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But I've been trained (more than ten times in Youth Protection; Council requirements for summer camp, National requirements for multiple Philmont and Sea Base trips), I've chaired the Council's Risk Management Committee, I serve as legal advisor to the Health and Safety Committee, I've been a Council Commissioner, and have been interviewed on appropriate Safe Scouting regulations in connection with taking Troops to two National Scout Jamborees, the upcoming World Scout Jamboree, and an international trip.

Wow, that's an impressive resume. Thank you for your service to our youth.

Thanks, but my work pales compared to the service of so many, in schools, Scouting, churches, temples, and our military. My work is nothing compared to the young man in the Humvee in Iraq.

I've had the pleasure of serving as Master of Ceremonies for an event to recognize 50 years of service as Scoutmaster for a local Scouter at his temple. At a National Meeting, I was able to meet and speak with a gentleman who had been Scoutmaster of his Tennessee troop for . . . 75 consecutive years. He was about 97, quick witted as you can imagine, and only complained that he could not longer go backpacking. I wish I could remember the number of Scouts who earned the rank of Eagle under his leadership -- somewhere way north of 400 if I remember correctly.

As hard as you may try, I'm afraid you often get more out of serving as a Scout leader that you are able to give. Flatly speaking: it's fun.

Changing the subject: Notice how many "facts" the news media has been quick to post that have now been contradicted? I've seen two different NC State Parks listed as the site of the camp. I've read he didn't enjoy hiking; I've read he didn't like Scouting; I've read he wanted to sleep in; I've read he loved Scouting and camping (except in the cold).

From my time in the Shining Rock Wilderness along the Blue Ridge Parkway, I know there are spots you can walk fifteen yards off a marked trail and be in the Forest Primeval. Dense growth many feet higher than your head. 40-degree inclines.

There's a good reason to take a whistle with you when hiking and to stop, sit in one place, and blow three-whistle bursts when you first think you may be lost (or as Daniel Boone would say, "confused").