OT - One for the fellas (serious)

Hey Gang -
I think of y'all as some my greatest buddies so here I go. This yr. as part of my BSA program I want to impress upon the scouts of my troop what it means to be a man. Currently my troop boys ages range from 14-17.

With so much confusion about the role of men in our current society coupled with the way our culture villifies masculinity I am seeking a way to enrich their lives. I want them to be secure in their role of being the next generation of men.

I am looking for your comments be they spiritual, heart-felt, brutually honest, of firm conviction etc. I am looking for something that expresses the essence of being a man, the qualities and virture of being a man. Perhaps a defining moment in your own life that you realized what it meant to be a man.

If I get positive feedback I expect it will be incorporated into our program. Soon some of these boys will soon be leaving to begin their own lives. It is my hope that in someway I will have contributed is shaping the character of these boys as they travel life's journey to become men.

Ladies, if you choose to respond pls provide comments as to what you think a man should be. Describe the qualities and virtues which every man can earn to elevate himself.

Thanks in advance.
ShepFL

1. NEVER put anything before your family...not jobs, friends, or hobbies.

2. Your kids will be on their own soon...no matter what their age. You only have so many years to teach them to be good people. Take advantage of every minute.

3. Never look for credit or admiration for what you've done that was good or right, but ALWAYS take responsibility for what you've done that wasn't.

4. Never underestimate the value of a "Yes, sir" or a "No, ma'am".

5. Respect must be earned by the younger, but given freely to the elder.

6. Share what you have....whatever it is. A mess of catfish filets or a bag of mushrooms are worth their weight in gold to those no longer able to gather them on their own.

Also, since we lived with older people, we never had any kind of generation gap. My friends in High School and College were always impressed how I got along with their parents and grandparents, but it was natural.

In society today, parents teach their kids to call adults byt their first name, slowly breaking down the hierarchy of respect that should be given to adults. It makes my blood boil. We also shove older people into homes, so that kids never learn the wisdom that life gives us.

Anyway, I don't know if this helps, but if you can impress upon the scouts how far being polite with good manners will get them, you will have done something.

Take Care
Steve

My own 2 sons are raised this same way. Call my house and my sons answer "Hello, the Sheppards, may I ask who is calling?"

Pls, thank your, you are welcome, beg your pardon, excuse me are all part of our daily life around our place. It goes without saying down here in the South that children and young adults will say Yes Sir, No Sir, Yes Ma"am, No Ma"am, etc.

When folks compliment me how well mannered, well behaved my boys are I IMMEDIATELY have the individual direct those compliments to my sons. I find this just reinforces it for them plus they get the recognition for doing the right thing.

• Parade Magazine

Until you have mastered the 3 points above, your poor communication skills serve only to negate the validity of whatever point you are trying to make.

About the only thing I can add is you have your "word".

If a man looses his word he has nothing left.

T_Bone

• here

As an adult leader at the time I spoke with the then current scoutmaster about my dissatification and lack of direction and lack of boy leadership training within the troop.

Needless to say he did not care for my comments. About a month later at a Committee mtg. he got pi$$ed, got up yanked off his uniform shirt and threw it at me proclaiming "if others think you can be such a good leader you got job".

That night I was voted to be the Scoutmaster. That was 2 yrs. ago. Our troop is now 17 boys strong with recruiting coming up. First yr. we lost a few boys because the grabass STOPPED IMMEDIATELY. Some have since come back as they recognize the value of how the troop is being run by the boys and being managed by me and the other adult leaders. The boys now have a sense of purpose with Scouts and know how to set a course of action. They now have fun - work hard, play hard.

But that first yr. - whew !! The troop learned what is like to

a) camp without tent stakes as they were forgotten

b) have only 1 dz. eggs for a 3-day campout breakfasts with 10 boys

c) not clean pots and pans only to find that same messy gear reappear at the next campout as the ONLY cookgear

d) that sass mouth or threats will land your butt in camp all weekend plus give you time for reflection as you will be dismissed from next campout until written behavior action plan complete with apology is received.

It has been rewarding and I just want to keep it real, keep it honest and work hard, play hard.

Be honest in word and deed.
Think before you speak or act and ask yourself how your response will be viewed a week, month or year from now.

Be kind to everyone and have compassion on those weaker than you.

Realize that time is our most precious gift and we should use it wisely.
Help those that you are in a position to help.

Engrain in your mind that life is a marathon not a sprint.

Work hard and set a good example for others.

If in doubt about something pray about it until you get it cleared up.

If in doubt about any situation with regard to you actions aske yourself how Jesus would handle the same situation.

Good luck,
Devin

High moral values: Again, those may have hurt me sometimes in business deals, but I slept well at nights and still do. I can hold my head up with honor. I am retired now, but still held in respect by my former peers and business associates.

MONEY: After nearly 70 years of living, money is nice to have, but it is NOT the most important element to a satisfactory life. Your sense of values, self-esteem, and respect will give your much satisfaction.