My Scouting story started many years ago. I participated in Scouts as youth, but never achieved Eagle, which I’ll always regret. My Scouting experience as a youth was very rewarding because of the adult leaders that did their best to provide a great experience for me. As an adult, I’ve wholehearted embraced the opportunity to provide that same rich experience for another generation of youth.
My adult Scouting journey started when I walked into a Cub Scout pack meeting with my 7 year old son. There was no den leader for the Tiger Den, and the current Cubmaster, whom I now count as one of my best friends, gave the parents a speech that broke down to “Somebody has gotta be the guy”. I’ve repeatedly been “the guy” since in Scouting, taking on increasingly challenging roles. At every turn, I’ve embraced the opportunity to learn more about Scouting, and participate in training that made me a better leader. After exhausting every online training provided by BSA, I decided it was time to step it up.
My Wood Badge journey started when that same friend that talked me into a uniform urged me to attend the course with them. I’d done all the other training, so why not WoodBadge also? What I learned has made me a better leader, and led me down the road to be more involved at the Council level. My ticket was based on improving the Council Cub Camps, and since Woodlbadge, I have attended National Camp School, and become the Cub Camp director for Longhouse Council. My team and I have been able to successfully revive the Camp Woodland Cub Day camp, and, in spite of the many challenges over the past few years, have been able to keep the Cub Camp program growing.
Additionally, Woodbadge introduced me to a great group of fellow Scouters. The connections I’ve made have lead to some great friendships, and opportunities to not only learn, but also teach Scouters what I’ve learned. I couldn’t imagine my life without Woodbadge and Scouting, and hope to stay involved for as long as I’m able. If you feel called to participate in Scouting as an adult leader, there is no better way to learn and connect with others of similar interest than Woodbadge. Give it a try, you won’t regret it!
Eric Primrose
