The Best Scoutmaster I Could Ask For...

There are many things that I will never forget about my experiences in Scouting. Tying my first Square Knot. Passing my first Swim Test at Summer Camp. Earning my first Merit Badge (it was Woodcarving). Going home with a 102 degree fever 24 hours after starting my first summer as a Counselor in Training at Summer Camp. Spending a week at National Camp School. But of all the things that I will remember about my Scouting experience perhaps the most gratifying ones will be the times I shared with my father.

From the very beginning of my Scouting career my father taught me what it meant to be a Scout. That being Trustworthy was not just about telling the truth, but it was also about living up to your word. That doing a good turn daily wasn't ensuring that you helped an old lady across the street everyday, but it was finding a way to do something for someone else whenever possible and to ensure that my actions created a better world. My father taught me what it meant to be Brave by standing up for what I felt was right and just and to always be Obedient and Courteous when trying to foster change.

It always amazed me that although he is not an Eagle Scout himself, my father truly embodied what it meant to hold that rank. He continually put the members of the troop above himself. He understood that Scouting exists for the boys, and it is not meant to be some place where parents drop off their children and then leave. My father spent every summer with the troop at Summer Camp and was always busy doing something while he was there. Checking up on the progress of the Scouts in their Merit Badges, helping build a gateway or camp gadget with the younger scouts so that they could learn the necessary Scout skills. Inventing things like Wilderness Bocce, Infiltration and the annual Christmas Break Movie Marathon. I never saw him laying down or doing nothing. He was always finding a way to make our experience in Scouting the best it could be.

Of all the experiences with my father attending the National Jamboree in 2005 was by far my most memorable. I will never forget the day my father asked me if I wanted to go to the Jamboree. It was something that we had always talked about because he was scheduled to go when he was a Scout but was unable to attend. Of course when he asked me I said absolutely. It was decided then that I would sign up to attend and that he would sign up to be an Assistant Scoutmaster. When both of us made it onto the roster for the trip, I knew that this would be an experience that I would treasure forever.

Then of course there was my Eagle Court of Honor. Nothing has ever made me prouder than to be able to stand in front of my family, Troop, friends, teachers and so many others that attended and present my parents with their Eagle Scout Mom & Dad Pins. My parents wear their pins proudly to this day. For me, this is a greater accomplishment than the Bachelor's Degree I gained in 2010 and the Master's Degree I will obtain this May.

You see for me Scouting was always something that I did with my Dad. From the time I spent in Cub Scouts building Pinewood Derby Cars to the day I became an Eagle Scout, Scouting for me has always been something shared between father and son. Looking back on this experience, I could not have asked for a better Scoutmaster than my father (that's right my dad was also my Scoutmaster). So I want to take the time to say...

Thanks Dad.

Which brings me to the point of this blog. Over the last year I have blogged, posted, tweeted, spoken and done many things to speak out for change in the Boy Scouts of America. I believe that the discriminatory policy against members of the LGBT community is in direct violation of the values that Scouting is supposed to teach.

How can a Scout be open and honest when he is forced to hide his true self because being gay will get him kicked out? How are we supposed to find the good in every boy and develop it when we have policies that prohibit them from being a member? How do we teach Scouts to be good, moral citizens when we set the example that discrimination is ok?

I cannot imagine denying the opportunity of any boy who wants to be a Scout. I also cannot see any reason why a gay father or mother should be denied the opportunity to participate in Scouting with their child. How could I be willing to agree to something like that knowing full well what influence being able to experience Scouting with my father had on my life?

There are many great things that Scouting has to offer. It is an organization that I will continue to support for the rest of my life because I believe in the value of the leadership and lifelong skills it can teach boys. It is an organization that I hope my son and I will be able to share together just as I did with my father (who will hopefully be right along side us). But I cannot stand idly and watch an organization I care for so much stand on the wrong side of history and continue to force good, quality members out of its ranks because of their sexual orientation. I consider it my duty as a Scouter to try and have this rule which I believe to be unfair changed in an orderly manner.

I have completed the survey being sent out by the BSA, and I urge all members to respond to it as well in favor of the removal of the policy. Speak out to your Council Staff and encourage your Troops to be inclusive. As Scout Leaders we have an opportunity to teach our Scouts that discrimination is not ok, and it is our responsibility to ensure that the values we instill in our Scouts are those of the highest quality.

As Lord Robert Baden-Powell once said "There is no teaching to compare with example." This is our turn to be the example.

The Eagle Pledge...

Recently I have become increasingly worried about the direction that the Scouting movement has been heading. In my previous posts I have challenged the anti-gay view of the BSA and I have become a strong advocate for Equality in Scouting.

