WoodBadge, SmoodBadge....

Genius Golfer has had his hobby interrupted this week.  He was "called" to attend Wood Badge.  What is Wood Badge, you say?

"Wood Badge is a training course for Scouters which finally results in their receiving a certificate, a small neckerchief, a leather slide, and two small wooden beads on a leather thong. Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, directed the first course in 1919 and gave each of the participants one of the beads which he had captured from the African chieftain Dinizulu. Thus did the course name develop, for its symbol was literally a badge of wood.

"Wood Badge is, further, Scouting's premier training course. Baden-Powell designed it so that Scouters could learn, in as practical a way possible, the skills and methods of Scouting. It is first and foremost, learning by doing. The members of the course are formed into patrols and these into a troop.  The entire troop lives in the out-of-doors for a week, camping, cooking their own meals, and practicing Scout skills.

"The uniqueness of Scouting is the patrol method. The use of the natural gang of six or eight boys who elect their own leader and plan and carry out many of their own activities is a democracy in microcosm. Here young men learn the give and take of working with people as they must surely do all their lives. Here, too, they are given leadership and learning opportunities which prepare them for their future roles as citizens. It is for this reason that it is so crucial that all adults understand thoroughly the patrol method.

"Thus it was that Baden-Powell developed a practical course built around the operation of a troop and its patrols. Yet this is only the most well-known of three parts in the entire Wood Badge experience. The practical course--the week in the out-of-doors--was originally scheduled to follow a "theoretical" part 1, which consisted of answering a series of questions about the aims and methods of the Scouting program. Part 3 then followed the practical course and required a 6-month application period while the Scouter practiced in his home Scouting situation what he had learned in parts 1 and 2. In actual practice, once Wood Badge became available in the United States, the theoretical questions and the application were carried out simultaneously after the practical course was taken.

"But Wood Badge is more than just mechanical course work. Wood Badge is the embodiment of Scouting spirit. Like many intense training experiences, it has always relied on a busy schedule forcing the participants to work together, to organize and to develop an enthusiasm and team spirit to accomplish the tasks and challenges placed before them. Carried out in context of Scouting ideals and service to young people, the course brings out a deep dedication and spirit of brotherhood and fellowship in most participants. Certainly were it not for the common goal of the movement and its program for young people, it would be hard to get grown men and women to endure the 16-hour days required by a program that runs from early morning to late at night.

"The course is designed to be a highlight --"a mountaintop experience" -- for the course participants. Careful planning and strict attention to detail provides a physical/logistic support and program second to none. Add to this a thoroughly prepared and enthusiastic staff and it is little wonder that most Scouters return from Wood Badge inspired and prepared to do an even better job of providing Scouting to boys. In addition to a fine course, all the traditions and heritage of Scouting are stressed and used to inspire those attending. Wood Badge in one form or another is used throughout the Scouting world. Tens of thousands of Scouters proudly wear the Gilwell neckerchief, woggle, and beads of Wood Badge-trained leaders. Because it was begun by Baden-Powell in England in 1919, it is clearly backed by the finest thought and tradition of the founder and thus carries with it great prestige. Wood Badge is then, a great force for world brotherhood, for though it uses the local traditions in each country, it emphasizes the international aspects of the movement and the heritage of Baden-Powell and Gilwell Park."

Well, that is what woodbadge,org say to explain it all.   This particular training is hosted by our stake, so the teachers and leaders are from our stake--many of whom I loved working with when I was in YW.  My hope is with GG is that he might make some new friends from our stake.  I know that he would have been JUST fine for me to go and him to stay home--well, to golf while the weather allows, at least.  Several of the staffers have mentioned to me that this will "chance his life".  We'll see about that, but I'd be happy if he just doesn't come home hating scouting ore than he already does.

The World Is A Hard Place

This week we have been meeting with our local ward Young Women presidencies.  We have been doing this to have an opportunity to do some leadership training as well as some more intimate visiting about how we can help them fulfill  their callings better.

One night, however, we met with one ward and in the course of the evening learned there are some of our Young Women that are dealing directly with hard things, worldly issues that can damage their spirits and even issues that leave them in physical danger.  It was difficult to listen to these good women tell us their worries about the YW in their care.  But as difficult as it was to listen, I was so grateful they shared their concerns.  We worry about these girls too, but they have more regular contact with them and can have a more direct impact for their well being and spiritual good.

