Scout's Honor (poem) by Ronald W. Hull on AuthorsDen

Reviewed on October 4, 2016

This all brings back my own BSA past with a resounding S*M*A*C*K. When I lost my Da at age 4, the BSA became my surrogate male role model (that was, of course, long before the lamentable days of 'officially designated Transgender Loos'). I only reached Life Scout rank (absence of a father figured greatly in that shortcoming), but greatly enjoyed evolving into our BSA camp waterfront staff as a WSI (Camp Chawanakee and later Camp Kern). That experience engendered a life-long fascination with 'messing around in boats' and other aquatic sports (surfing, swimming, et al). My greatest regret (one among many) was that there was no 'Atheism & Country' award, since although I was brought up Anglican, I soon pierced that particular glass ceiling and embraced Nietzschean/Schopenhaueresque values.

PS: We had a sub-group of the OA that was named 'Order of the Lake'. One was initiated into it by virtue of a sneak raid on one's tent-cabin in the dead of a particularly cold night, followed by a toss into the frigid Sierra Nevada snow-melt waters of Lake Huntington. We had an 'OL' sash and all! Jolly fun!

Seriously, I owe much to my BSA experiences. Sad that the Scout movement today has succumbed to the PC fascism we all suffer from now.
:((

Reviewed by Patricia Oplinger

Reviewed on October 3, 2016

I really enjoyed "Scout's Honor", Ron. My favorite stanzas are the following two:

Singing songs and telling stories in firelight,
sleeping under starlit warm summer night.

Wilderness trips deep into the wild,
experiencing nature like an Indian child.

Pat

Reviewed by David Thompson

Reviewed on October 3, 2016

This is a great poem...well written...meaningful...patriotic...all things that go into making a great citizen. You really need to be proud of this one, Ron. Attaining the status of Eagle Scout is a great honor, something out of the ordinary. The is one of your best.

David

Reviewed by George Carroll

Reviewed on October 2, 2016

Belonged to a boys club similar to the scouts. We went on field trips, slept outdoors at night and in the day swam nude. Great experience.

Reviewed by Richard Cederberg

Reviewed on October 2, 2016

In the beginning it was modeled after an Indian scout. Yes. But as time passed, irrespective of its estimable beginnings, it became a convoluted political mess. Was never a Scout. I joined the Boy's Brigades. What they taught was far more appealing to me. Enjoyed your pic and reminiscence RH. Peace...

Reviewed by John Carlson

Reviewed on October 2, 2016

Ahhh....Ron! A wonderful tribute to a great organization, spoken from the heart of an old scout who has been there... done that and got the merit badges to prove it..

Thank you.

Reviewed by Jms Bell

Reviewed on October 2, 2016

GREAT PICTURE AND I'M GLAD YOU POSTED THE POEM. MY DAUGHTER IS THINKING ABOUT PUTTING MY GRANDSON IN THE SCOUTS, HE'S SEVEN. I ONLY PRAY IT WILL BE AS GOOD FOR HIM AS IT WAS FOR YOU...WHAT DO YOU THINK? OKAY, THAT SAID...I JUST CAN'T IGNORE IT BECAUSE I WANT TO KNOW; WHY IS EVERYBODY IN THE PICTURE SMILING BUT YOU? I KNOW YOU SEEM TO BE KIND OF SERIOUS BY NATURE BUT WAS IT SOMETHING SOMEBODY SAID? ANYWHO...LOOKS LIKE YOU HAD A GREAT FAMILY! THANKS FOR SHARING...LOVE, BLESSINGS & FAITH...JOYCE * HIS INSPIRATIONS

Reviewed by John Herlihy

Reviewed on October 1, 2016

Oddly enough, I never was a boy scout, although perhaps I have spent the rest of my life making up for what I missed that you so nicely describe here "traveling waters like the voyagers of old" and "experiencing nature like an Indian child." I wouldn't mind that, even now. Charming memory poem.

Reviewed by Eva Pasco

Reviewed on October 1, 2016

Though I was never a Girl Scout, through other life experiences, I've learned the importance of community, fitness, and survival. Thank you for sharing your fond memories.

Reviewed by Odin odin@aflx.com

Reviewed on October 1, 2016

Your sentiment and fact-check style was very enjoyable. I remember my own scouting days vividly, especially the night was made Eagle. As your poem attests, there are many lessons learned for a lifetime. Thanks for posting.

Reviewed by Michael Schafer

Reviewed on October 1, 2016

Your poem brought back many memories of my time in the Boy Scouts. I still have my Boy Scout handbook dated 1968, as well as several merit badge books. All in all it was good times with the exception of polar bear camp outs in the cold of winter. A Boy Scout is trustworthy, loyal.......

Michael D.

Reviewed by Jerry Bolton

Reviewed on October 1, 2016

Ron! THIS is special, very much so. Talk about twins, you two were cloned it looked like, you looked exactly alike. I view the enlargement and was doubly impressed with the grandeur of the event. I read the poem and was impressed by the "woodsy" lines and thoughts. Thank you for showing this impressive photo and a look into your days as a Scout.

Reviewed by Jane Noponen Perinacci

Reviewed on October 1, 2016

I was a Girl Scout and learned my way around the woods a bit. 'Did the camping stuff. 'Didn't care for the outdoor toilet we made using lime for "smell" and a sheet or tarp for privacy. Ewwwwwww!!!

Love ya!

Jane

Reviewed by Dr. Patrick ODougherty

Reviewed on October 1, 2016

Ronald Hull, this is a very beautiful tribute to Scouting. How did I become a scout? I got lost is the woods at Many Point Scout Camp. I used my compass to find my way out of the woods and into the camp waters!

Lost on the Scandinavian Rivera! Dr. Patrick A ODougherty