I was the first person in my family to obtain the rank of Eagle Scout. Although my father was involved in Scouting and loves it dearly, he will forever be a Life Scout. For me, this was a driving force in my Trail to Eagle. Scouting was always something that I shared with my father. He was involved with my Den when I was a Cub Scout, became an Assistant Scoutmaster when I crossed over, took over as Scoutmaster soon after that, and even attended the 2005 National Jamboree with me as an Assistant Scoutmaster while I served as the Senior Patrol Leader of the only Troop from our council. When I did something that was Scouting related, my dad was always right next to me.

I will never forget the day that I became a Life Scout. I walked out of my Board of Review and got in the car with my dad. "We're equal now" I said to him. "We're both Life Scouts." The next thing that my father said to me will forever be one of my favorite memories of him. "Son, You've already surpassed me." It was at this moment where I believe I made the conscious decision that I would become an Eagle Scout for my father.

I hold great pride in being an Eagle Scout. Not just because it represents things that I accomplished, but because it represents the very best parts of who I am. It represents all of those people that helped me get there. The Trail to Eagle is one that each Scout travels, but he is never alone. Along the way he receives help from fellow Scouts, Leaders, Friends and Family. And although I have said it many times before, to all those who helped me along my Trail, I thank you.

A few weeks back I was proud to learn that I was no longer going to be the only Eagle Scout in my family. My cousin Kevin had passed his Eagle Board of Review and was now, like me, an Eagle Scout. Shortly after leaving my night class I called my cousin to congratulate him on his accomplishment and to welcome him into the ranks. A few days later he messaged me, asking if I would participate in his Eagle Court of Honor. This moment filled me with great pride. I was honored for him to ask me to be a part of one of the most important and fulfilling days of his life.

I have spent the last few days trying to find the exact version of an Eagle Challenge that I want to deliver. My mind was drawn back to not only my Eagle Court of Honor, but also those that I have attended. I felt that I needed to find something that holds true to the very core of what being an Eagle Scout is supposed to exemplify. Something that will truly express the things that make me the most proud to be an Eagle Scout.

In my search I came across the following challenge that in my mind hit the nail right on the head:

The foremost responsibility of an Eagle Scout is to live with honor. To an Eagle Scout, honor is the foundation of all character. He knows that "A Scout is trustworthy" is the very first point of the Scout Law for a good reason. An Eagle Scout lives honorably, not only because honor is important to him but because of the vital significance of the example he sets for other Scouts. Living honorably reflects credit on his home, his church, his troop, and his community. May the white of the Eagle badge remind you to always live with honor.

The second obligation of an Eagle Scout is loyalty. A Scout is true to his family, Scout leaders, friends, school, and nation. His loyalty to his troop and brother Scouts makes him pitch in and carry his share of the load. All of these help to build the loyalty that means devotion to community, to country, to one's own ideals, and to God. Let the blue of the Eagle badge always inspire your loyalty.

The third obligation of an Eagle Scout is to be courageous. Courage has always been a quality by which men measure themselves and others. To a Scout, bravery means not only the courage to face physical danger, but also the determination to stand up for the right. Trusting in God, with faith in his fellowman, he looks forward to each day, seeking his share of the world's work to do. Let the red of the Eagle badge remind you always of courage.

The fourth obligation of an Eagle Scout is to be cheerful. To remind the Eagle Scout to always wear a smile, the red, white, and blue ribbon is attached to the scroll of the Second Class Scout award, which has its ends turned up in a smile.

The final responsibility of an Eagle Scout is service. The Eagle Scout extends a helping hand to those who still toil up Scouting's trail, just as others helped him in his climb to the Eagle. The performance of the daily Good Turn takes on a new meaning when he enters a more adult life of continuing service to others. The Eagle stands as protector of the weak and helpless. He aids and comforts the unfortunate and the oppressed. He upholds the rights of others while defending his own. He will always "Be Prepared" to put forth his best.

You deserve much credit for having achieved Scouting's highest award. But wear your award with humility, ever mindful that the Eagle Scout is looked up to as an example. May the Scout Oath and the Scout Law be your guide for tomorrow and onward.

Honor, Loyalty, Courage, Cheerfulness and Service. These are qualities that every Scout should hold dear to him and ones the Eagle Scouts should emulate to their fullest potential. Values that I believe Sir Robert Baden Powell would would categorize as defining features of an Eagle Scout. Values that a becoming increasingly hard to find among people these days.

