Scoutmaster Recognition

So here's some stuff about me...

I had never been camping until I joined Boy Scouts.

I had never worked at a Community Breakfast until I joined Boy scouts. Or worked at the Library. Or worked at the Food Pantry. Or taught anyone how to tie a bowline. Or a sling. Or how to pitch tent. Or clean a Dutch Oven.

Or worked with a young man to overcome his fear of heights or help him expand his comfort level in the outdoors or talk in front of adults or lead a Troop meeting.

During my seven years with Troop 701, I have done all that and more. Things I never would have imagined.

I have camped in the snow and sub-zero temperatures. I have been to Philmont. I have hiked on the AT. I have zip-lined and fun-yakked. I've seen a bear. And a moose. I have been involved in amazing Eagle Projects. I have helped find lost children. I have helped represent the Troop in important projects in the Wakefield Community. I have helped guide 11 year old squirrels into becoming 18 year old quality young men.

I can't tell you how proud I am when I walk into a store and hear "Hey, Mr Purdy!" from a former Scout or current Scout. Or get an email saying "Mr. Purdy, we have a project in town and need some help, so we first thought of the Boy Scouts."

So, without being too dramatic:

I would like to thank Charles, who has left his own legacy within the Troop, for bringing me to the church on that Tuesday long ago...

I would like to thank Rick Robinson for getting me to drink to Kool-Aid and convincing me it's just Tuesdays, only an Hour a Week.

I would like to thank the Parents and Committee for supporting a great Wakefield Scouting program by giving the Troop their Hour a Week.

I would like to thank the Sorebacks, especially Eric and Jeff and Mike, who have helped keep Tuesdays and camping trips to more or less an Hour a Week or so. Ish.

I would like to thank Mike Marando, with whom I have spend many an Hour a Week a Day. This morning. Or evening.

And most especially,

I would like to thank the Scouts of Troop 701. You are the guys who make Tuesday meetings and camping trips and service projects and summer camp where I have been proud to spend my hour a week.

It's all good.

(Delivered June 3, 2014, Troop 701 Court of Honor)