployment. I can't say I could do this type of stint a second time. Not that I'm not ready and willing to help, but it doesn't seem fair to my real world.

Ike is worrying officials in a different way than Gustav. It's nothing palpable, just a sense of urgency. 7 more DMAT teams and numerous US Public Health Service personnel (some put the combined total at 1000) have been staged in Atlanta. That would put the number of DMATs (including full teams and strike teams)* deployed for the Gulf Coast at somewhere around 30. This deployment rivals Hurricanes Rita and Katrina in 2005.

Hanna is in North Carolina as I type this. I called home, and everyone is fine and safe. A few power outages in Wake County, but nothing worse than a tree down here and there and LOTS of rain. You guys be safe. Don't wander out unecessarily.

More later.

*Full (level 1) DMATs are 36 member teams with field hospital provisioning. Strike Teams are smaller units pulled from a DMAT to serve a specific function, like run a part of the command center or assess needs in an affected area.

Learning Patience - Click Me!

Still in Tallahassee. Why you might ask? Well, while any threat from Hurricane Gustav may have passed, and the affected states managing to take care of there citizens without too much trouble, the Atlantic isn't quite finished with us yet.

Although these are just my thoughts, I think it would be easier to keep us deployed than to attempt to re-deploy. Although frustrating to be "stuck" in a motel, it is a necessary part of disaster preparedness.

Please keep an eye on both TS Hanna and H Ike, as they both have the ability to create a major problem. Ike increased from a tropical storm to a category 4 hurricane in about 12 hours. Absolutely incredible...and very frightening.

More updates as they occur.

Hurricane Gustav and Friends - Click Me!

Hi, everyone!

Well, here I am, sitting in the lobby of the Hampton Inn in Tallahassee. Florida (get Mom or Dad to help you look up Tallahassee and New Orleans, Louisiana), waiting to hear when, or if, we'll be assigned a medical mission.

What do I do here? I'm a registered paramedic with a Disaster Medical Assistant Team, part of the National Disaster Medical System. Basically, we are a 335 member medical team that sets up a field hospital in areas of need during natural and man-made disasters. You can read more about us here:
http://www.hhs.gov/aspr/opeo/ndms/teams/dmat.html

Right now we are watching news reports for Hurricane Gustav (HG) and thinking there may not be any real mission. That is, there are thousands and thousands of evacuaies all across the Gulf states, but whether or not they are medically in need is another issue.

But wait, there's more! Look at the link for Weather Underground. The Atlantic Basin is just one long daisy chain of storms. Hurrican Hanna (HH), Tropical Storm Ike (TSI), and depression 99, which probably won't be much of a problem, knock on wood.

Our team, called DMAT NC-1, is part of the United States government, so I'm a federal employee while deployed, which could last up to two weeks. It's a little like when military reserve or national guardsman get deployed. What's the coolest part? We wear military fatigues (excet they're dark blue)! Sorry, scouts, no guns or drill sergeants.

Now, for scout parents, you're federal tax dollar is being wisely used while we await a mission (this is referred to as staging or pre-positioning). We are provided with training, staff meetings, and equipment checks.

One of the things that attracts me to this is the requirement to be ready to mobilize within 4 hours of activation. This requires me to maintain a certain amoount of readiness at home, keeping my gear packed and in order. Also attractive, is taking care of patients in an environment missing air conditioning, adequate sleeping facilities (that is, a motel), and working shoulder to shoulder with other healthcare professionals, like doctors and such.

Bu, the biggest reason is know that when all is said and done, I have a chance to work with a team to deliver quality and compassionate medical care to people of have lost homes, family, friends, possessions, and have no idea what the next day will bring. I'll be home after a couple of weeks. Will they?

I'll update this as I can, as circumstances change, and as internet access permits.

I miss the pack!! Give me a call and say hi! 919-926-8403.

Benji and the 21st Century

Well, not all childrens classics translate from memory exactly the same as, well, remembered. Some were funnier, more entertaining. That's what I get for (unintentionally) being a committee of one. Thought I'd learn that lesson last year!

What is funny, to me at least, is most of the boys were actually enjoying the movie...even if they were rolling around on the floor and wrestling.

I did re-discover that it only takes a little creativity, placed in THEIR hands, to have an evening of fun.

I'm looking forward to the 2008-2009 scouting year, to more adventures, more games, more individual growth, more leadership growth, and more pack growth!

Scout Day Camp

Just finished my second day of volunteering at the Wake County Cub Scout Day Camp, held by the Occoneechee Council. My first day was Wednesday, with a group of Webelos. I was den leader for them, and had a blast. By the end of the day I was wishing I could work with the boys the rest of the week, and they were wishing I would stay with them. What a great time! Enough so that I offered to return on Friday (today). Today I was able to be with my son's den, and it was, again, a great time!