At my Eagle Court of Honor one of my Assistant Scoutmasters explained to me that as an Eagle Scout I am a marked man. That for the rest of my life, people would look to me for advice, leadership and assistance purely because I am an Eagle Scout. This notion has so far played out exactly like he said it would. People often come to me for advice or help with things especially after finding out that I am an Eagle Scout.

As an Eagle Scout it is ones duty to help those after making their way along the Trail to Eagle. I am finding more and more that perhaps this holds true for the organization itself as well. the Scouting movement has lost its way. It has become corrupted by politics and personal views that have no place in Scouting and it is the responsibility of Scouts and Scouters alike to guide the organization back on the Trail.

In a few weeks I will stand up at my cousin Kevin's Eagle Court of Honor and deliver unto him the Eagle Challenge and Charge. I will be the one to say the words "By the power vested in me by the National Court of Honor of the Boy Scouts of America, it is my privilege and pleasure to pronounce you an Eagle Scout." This will be the second Eagle Court of Honor that I have had the honor to speak at in the last year. It is a privilege that for me brings a great amount of Pride in the man that I have become and the fact that people recognize it.

My only hope that as I welcome my cousin into the brotherhood of Eagle Scouts that I welcome him in a way that will inspire him to always live up to the Scout Oath and Law, even if the organization itself has lost its way.

From One Eagle To Another…

Dear Ryan,

I am writing to you today as an Eagle Scout who has earned 3 Eagle Palms, is a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow, and is an 8-year member of Summer Camp Staff including two years as a Program Director. I am writing to let you know that I support you.

Ever since the BSA announced that they would uphold the ban on members of the LGBT Community, I have found it harder and harder to continue to support the organization. It pains me every day to see stories like yours where members of the BSA continue to tarnish the reputation of an organization that I have grown to love. You are obviously a person of very high character, and for that I admire and respect you.

I have had the pleasure of working with a great deal of people in my time in Scouting. Many of these wonderful people have been gay, and those Scouts have often been held in higher regard than many of their straight counterparts. They were in my troop, on Summer Camp Staff with me and have remained good friends of mine even though we have parted ways in our lives. I count these Scouts and Scouters as some of the most important and influential people in my life.

I am writing to you today to let you know that regardless of what your Troop, Council or even National says, regardless of what happens on Monday, in the minds of hundreds of thousands of Scouts, Scouters and other people, you already are an Eagle Scout. Your story will be known as one that inspired many to speak out against discrimination. 

Although you may not have been awarded the rank officially, there is much more to being an Eagle Scout than just a patch, medal or other physical representation. The true representation of an Eagle Scout lies in his character. The way in which he presents his Leadership through his commitment to the values that the Scout Oath and Law have taught him and his ability to stand tall in the face of adversity. 

I have spent a lot of the last few months debating to myself whether or not the BSA is something that I wish to continue to support. More importantly, I worry that when the time comes, it will still be an organization that I want my son to be a part of. As I fight this internal battle I keep reminding myself that if I abandon the organization completely, then the only thing it will accomplish is that the youth involved will lose the influence of someone who supports equality. They will lose a role model that is becoming more and more needed within the organization. This is the only reason that keeps me going.

In closing, I want to take the time to congratulate you on your accomplishments. You have earned the right in my eyes to be considered an Eagle Scout, and as one myself I would consider it an honor if I were to ever meet you in person or hold a conversation with you through any medium. You have accomplished a great many things in your 18 years on this earth and you and your parents should be proud of the young man you have become.

Regardless of what happens I hope that you remember the good things that Scouting has taught you. I hope that you apply them in your daily life and stand next to myself and the many others that will continue to fight for equality within Scouting. Most importantly, I hope that you remember the people within the organization that have supported you always and have helped you in your journey along the Trail to Eagle.

Congratulations again on your accomplishments, and I welcome you with an open heart to the Brotherhood of Eagle Scouts. 

Yours in Scouting,

Dennis N. LoConti Jr.

Eagle Scout

Troop 175, Mentor-On-The-Lake, Ohio

Greater Western Reserve Council

A Scout Is Accepting...

The following blog is a reflection on the recent upholding of the Anti-Gay Policy of the Boy Scouts of America.

As an Eagle Scout myself I have always had to answer to people asking me if I agreed with the policy of the Boy Scouts of America regarding homosexuality. The answer has always, and will always be "No, I don't." as long as the current policy that bans their participation.

Scouting has taught me many things. Swimming, Knots, Fire Safety, Cooking… But more than that it has taught me Respect, Honor, and Reverence. Values that I strive to emulate in my life every single day. It is unfortunate however, that there are still people out there that believe they have the right to deny this wonderful experience to a group of people on the basis of their sexuality.

