Post edited 9:08 pm – October 11, 2011 by Burk Hufnagel

Jerry,

I've only been listening for about a month, but during that time I've listened to about 20 of your podcasts. Before I go farther, please let me give you some of my background. Many years ago I started my scouting journey as a Bobcat, worked my way to Webelos, and earned my Arrow of Light. I continued into Boy Scouts and worked my way from Tenderfoot (no Scout rank back then) through to Eagle with two palms before I was 15. Along the way my fellow scouts voted me into the OA and I stayed with the Troop in the Leadership Corps until I was too old, then became a Junior Asst. Scoutmaster.

I moved away to go to college and haven't been involved with scouting until my son decided he was interested in becoming a Tiger Cub. He's a Bear now and I'm the Asst. Den Leader. The agreement is that when the boys graduate to Webelos, the current Den Leader and I will trade positions and I'll lead the boys until they cross-over into Boy Scouts.

I'm telling you this so you can understand some of my motivation. Before my son joined up, it had been over thirty years since I'd been involved with the scouts. I remember a lot, but many things have changed and (as usual) I was looking for someone experienced that I could learn from. When I listened to your podcasts on gear, leadership, the OA, and backpacking, I knew I'd found another source of wisdom worth listening to.

I'm not too concerned about the "production values" – a beautiful book with no useful information is a decoration at best. I'd rather have a copy of the fieldbook even if the pictures are black and white – it's the information that makes it valuable. So it is with the Scoutmaster's Minute. Take heart that your words are being heard by people who appreciate the time you take to share your hard-earned wisdom. Don't let the nay-sayers win – some folks make a habit of finding things to complain about and can't bear to see someone else succeeding where they have not.

As some friends of mine would say, "If they don't like it, they can't have any."

By the way, I actually enjoyed the prior podcast. Not only was the discussion interesting but the whole thing was different – and that stands out by itself. For another, I remember doing the mile swim and hearing shouts of encouragement. I also remember a few years later when it was me out on the lake in a rowboat, pacing swimmers and encouraging them when it looked like they coud use it, so it brought back pleasant memories.

Sorry for the long post, it's late and I'm too tired to be concise. I wanted you to know that you are making the world a better place and you are appreciated; and I felt it was important enough that even though I rarely post messages to forums, I wen through the registration process just so I could leave this. It's a time-sink, but I figure it's worth the time to let you know you are appreciated. Thank you, very much.

Burk Hufnagel