Jeffrey Hynes
District Chairman
The End Of Scouting.
Recently I read that the bankruptcy proceedings against National Boy Scouts of America could spell the end of scouting, as we know it. After thinking about this I thought how is that possible? Robert Baden-Powell always said, ‘We are a movement, not an organization. We change with the times’.
Movements have an emotional heart energized by an idea, a vision. As leaders and scouts, our first loyalty is the movement not the organizations that contain it. If Scouting is valuable it will remain so – there’s really no way to kill it. The organizations formed around it may come and go but the movement at it’s heart will remain strong. From my years being involved in scouting, the leaders and members of the North Shore district are amongst the most passionate and dedicated individuals to our program. No I say, No! Scouting will not be ending here, not today, tomorrow or anytime soon.
Our passion and dedication to our program is exemplified thru the efforts of Mr. David Nelson, the NSD OA Chapter Advisor, and his supporting committee with the planning and preparation for our Spring Camporee. Yes, Spring Camporee is happening, it is scheduled for the weekend of April 9th. There will be planned troop competitions, the traditional OA call-out and maybe a Brotherhood ceremony. Details about the event will be released over the coming weeks. It should be an exciting weekend, I look forward to seeing you all there.
Finally, the Capital Area Council recently released the 2019, and 2020 membership counts for all districts. Throughout the entire council for 2020, there was a decline of membership by an average of 21%; The North Shore district also saw a membership decline of 21%. To reenergize our community and our units, the council has thrown down a challenge to all the districts. They have asked us to “Get outdoors!”. They would like us to plan outdoor activities that will inherently enable social distancing; such as hiking, kayaking, or biking. So I challenge our units to encourage our scouts, friends and families to get outdoors and together let’s put the “Outing” back in “Scouting”.
Adieu, stay safe and get outdoors,
Jeffrey Hynes
North Shore District Chair.
