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