I don't want to write much more about specifics of this part of the evening, but I felt the heaviness of their reporting.  These leaders have had this on their hearts for a while--and even longer without knowing just what the matter was, but knowing something was not as it should be.  God knows these girls and was prompting their good leaders to watch them more carefully, with an open heart and the Spirit prepared a way for the leaders to understand more what these girls are going through, so they can help them through it.  Not only that, but these particular leaders have had their own experiences with similar things as they grew up that has given them strong sympathy and understanding for their young women.

The Lord knows each of us.  He will put others in our lives to help us learn what we must and get through the things we will face.  That doesn't always make those things easier, but knowing you aren't along in it is better than the alternative.  It was made plainly obvious to me last night that as leaders we may have had experiences in our lives simply to give us the basis to help others.

I also know that the world is becoming a more wicked place.  Much of what these young women are having to deal with is not of their own making. They are facing the consequences based on other people's choices.  In some cases, the world's influence and Satan's tactics have caused these girls' heartbreak without them making a bad choice.  That is what is so hard to see.  And it is becoming all too common to hear or see things where innocents suffer from decisions made by someone who doesn't seen to have any consequence at all.

My heart left this particular meeting very heavy.  My prayers since have been very specific and more sincere than they have been for a while.  And my gratitude has increased when I see the goodness around me in my family, friends, volunteer work and within the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  I know that it is through the Lord, Jesus Christ, that all hurt and sorrow and suffering can be handled.  In fact, it can be handed over to Him, and He will take it from us and strengthen us to get through it.  Boy, we all need a little more of that around here.

I'm Just Like Michael Phelps

Have you noticed during the Olympics, while the swim events were going on, that the media were hyping up each event as Michael Phelps' last fill in the blank: his last preliminary swim, his last semifinal, his last individual event, his last relay...etc., etc., etc.

Well, like the Michael Phelps of PTA that I am, today was my LAST Region PTA Kick Off event.

Yes, that is right I never have to attend or teach at one again.  It was my last.  I taught the Presidents' Training for Secondary Presidents.  All the junior high and high school PTSA presidents came to figure out how their jobs differ from those colleagues at the elementary schools.  And I really enjoy the camaraderie of the others that have the same kind of gig I have this year...or last year.  And I do believe it takes a special kind of person to voluntarily work with junior high and high school kids.  And I don't mean Short Bus kind of special.

But it was my last one. And sometimes having your last of something is really a good feeling.  That includes today.

Switching It Up

Yesterday I had my final PTA meeting at the high school for the year.  The administration catered a lovely lunch for us, and were very generous in telling us all how great we were in all our service to the school.  I also had a few ladies talk to me about where they'd like to serve on the board for next year.  For my year as president.

I'm having a hard time shifting gears.

I still have two more evening concerts at the junior high--including tonight's.  Plus I have two more days of sucker sales/Viking Store--including today.  The shift in leadership at the junior high is a little more hands on.  My president-elect is anxious to do a great job. (She will.) And consequently, she is chomping at the bit to have my input on her plans, board list, needs assessment, etc.  She is the most qualified incoming president I have seen, ever.  So I know she'll do fine.  But I still have a few more weeks left for my work there, and her enthusiasm to mentally move to the fall is a little unbalancing for me at this point.

Plus, if I still have a few more weeks at the Junior High, then I really should have a few more weeks not to have the High School, but it doesn't really work that way.  I have a meeting scheduled with the principal on Monday to go over some calendaring items, etc. and make general plans with him.  I need to make the shift...but I'm just not ready to juggle both schools, even if only for a few weeks.

But gears are shifting, with or without me.  So shift I will.  It's what I do.

Things as The Really Are

With my new found affinity for my "smart" phone, I was struck by this message in  a new way today.  I have an assignment to speak to our Young Women leaders at a leadership training meeting, and my topic is "Seeing things are they really are".  I am to speak to them about calling things as they see them, to speak boldly about topics their YW will encounter in this increasingly evil world, and to call repentance to one and all who might need the gentle call to walk-the-walk and talk-the-talk. 

As leaders, we cannot teach principles and doctrines we ourselves are unwilling to live.  The YW are smarter than that,  They know when we are not being honest or when we are not leading with integrity.  Hypocrisy in leaders is, in my opinion, a larger fault than ignorance.