A Scout is Trustworthy.

I challenge the BSA Executive Board to explain how their secretly selected committee who refuses to be named exemplifies this part of the Scout Law. How can I, someone who has been involved in Scouting for over 13 years and has been working on Summer Camp Staff for 8 of those years see the actions of the organization I work for to be Trustworthy?

A Scout is Loyal.

There is no doubt that members of the BSA are Loyal. The question is who are they loyal to? Shouldn't the ultimate group of people that the organization pledges its loyalty to be the youth of our country?

The Mission of the BSA is stated as follows:

"The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law."


I would invite anyone who opposes homosexuality in Scouting to find a reason why the young people of our country who identify as LGBT should be denied the opportunity to become prepared to make ethical and moral choices in their lifetimes and what their sexual orientation or the sexual orientation of their Leaders has to do with ethical or moral decisions.

A Scout is Helpful.

"To Help Other People At All Times." How does banning such a large group of our youth and Adult Leaders from participating on the basis of their sexuality live up to this? Are these people not Helpful? Is there nothing that a Scout can learn from an Adult Leader or a fellow Scout who identifies as LGBT? By banning them from participating are we not also denying them the opportunity to learn a great deal of things that they may never learn?

A Scout is Friendly.


Over the course of my lifetime I have had the opportunity to work with a number of different types of people. If there is anything I can tell you about the Scouts and Scouters I know of who identify as LGBT, its that they are some of the friendliest people I have ever met. Meanwhile, I have met some unbearably rude and unfriendly straight Scoutmasters in my time as well and their numbers surely outweigh the first. Isn't part of being friendly also being accepting or others for who they are?

A Scout is Courteous.


I believe the only thing that needs to be said here is that it is common courtesy for those being told that they cannot participate in something they care deeply about not only be given legitimate reasons, but also be allowed to face those who deny them. I would encourage the Executive Council of the BSA to at least be courteous enough to the LGBT Community and release the names of the selected council who decided they shall remain banned from Scouting. The definition of "Courteous" means "marked by respect and consideration for others." Remaining unwilling to release the names of the council shows disrespect and lack of consideration for the LGBT Community.

A Scout is Kind.


To be kind is to be "sympathetic or helpful  in nature." While the comments from the BSA seem as though they may be sympathetic towards the LGBT Community, I would under no circumstances consider them to be helpful. They provide little insight into the reasons the decision was made and show signs that information behind the decision are being withheld from the public.

A Scout is Obedient.


Now, as an Eagle Scout and an Adult Leader who believes strongly in the good that this organization can do for the youth of our country, I will continue to be involved and support the BSA. However I will also continue to fight for the rights of the LGBT Community to become involved as well. I would also like to clarify that the reason I will continue to stay involved is because I care about the experience that they boys gain from Scouting, and not because I agree with the policies that are set by the Executives. I will remain Obedient, but that does not mean that I will be happy about it.

A Scout is Cheerful.


This section is directed towards the members of the LGBT Community and the Supporters of them who are angered with the decision to uphold the ban. Stay Cheerful. Continue to fight for the rights of the LGBT Community to partake in the Scouting Program, but do so in a cheerful manner. The best way to convince those who oppose your membership is by showing them that you can be just as good if not better Scouts than they are.

A Scout is Thrifty.


We have tried many ways to have this ban removed. Perhaps petitions and internet posts are not the only answer. Think of new ways to get your message across. Write or call your local Scout Executive or even the Chief Scout Executive. Organize supporters in your area. Make it known all around that Scouting should be for all of our youth and that there are plenty of Adult Leaders out there in the LGBT Community who can provide quality leadership.

A Scout is Brave.


Do not lose hope. Even in the face of adversity from the organization itself, do not be afraid to confront those who you believe have done wrong. Each and every day we as a country move towards a more accepting nation. Stay strong and be a part of that revolution.


A Scout is Clean.


This point refers to more than just physically. Remind yourself about this when talking about the organization and how it handles itself. Just because the organization as a whole does not support acceptance of the LGBT Community does not mean that individuals within it agree with those decisions. Don't hold the decisions of 11 adult leaders change your opinion of the hundreds of thousands of leaders out there who only care about the boys and would do anything to make sure that they have a positive experience. Even more importantly do not let this tarnish your opinion of the boys involved.

A Scout is Reverent.

Upon reading this in an article about the decision however is when I became the most upset.

"BSA chief executive Bob Mazzuca said there was broad-based support for the policy.

"The vast majority of the parents of youth we serve value their right to address issues of same-sex orientation within their family, with spiritual advisers, and at the appropriate time and in the right setting," Mazzuca said."