Next year I'm going to see if I can work it out to volunteer the whole week.

If your scout attended, then you had a chance to volunteer. However, you can volunteer whether he attends or not. If you'd like a rewarding experience, this is a great opportunity.

Later I'll talk more about our activites, what I learned, and some great craft and activity ideas to bring to our pack.

Where Have I Been??

Nearly two months since my last post. Mostly healed up from shoulder surgery and returned from several out of town trips.

The regular scout year has ended, and the Pack 365 leadership and parents are looking forward to next year's events with great excitement. Our freshman year is over, and now we can move into a sophomore year with events and planning that will have evolved from our trials and mistakes from the past year.

Even given areas we know we'd like to change or improve on, we feel really good about last year. All the scouts advanced, all are planning on returning, we have what looks to be a good sized Tigers Den coming this fall, as well as a Webelos II.

Comments I get from parents are very positive and supportive, as well.

Looking at our last two events, graduation and the Mudcats Campout, we still have really good participation.

Mudcats this year, contrasting last year's coolness and drizzle, was very hot and humid, with heat index at close 104. Mudcats won, the fireworks were great, and the movie didn't start too late (try telling that to the ones who stayed for it!!)

I'm looking forward to the summer activities that are on the calendar, and the start of a new year later this summer/fall.

The first summer event is the Neuse River Clean-up, on June 21. See you there!!

Humble: courteously respectful

On Wednesday, March 19, I met with my doctor to find out what was up with my right arm. I knew I had probably hurt it a couple of days after the pack pinewood derby while uprighting the grill that our 65 lb. "puppy" had dragged off the deck.

The doctor pretty quickly diagnosed a ruptured biceps tendon and ordered an MRI, to be performed ASAP.

I found out, putting together that meeting and the MRI results, that I would get to enjoy a surgical solution to my problem. I would be lying if I said I wasn't feeling a little sorry for myself.

That same day, while walking that same puppy (left-handed), I found out that a neighbor-friend's younger brother (in his 50's) had just been diagnosed with colon cancer, and that they had already lost two siblings at young ages to colon cancer. Ever physically see your world, ergo, your problems, shrink to naught in about a heartbeat?

I had the surgery April 7, and found out afterwards that my rotator cuff had a severe tear, as well, but got repaired during the operation. See previous paragraph about shrinking problems.

The prognosis for this type of problem is good: four weeks in a sling, 4-8 more weeks of physical therapy, and my arm/shoulder should be as good as new.

My point is this: I'm typing left-handed (I'm a righty), can't cut my own food, and discovered how easy it is to spill oatmeal on a clean shirt. Yet, it is all fleeting. In what amounts to a few weeks, it will be a memory. Can I say that about the children killed crossing Falls of Neuse a couple of weeks ago? What about my neighbor's colon cancer? Father-in-law's irreparable hearing loss?

Slowed down temporarily, yes; having my kids cut my food for a few weeks, yes; sorry for myself? Not after a couple of hard-hitting reality checks.

If you have a serious health, financial, employment, or other problem, I don't want to understate its impact on your life. But do look and see if there is anything you can bring to those around you in terms of optimism and leading by example, maybe by remembering there is a generation looking to you to show them how to live.


Oh, also remember: tradition holds that scouts in uniform shake left hands, rather than right. Well... it helps me out!

The Weather Is Beautiful, Wish You Were Here

Well, here I am, sitting in Baltimore at a work related conference getting some very good information. But, if I could, I'd leave here in time to join in with the Neuse River trash pick-up. It's not that I feel obligated as Cubmaster to be there (although some could argue that), but, I have to be honest with myself: I really like working with these guys.

I've done quite a bit of "networking" this week. I've met quite a few paramedics who work multiple jobs. I sometimes realize that I miss working on an ambulance, but don't know where I would fit it into my week. Gosh, I could get paid to work part-time as a paramedic. But money isn't everything (although it helps keep the lights on and the water flowing!).

Cubscouts is, in fact, my part time job. The pay isn't in dollars. It's in smiles; it's in seeing kids getting excited about racing cars; or making widgets; or picking up trash. It's in the pride I felt seeing the sign at the greenway identifying our pack as adopting it. It's in the scouts coming up to me and saying, "Mr. Tom, can I get my picture with you?" or receiving a card from a scout thanking me for what I do. Have you met Robbie, or Travis, or Stephen, or Darden? I've got 24 others just like them.

No money can replace that.

If you are thinking about whether you have the time to get more involved, try it for a month. I'll bet my cubscout paycheck you'll be hooked, just like me (and a many other leaders in our pack).

I'll be there Tuesday in person, but my heart will be with the scouts Saturday...I may even pick-up trash on the sidewalk just to make myself feel connected!

See you soon....

