About the author

I first got involved in Scouting when my older son, now a Medical Doctor in the Trinity Health system, joined our Cub pack in second grade.  His involvement drew me in and I volunteered to serve as a den leader shortly thereafter.  My younger son is pursuing a postgraduate degree in evolutionary biology, so I no longer have any active youth members in the family.

Currently, I’m a unit commissioner in the Mighty Ottawa District of the Michigan Crossroads Council in southeastern Michigan, and am the Chartered Organization Representative for the Cub Scout pack chartered by my church.

I’ve held several positions including troop committee chair, district committee member, district training chair, Cub Scout and Boy Scout Roundtable staff, Camporee staff, Cubmaster, Assistant Cubmaster, Den Leader, and Webelos Den Leader. I’m the recipient of training awards (knots) for Den Leader, Webelos Leader, Cubmaster, Cub Scouter, Scouter (District Committee and Roundtable), as well as the District Award of Merit, the Amateur Radio Service to Scouting Award (one of the Community Organization Awards), the William D. Boyce Award, and the Silver Beaver Award. I hold a Bachelors of Commissioner Science degree from the MCC Commissioners College.

In my capacity as a trainer and training chair, I’ve helped to train hundreds of Scouters and have served on staff and as course director for many courses including Cub Leader Position-Specific, Outdoor Webelos Leader Skills, Beginning Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation, Scoutmaster Position-Specific, Troop Committee Challenge, Troop Junior Leader Training and Trainer Development/Trainer’s EDGE.  I have also served as Dean and instructor and have developed courses for our Council’s University of Scouting and Cub Pow-Wow for many years.

I’m also the founder and trustee of an amateur radio club (WB8BSA) for Scouts and Scouters in our council. Through the club, we have organized numerous special event and Jamboree On the Air amateur radio stations allowing hundreds of Scouts to learn about the fascinating hobby and talk with their fellow Scouts around the world. I serve as a merit badge counselor for several badges including Radio and Electronics.

One of my most memorable experiences in Scouting was completing Wood Badge for the 21st Century.  Through Wood Badge, I not only learned a tremendous amount about leadership but have made many friends, including my fellow Bobwhites, who have helped me learn more about Scouting and youth in the years since, and to cope with the challenges and rejoice in the triumphs of serving our youth. I also enjoy interacting with the Scouts and fellow adult Arrowmen as a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow Mishigami Lodge 29.

Even though I’ve been active in Scouting leadership for two decades, I still feel that I can learn a lot from the experienced Scouters who I am honored to associate with.

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2 Replies to “About the author”

  1. It looks like you have been through the training (even though you’re a Bobwhite – I forgive you for that) I think it is very important for people to learn what Scouting is about and not just walk in knowing it all. Good Job on your skills and dedication to the program. By the way Beaver’s rule….

  2. As you can imagine, I’m a huge advocate of training, but I realize that’s just the start. There is so much about Scouting that isn’t taught in formal training sessions, which is why there are so many great resources on the web. Thanks for checking in.

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