Executive Minute

Boys Life Goes Green

2009-04-27T10:57:00.001-07:00

I had the pleasure of attending the OA fellowship at Camp Squanto over the weekend. I was able to take part in the excitement for the new Vigil members over Friday night into Saturday morning. Weather was picture perfect throughout the weekend. You couldn't ask for a more pleasant time at camp. It was my first chance to see what Camp Squanto looks like in the sunshine. Old Colony Council is so lucky to have such a beautiful camp and having some space away from the hustle and bustle of life of the region. I am especially excited for the camp improvement projects and new facilities. My hats off to all the volunteers, OA members, troops, campmasters, and Roland (and Vanessa) Cloutier for making Camp Squanto such a great place for scouting. Oh and by the way, I was very impressed with the nature trail that winds its way around camp.

On another note, after my Earth Day post a few days ago, it is quite fitting that I recieved an email today about the Boy's Life press release that came out today.

BOYS' LIFE MAGAZINE PROMOTES ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP WITH SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY INITIATIVE FOREST CERTIFICATION
DALLAS, Texas (April 24, 2009)-Boys' Life magazine, the youth monthly published by the Boy Scouts of America, has become certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, an organization dedicated to promoting sustainable forest management.
From the forest to BSA headquarters to the pressroom to the mailboxes of more than 1 million subscribers each month, Boys' Life adheres to a strict policy of environmental responsibility.
"At its heart, Boys' Life is about the outdoors and about teaching our young readers to be good stewards of the outdoors," says Mike Goldman, managing editor of Boys' Life. "We are dedicated to minimizing our magazine's impact on the earth while maximizing our readers' enjoyment of nature."
As part of its certification, the Boys' Life workflow at its printing partner, Quad/Graphics, will be required to undergo annual surveillance audits as well as full certification against the SFI Standard every five years, conducted by independent, accredited certification bodies. All audit reports are published on the SFI program's website at www.sfiprogram.org.
"Demand for products from well-managed forests is increasing worldwide and with today's announcement, Boys' Life joins a growing number of companies that are demonstrating their environmental commitment through certification to the SFI program," said SFI Inc. President and CEO Kathy Abusow. "Boys' Life has taken a leadership role by supporting global efforts to improve forest practices."
With more than 154 million acres certified across North America, the SFI sustainable forestry certification program is one of the largest in the world, with a standard based on principles and measures that promote responsible environmental behavior and sound forest management including measures to protect water quality, biodiversity, wildlife habitat, species at risk and forests of exceptional conservation value.
For more about Boys' Life and SFI, visit www.boyslife.org/SFI.
About Boys' Life magazine
Award-winning Boys' Life has been America's leading youth publication since its beginning in 1911. The 1.1-million circulation flagship magazine of the Boy Scouts of America has positively influenced generations of readers and shall continue to educate and entertain generations to come. www.boyslife.org.
About the Boy Scouts of America
Serving nearly 4.7 million young people between 7 and 20 years of age with more than 300 councils throughout the United States and its territories, the Boy Scouts of America is the nation's foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training. www.scouting.org.

Happy Earth Day

2009-04-23T06:43:00.000-07:00

Scouting has taught me numerous values, character traits, skills, and hobbies. Yesterday, our nation celebrated Earth Day. For the past 15 years, I have spent significant time in the great outdoors. I have seen the wonders of nature and the brilliant landscape that we have been provided. On the other hand, I have paddled down rivers littered with trash, broken bottles, and even cars and tires. Between my time in the outdoors and environmental stewardship training through the BSA advancment program (Environmental Science, Nature, Fish and Wildlife Management, Citizenship in the Community, World Conservation Award, etc.), and Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics, I have learned why it is so important (and easy) to be a better steward of the environment.

Each of us can make a lasting impact on the scouts in our units. When ever and where ever we are, we can show scouts how easy it is to follow the BSA's Outdoor Code. Here are some things that have become automatic for me to limit my impact on the land. Whenever on a hike, pick up litter (twist ties, candy bar wrappers, fishing line, etc.) put it in your pocket and put it in the next trash can you see. I use a waterbottle. I hate those plastic bags at the grocery store and every other store you go to. I try to bring my own bags when grocery shopping or I just carry the items out in my hands rather than in a bag. When scouts see you do these things, they pick up the habits as well. They are easy to do and reinforce good habits while limiting environmental impact.

Some folks are very much into the "Green" movement occurring now. I think much of it is a marketing ploy, but I think the Boy Scouts has been teaching this stuff for quite some time. The Boy Scouts of America has been a partner with Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics for years and has encouraged and taught folks how to recreate in the outdoors in a way that not only limits impact, but has a positive affect on the land we are here to enjoy.

"The best gift one man can give another in this country is a trail."
--Alaskan Adventurer
Arch Deacon Hudson Stuck

One More Week...

2009-02-18T03:21:00.000-08:00

Five weeks ago today, I was in Memorial Hospital in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. A Discectomy was preformed to remove part of a herniated disc that was causing incredible pain in my right leg. Since the surgery, I have had significantly less nerve pain in my leg. Most of my pain has been in my lower back where the incision was made. Unfortunetly, my scouting and work has been put on hold. My physician will allow me to return to work one week from today. Thank you for all the well wishes, emails, and cards during my recovery.

I know I have missed a number of Blue and Gold Banquets in the past few weeks, but I will get to as many as I can once I'm back. I'm looking forward to visiting with Troop 99 next week to discuss Leave No Trace outdoor ethics next week. Unit visits are my favorite thing to do because I get to see the program in action.

Less than a year from now, the BSA will be 100 years old. What an exciting time to be a scout!