While Elder Bednar is speaking of reality vs. virtual reality in this piece, I believe we each need to search our souls for the humility it requires to make righteous changes BEFORE we lead others.  It is difficult to call ourselves out on issues we struggle with, but our YW deserve better.  They require better.  And we should be better than that.

And here, of course, I speak to myself, as much as anyone else.  Like always.

Oh, Yeah...We Should Have Told You That

I attended our Stake Youth Temple Month kick-off event last night.  Our stake committee of 10 kids is pretty fantastic, and a little too confident now in their leadership abilities. I think we may have created a monster.

This activity was the kick-off for a month's worth of weekly congregational activities that have to do with the temple.  our committee designed a "Commitment Path" with varied stops along the way to discuss--in age groups--standards of friends, honesty, dating, and personal purity with all the groups ending up together for a concluding talk by a member of our stake presidency about the temple and the value in being worthy to go there someday.

Well, we have worked with this group of kids since about March or so. They planned and pulled off our terrific Stake Youth Conference in June. We have taught them leadership skills throughout the year.  Apparently they are learning well.  The last two meetings about this activity last night, the adults weren't invited.  They called and held the meeting without the adults.

Herein lies the monster.

The activity they planned was a hike to a location that overlooks the city and from which you can see the temple in the distance.  The trouble was not everyone could make that hike due to the physical limitations each may have. For example, one young man is recovering from heart surgery for a congenital heart issue. Another young woman has avoided knee surgery after an injury but is doing very careful physical therapy and hiking is out for her.

I figured the answer would be for a rain out, then all the kids int eh stake could attend.  The message being more important than the physical activity--at least in my eyes.  And rain it did!  But the committee still held out hope they could do it as planned.  After several hours of rain, they resigned themselves to Plan B, which was to stay at the pavilion at the trail head and hold their discussions in the corners of the pavilion and then come together at the end, as planned.  The clouds covered the view, so that wasn't a reason to be outdoors doing this activity any more.  But the kids persisted.

We still had probably close to 200 people there, youth and their leaders.  It was cold and wet, but they wore coats and brought flashlights, umbrellas and even water. (Some came thinking they were still hiking!)  And you know what?  The messages were shared.  The messages were received.  The event was successful and though required a bit of last minute, thinking on your feet, the kids did a great job.

So, just because I (as an adult leader) would have done it differently, and communicated a Plan B option earlier, the task is complete and that is what is important.

Information Crossroads

Today I taught a leadership class for PTA Council presidents.  I covered things that were specific to PTA, but most things were really leadership issues.  It must just be this particular time in my life but I seem to be involved with a lot of this kind of training and teaching.  Lucky for me much of what I have to teach about leadership applies equally well in an ecclesiastical or secular platform.  Let me explain:

There are just basics of leadership that seem like no-brainers, but still must be covered.  Things like--start your meeting on time and end on time.  That is basic courtesy to me, but still, some people need to learn this.

Another was some things are non-negotiable.  You know, like due dates, anything the IRS wants from you, reports, etc.  For some people this is new information...they seem to think strict due dates are more like, to borrow a line from Pirates of the Caribbean, "guidelines"

When you are a leader in any capacity, you will have people you lead.  It is important not to forget that checking up is not the same as babysitting.  In most cases, you have someone you must report to as well, so you check back on those you lead in order to answer to your higher-ups in turn.

As leaders, not everything comes to you just as you'd like it.  So enjoy what you can and endure what you must.  This philosophy comes in handy when you are bogged down by the stuff you have to endure.  Somewhere, sooner or later, there will be segments, pieces, portions that you can and will enjoy.  Relish those.

And lastly, there must be some sense of fun in it.  You should be looking for ways to have fun as you lead. Whether it is doing a job you love or working with people you enjoy or working for a cause you really believe in, being a leader cam become sheer drudgery if you can't find the fun once in a while.  And a leader who is happy to be there is much easier to follow than one who constantly reminds you that he/she is just putting in their hours/years/time for an unidentified motivation.

I love it when differing parts of my life bleed together and give me insights into other segments.  There is a synergy to that kind of living.  Plus it saves lot of memory space in my head.  I love when that stuff can come together.

Ghosts of Terror Past

Yesterday I held my monthly PTA meeting with the ten schools I supervise.  These are great people I work with, but like any organization, there is always the random personality conflict.  Each of these ten PTA presidents have their own boards and these personality conflicts arise within their realm of authority as well.  As a training point in my meeting I decided to address some of that now that school is well underway, and people are getting into their jobs.

