Courage…another point of view

Courage comes in all shapes and sizes – 

– the first responder who goes into a burning building to save an elderly person, the neighbor who catches a baby thrown by a frantic mother in a fire, someone who sees a purse snatching and stops the thief and other dramatic instances that are awesome and newsworthy and I applaud them enthusiastically. 

However, there are many more examples of everyday courage that never make the 6pm news or are recognized by anyone.  Things people do because it’s the right thing to do, and not for public recognition.

And, we all have our own less dramatic flights of courage such as:

• confronting our fears...flying, elevators, spiders, snakes, the ocean
• apologizing to a friend 
• or even to making a commitment to eat healthier and exercise to have a better quality of life when it’s much easier to order a pizza and snooze on the couch.   

Commitment of this type also takes a certain amount of courage – inner courage.

However, there's one major act of courage in everyday life that usually goes unsung, but is extremely important –  

making a commitment to shape the future of our communities and country by taking on a leadership role with young people. 

Far too often we hear complaints about kids getting into trouble but do nothing to make a positive change.  

One group of adults making a positive change in the lives of kids are those adults who take on the challenge of molding the character, citizenship, sportsmanship and common decency toward others – those who volunteer for leadership roles in youth groups such as the Cub Scouts. 

It takes courage of a special kind to have the patience and commitment to mentor young people who are beginning the journey of coming of age and are constantly challenging the status quo and facing life changing decisions. 

I admire all who accept this challenge.

Cub Scouting, a program of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is part of the worldwide Scouting movement and aims to promote character development, citizenship training, personal fitness, and leadership.   

 Cub Scout leaders might get started because they have a child who wants to join a Den.  But once in, they take on a tremendous challenge in teaching, motivating and entertaining 5 – 10 year old kids – this is a very scary thought not to be approached by the faint of heart!

I witnessed an act of Cub Scout Leader Courage this past summer that impressed me to no end. 

John, a leader in my Great Nephew’s Den, wanted to make the last Den meeting of the 2019 season special for the scouts. He wanted to do something outdoors in a stretch of beautiful weather and give the scouts a different experience than they normally had throughout the season. 

After what I have to imagine was a great deal of thought, John decided to take the Cub Scout Troop on a fishing trip to a local pond.  

So, you might be thinking, what’s the big deal about taking a bunch of kids out fishing?

Many of you reading this post might be experienced fishermen and leading a trip to a pond would be second nature.  But what if you had absolutely no fishing experience – like John. 

The day before the Cub Scout fishing event, my niece Nicole texted an invitation to me to join her eldest son Kellen (my great nephew) at Whalen Pond to go fishing with his Cub Scout Troop. 

Obvious no brainer – I was in.  I thought this would be a good time for Kellen to try the 6’8” fly rod I built for him about a year ago.

I wasn’t sure of the conditions so I brought some spinning equipment just in case. As it turned out, with lots of kids and adults around a small pond, and a strong wind – it was not a place for fly fishing.

I was first to arrive – I wanted to check out the pond. Next to arrive was Scout leader John.  He brought a variety of spinning rods/reels hooks, jigs, and a couple dozen night crawlers. 

As more scouts and parents arrived, I walked over to John, introduced myself and asked how he was doing. 

John explained to me that he wanted to give the scouts a good outdoor experience for the last meeting of the season instead of keeping them indoors, however, he told me that he had very little experience fishing and he was more than a little nervous about how to proceed.  

In my mind, this was a true act of courage. 

Taking on a fishing event with about 

20 Cub Scouts 

(also with little or no fishing experience). 

Having done his due diligence with research and gathering equipment and bait and a commitment to showing the kids a great time it still had to be intimidating. 

But he did what he needed to do for the good of the Pack – a trait of a true leader.

He asked me if I knew anything about fishing and I told him I started fishing about 65 years ago and knew a few things. 

John proceeded to tell me about his lack of fishing knowledge and experience and asked me if I would provide a brief overview and introduction to fishing to the Cub Scouts because he didn’t feel he knew enough about fishing. 

I was happy to comply. I assured him I would be happy to help and he seemed to be a bit relieved.

I provided an intro and safety overview and answered questions and identified fish species, baited hooks, taught proper knot tying, and unhooked fish, and generally felt good about helping with Kellen’s Cub Scout fishing trip.  

It was easy for me – nothing new or difficult. 

But, I have tremendous admiration for John who was determined to give his scouts a great outdoor experience regardless of his personal knowledge and experience. And, with his commitment and enthusiasm, he would have done just fine without my help.

Kudos to John and his courage and commitment to our young people!

Here are a few photos from the event.

Great nephew Kellen waiting for a bite.

Kellen with one of many fish!

The Star of the show - 6" bullhead catfish!

 As for my nephew Kellen, he was an outstanding example of a Cub Scout and fisherman. He was very patient, listened to and followed all instructions, casted like a pro and caught 6 fish. 

I believe all the Scouts caught fish and generally appeared to enjoy the event.  

All it took was one act of courage 

by a dedicated Cub Scout leader. 

I would not be surprised if this became an annual event – I hope it does. 

Thank you, John, for showing your Pack a great example of leadership, commitment and, of course, Courage.

  

 

 

     

 ^{See you on the water!}

^Dave