From my experience the majority of Parents do not involve themselves heavily within the organization. My own troop was forced to fold because of lack of parent involvement. In addition to their right to weigh in I question the counsel of spiritual advisors.

This is the point of the Scout Law that I have the most trouble with. Mainly because I feel that it has become confused with the word "Religious." According to dictionary.com the word "Reverent" directs you to "Reverence" which means:

1. A feeling or attitude of deep respect tinged with awe; veneration.
2. The outward manifestation of this feeling: to pay reverence.
3. A gesture indicative of deep respect; an obeisance, bow, or curtsy.
4. The state of being revered.
5. (initial capital letter) A title used in addressing or mentioning a member of the clergy.

Now, after reading this you will notice that the only reference to religion is when it is used as a title, not a description or characteristic. Thats because a Scout does not have to be Religious to be Reverent. I am Reverent for a great many things in my life. My Family. My Friends. My Scout Leaders and Fellow Camp Staff who have helped me become the man that I am today. However I believe that under no circumstances should any religion be able to weigh in to the decisions made by this organization.

I would like to take the time now to explain my reasons for this Blog. As I stated previously I am an Eagle Scout. I have earned 3 Eagle Palms, both Religious Medals, attended a National Jamboree and have worked as a member of Summer Camp Staff for 8 years. Obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout is one of the accomplishments in my life that I hold highest. However, I would not have made it to where I am if it weren't for the Scout Leaders and other Scouts that I was lucky enough to meet and call my friends in the many years I have been involved in the BSA. And to them, I would like to extend a long overdue "Thanks for Everything."

In regards specifically to the decision to uphold this ban. I am not angry with the Boy Scouts of America for their decision, rather I am disappointed that an organization that I hold so dearly in my heart can continue to show disapproval and unwillingness to accept those who wish to be a part of their organization. I would hope that all those who read this can walk away with the feeling that if those who believe in Scouting for All continue to fight for the rights of all of the youth who wish to participate and to the adults who wish to help mold our youth into quality members of our society will someday be able to make that a reality.

No Scout should ever be told he cannot go to Summer Camp. And no boy should ever be told he cannot be a Scout.

Yours in Scouting,

DL

The "Youth of America" Today

As a young person in the world we live in today I am often baffled by the quarrels and fighting that take place throughout the world and by those who are "older" and "more experienced" than I am. Specifically, the time that is spent by people saying that the youth of America today do not understand what it means to "work for a living" and that everything is always given to them.

When I began my journey into my future career as a Higher Education Professional I was told that I would be advising a group called Dance Marathon. At the time I knew nothing about the organization or the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation which it supported. As time went on I found out that this group had been putting on the same annual event for 10 years, and that in those years they had raised just under $200,000 for the foundation. An incredible accomplishment in itself when you consider the fact that this group is completely operated by students with little help from some Staff Advisors.

As we began planning for the event it became clear to me that I would not be doing much actual work with this organization. Instead I would be standing on the sidelines, watching this wonderful group of students work towards a goal of $30,000 for this years event, the highest goal ever set for one Dance Marathon at Baldwin-Wallace.

After months of planning, fundraising and spreading the word about Dance Marathon, over 100 students gathered in the Student Activities Center to stay on their feet dancing for 12 hours straight. Now you may think "big deal they are attending a dance for en extended period of time, so what?" but I can tell you that you would be dead wrong. The students involved put together themed hours, educational programming, speakers, Zumba, and a host of other things for this event. They rallied together to really understand the cause that they were supporting. 9 Pieces of the AIDS Memorial Quilt were brought to B-W and the students involved are creating 8 more panels to be dedicated to Elizabeth and Ariel Glaser.

We started fundraising in November. Through online donations, selling candy bars and coupon books and just going out and asking for donations, the students involved in this amazing organization we able to not only reach their goal of $30,000, but surpass it and together raised a grand total of $36,819.25 for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. That money will help 1,841 women receive the medicine they need to ensure that they do not pass the AIDS virus onto their children.

So every time I hear some person complaining about the "Youth of America Today," I will stop and think of these amazing students who instead of spending all of their time drinking, getting into trouble and complaining that things don't go their way, took the time to fight for a global cause that will help so many people live better lives.

To all the students involved with Dance Marathon, YOU are ROLE MODELS and don't ever forget the impact that you have made on this world because the mothers and children who you have helped, although they may never meet you, will cherish the gift of life that you have given them forever. You have made me so proud to have been able to share this experience with you, and it is something that I promise you I will never forget.

Sincerely,

A Proud Advisor