Issue 554 – January 3, 2018

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As we pop out of 2017’s holidays and wend our way into the beginning of a new year, let’s promise to be kind to one another and loyal to the spirit of Scouting!
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To get started, I have a personal request to PAUL GEISSLER… Paul, you wrote to me and I’d like to respond, but the return email address you gave me (geissler@gmail.com) doesn’t take me to you; it takes me to Colin Geissler instead. Please write to me again, and give me a different email address, so we can chat. Thanks!
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Shortly before the winter holidays, I received a message from Christine Tunnell Coons, of the Patriots’ Path Council in New Jersey, titled “Rules For My Sons.” This is worth sharing, so let’s pass this along to our own sons too. Here are Christine’s “Rules”…

o Never shake a man’s hand sitting down.
o There are lots of ways to enter a swimming pool. The stairs ain’t one.
o The man at the grill is the closest thing we have to a king.
o In any negotiation, never make the first offer.
o Act like you’ve been there before. Especially in the end zone.
o Always request the late check-out option.
o When entrusted with a secret, keep it.
o Hold your heroes to a higher standard.
o When you return a borrowed car be sure it has a full tank of gas.
o Don’t fill up on bread.
o When shaking hands, grip firmly and look ‘em in the eye.
o Don’t let a wishbone grow where a backbone should be.
o If you need music on the beach, you’re missing the point.
o Carry two handkerchiefs. The one in your back pocket is for you; the one in your breast pocket is for her.
o You marry the girl, you marry her whole family.
o Learn from the lowly duck: Remain calm on the surface and paddle  like crazy underneath.
o Experience the serenity of traveling alone.
o Never be afraid to ask out the best-looking girl in the room.
o Never turn down a breath mint.
o In a game of HORSE, sometimes a simple free throw will get ’em.
o Thank a Veteran. And then make it up to him.
o If you want to know what makes you unique, sit for a caricature.
o Eat lunch with the new kid.
o After writing that flame mail, read it carefully and then delete it.
o Ask your mom to play (she won’t “let” you win).
o Go see it on the big screen.
o Give credit. Take the blame.
o Write down your dreams.
o Always protect and defend your brother…and sister.
o Be confident and humble at the same time.

‘Nuff sed. See you next week!

Happy Scouting!

Andy

Have a question? Facing a dilemma? Wondering where to find a BSA policy or guideline? Just to me at: askandybsa@yahoo.com. Please include your name and council. (If you’d prefer to be anonymous, if published, let me know and that’s what we’ll do.)

[No. 554– 1/3/2017 – Copyright © Andy McCommish 2018]