Forecast: MUD

As Cubmaster, one of my responsibilities is to make sure fun is created for the scouts. A) This doesn't mean I personally have to create it (we have quite a few leaders and parents who are very good at creating fun); and B) We sometimes find the differences between what we parents and leaders call fun, and what our creative scouts call fun.

Let's consider mud.

Mmm, mushy, squishy, squeeze between your toes mud. Mud is sometimes considered therapeutic. Sometimes it is entertainment. Other times it is considered a metaphor for food (mudpies). Now on to a grown-up view...

"Who tracked all this mud into the house!?"

"Woah! Don't walk through that mess!"

"No, you didn't." -- Use your imagination here.

So, who decides what do to when Mother Nature provides an opportunity for some ooey-gooey fun, or, in grown-up lingo, a recipe for a mess?

This past Saturday we intended to do some cleaning at Anderson Point Park. I can't speak for everyone, but I was really psyched about a chance exchange one man's treasure for nature's treasure. I've seen the Adopt-A-Highway signs for years, and have always wanted to support some type of similar endeavor.

So it was with disappointment that I entertained the idea of postponing our trash hunt. I think it is necessary to point out here that it is the fault of our pack leadership that the state is in a drought condition. Had we planned more outdoor activities, water would not be in such short supply. When then, if we are accustomed to enjoying what nature God has given us whilst at the same time enjoying a little vertically challenged H2O, was it necessary to cancel Saturday's experience in waste disposal?

Well, there is a river running right next to a gravel path that most people (except those dropping trash) prefer to use when meandering along said river. However, since the trash dropper-offers don't necessarily acknowledge the existence of predetermined travel spaces, the trash tends to be "off the beaten path."

Right next to the word "Fun" in our Scout Leader marching orders is the word "Safety." We have a responsibility to provide safe fun to our scouts.

Envision this: slippery mud right next to flowing river. Yikes.

Now, I have spent time and words explaining the necessity to postpone our clean-up, when, in actuality, with all the illnesses going around, and the strong winds, cold rain, and the thought of trying to thaw 4 dozen hot dogs and buns in all of that, most parents were just as relieved not to have to go forth and pick-up.

Be warned, though, we will be asking for those "why am I always picking up after you" skills on a Saturday to come, hopefully still in March!

By the way, the make-up date will probably be chosen tomorrow (Monday) night at the Parent and Leader (PALs) meeting. I hope many of you can make it, because, as always, it takes a village to raise a child, and both parents AND leaders to teach them as scouts.

Enough cliches and metaphors. See you this week.

-TM

We're Here!! Look At Us!!

On this very cold Thursday morning I walked to the end of my driveway and picked up this week's edition of the Eastern Wake News. I knew to expect a picture and short article about the derby. What a surprise when I unfolded it and stood looking at the ENTIRE content of page 5A dedicated to photos and story about our race!!

Even if I hadn't been present Saturday, there would been mistaking from the looks of the boys of how much fun they had. My hat off to Mr. Aaron Moody and Ms. Solja Nygard for their reporting and video taping of the event.

In case no one in the area knows it, there is a Cub Scout Pack in Knightdale at Knightdale UMC, and it is having a blast!!

As I mentioned in an email to everyone, thanks for all the hard work from everyone who made the Pinewood Derby and Blue and Gold Dinner come together. You all are part of what keeps us all motivated!

Pine Wood Derby

The Pack's Pinewood Derby has come and gone, but the memories will last a lifetime. I remember my first Pinewood derby. I built my car as a sleek racer, painted blue with a cut-out cockpit. Sadly, not fast enough. But, I had a great time racing it!

Little has changed, except maybe some of the technology. Cars are still original and fast, but, nowadays, we have computer controlled finish lines and videographers posting our races on the internet.

It would be great if every boy could win a trophy. American society encourages making everyone a winner. While we want every boy to try his best and be a good sportsman, the reality of the world we are preparing them for is that not everyone wins, or gets what they want, all the time. This is one reason the derby is so important as a growth tool for our scouts. No, not everyone walks home with a trophy, but everyone finishes the race with the knowledge that he has worked hard, tried his best, and supported others in their quest to excel.

I watched the races with a certain satisfaction. Forgive me for a moment of selfishness, but Saturday was my birthday. Both Friday night and Saturday were a non-stop blur of activity all geared toward watching 29 boys jump, yell, laugh, and cheer. I (like many involved) went home Saturday afternoon exhausted. I didn't need anything else for my birthday. Watching these guys was gift enough, and I'm extremely thankful to be able to be a part of it.

As we continue in our mission of building men from boys, remember the focus: our boys. Everything we do and say, whether consciously or unconsciously, is witnessed and absorbed by them. This is our opportunity to take a generation and build a promise for the future.

Thank you all for what you do, your time and talent is immeasurable!