To really introduce things, I chose to share part of a letter I received from a parent about 4 or 5 years ago, while I served as a PTA president at our local elemenatry school.  It was a full page, single spaced, typed venom filled diatribe on my leadership, the organization of PTA itself, and the personal grievances this woman had across the board. 

Without any details to identify this letter's author I read the letter directly as she wrote it.  As I read it, I could feel hot, red, splotches rising on my neck and higher chest--all this, or course, was clearly visible to my PTA friends in the group.

This letter was 4 or 5 years old, and yet my immediate physical reaction was as strong as if I has just received it.  Even just the idea of the hatred and vitriol this woman wrote to me made me upset.  I knew that I had handled the things she was complaining about with fairness and equity, and yet, with all the pity and compassion I could muster for her, and any other parents who felt left out, over looked, under utilized, or not needed, her letter still addressed her issues without any sense of compromise or cooperation.  She was just lashing out.  I knew that then, and I know it still now, and it still made me upset.

The group I shared this with could identify with the conflict.  They may not have received a letter like this, but they all could connect with the idea of angry, unappreciative parents and the "if you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem" mentality in which these kind of people fit.

We talked about the prickly people that inevitably are found in any group.  We also spoke of being "professional" in our leadership, and more importantly in finding ways to make use of ANY volunteer who offers to serve in our schools.  Sadly, the volunteers we get are not all the crispy, happy, pleasant types we'd prefer.  But, a volunteer needs to be thanked and appreciated and put to work.  Maybe that would be enough to help the angry, lashing out types feel better.

But, then again, those kind of people are not happy with themselves, and therefore, nothing I do will ever make them happy either.  But if I can teach my PTA friends better how to deal with those kind of prickly people--with or without a nasty letter--I know that I have done the best work I can, and made things better for the kids in my community.

Just a Reminder

Last night was our Stake Leadership Training Meeting. I had the opportunity to give a spiritual thought in our opening portion with the Relief Society and Primary sisters. Today, I thought I'd share my message with you too.

Brothers of the priesthood, did you rush in here tonight, having hurried home from work, hoping to find a clean, pressed white shirt to wear, and wondering if you could get some dinner before heading off to come to this with us tonight?

Primary sisters, have you ever wondered how much longer you will watch little squirmy people who are messing around instead of singing the songs you are hoping to have ready for the Primary Sacrament meeting program next week? Does that ever make you want to give up?

Relief Society sisters, do you shake your head when you see the visiting teaching statistics at the end of the month and worry that the sisters in your ward just "don't get it"? Did you feel a sense of relief when you heard the changes announced at the general RS broadcast because you thought Enrichment was just over?

Sisters in Young Women, I know how stressed out you can be. You wonder how you can get through Sunday's lesson only to turn around and pull off an activity on Tuesday or Wednesday night. Plus you worry about what your girls are dealing with every day at school, in their families at home sometimes, and with friends all the time. Am I right?

Message tonight is one of comfort from the scriptures. It is found in the Doctrine and Covenants, section 64 inverses 29-34:

29 Wherefore, as ye are agents, ye are on the Lord’s errand; and whatever ye do according to the will of the Lord is the Lord’s business.
30 And he hath set you to provide for his saints in these last days, that they may obtain an inheritance in the land of Zion.
31 And behold, I, the Lord, declare unto you, and my words are sure and shall not fail, that they shall obtain it.
32 But all things must come to pass in their time.
33 Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.
34 Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days.

Sisters, we are in this together. It is the Lord's work and we are His agents. We are busy because He loves His daughters, His children. He will bless us as we continue trying to do this work.

Leadership

"Leadership is the capacity to translate a vision into reality." --Warren G. Bennis

Mr. Bennis is a scholar, organizational consultant, and pioneer in the field of leadership studies. He is a Distinguished Professor of Business Administration and founding chairman of The Leadership Foundation at USC.

Have you seen any of this kind of leadership yet in the election? I have heard about their visions, but I haven't seen anything translated yet into a reality I can understand. Frankly, the visions they speak of are all sounding a lot alike right about now. It is hard to tell them apart.

I don't let my kids fight with each other as much as the opposing campaigns. We have to deal with this for another 31 days?! "Calgon, take me away!"