Thursday, September 15, 2005

My Brief Scouting Memoirs

My involvement with scouting started at age 15, as a member of CNE's 59th group in Setubal, Portugal. (CNE is the National Core of Scouts- Catholic Portuguese Scouting Association). This period also marked the beginning of my service as an altar boy in the same parish. During this time, I was heavily involved in the group's activities. Scouting was particularly precious to me during a painful parental divorce as it held my bearings through times of doubt and trial.

At age 18 I joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, (LDS Church or Mormons), and my membership with group 59 ceased. In the LDS Church, I was asked to help establish a local scouting unit, in accordance to the bylaws of the AEP, (Association of Scouts of Portugal, a non-denominational scouting organization). This I did until I turned 20 and went on a two year LDS mission.

While on my mission I was still able to continue helping local LDS units develop scouting programs, training local leadership on the aims and methods of scouting. While on my mission I also sought to establish organizational supporting committees. As my missionary service came to an end I moved to Utah, where I would attend Brigham Young University. There began my service in the Boy Scouts of America.

In most cases my service to the BSA was in the area of training, becoming first involved with basic leadership training at the district level, and later, (2001), in advanced leadership training, or Wood Badge, as known throughout the world. This I did for the next four years.

This year, (2005), I was asked to take on the responsibilities of a Wood Badge course director. I was both flattered, (being a Portuguese kid among MANY, VERY talented US-born leaders), but also saddened, as I knew that this would mean the end of my involvement with Wood Badge. (Course directors are invited to end their service to advanced leadership training). And so it was... In April 2005, after almost 12 months of logistical and educational preparation, we took to the hills of Maple Dell, in the Mountains of Payson Utah, where we welcomed and trained 52 adults leaders in state-of-the-industry concepts of leadership development.

Now that my service to Wood Badge has ended, I still seek to find opportunities to serve in scouting. Something that brings me a great sense of fulfillment.

My scoutmaster used to say that "once a scout - always a scout." As a boy I took this principle to heart. Though I might never be able to repay the debt of gratitude I have for what this movement did for me while a young man, I hope somehow I too can make a difference in another boy's life.

Tuesday, September 13, 2005

A Sneak Peak

Here are some additional pictures I took yesterday. I wanted to gage the kid's reactions to Anna. Stefanie has shown great tenderness for her sister as has David. Daniel seems to be in his own little world, playing as usual. He'll approach her at times, but I don't think he quite knows yet how to act twoards her. It is probably normal for the older children to be a bit more attentious as they have gone through this experience at least once, (twice in David's case). They know our love for them does not diminish. Angie and I will have to pay close attention to little Daniel to ensure he knows he is not being replaced. We are still trying to figure out who Anna looks like. She has a hit of stefanie, but her hair is a bit different, (curly and black). It is too early to determine the color of her eyes though likelihood is that they will be blue.

To view larger versions of the pictures just click on them.

Blessed Day

Friends,
I am pleased to announce the birth of Anna Marie Câmara Manoel September 12, 2005 at 17:24 in Salt Lake City. Both mother and daughter are doing very well. Anna weighed in at 8 lbs.
They will be coming home tonight.
Thank you.
Luis