This past weekend I was honored to attend the Annual Meeting and Convention of the Boy Scouts of America, Montana Council. What a joy to meet again in person, to be surrounded by dedicated Scouters, to celebrate our success and together explore the groundwork of the future of Scouting across the state.
My drive home – from Helena to Missoula – was filled with optimism and a renewed sense of hope, that the state of the Scouting program in our Montana Council is strong.
Above all, the weekend is about celebrating the life-blood that fuels the heart of our program – the volunteers. We try our best to regularly say thank you, and we know sometimes we come up short. But I promise, unequivocally, that we appreciate everything you do for the youth in the Boy Scouts of America. We all know that the program is to benefit the Scouts – and we know the program is the fun part – but without outstanding Scouters, our program couldn’t exist.
Congratulations to everyone who was recognized during the Scouter Appreciation Night, Awards Luncheon and Silver Beaver Banquet. From the top popcorn seller and Anniversary Month Contest winners to our distinguished Silver Beavers, I can’t say enough how proud I am to be surrounded by such dedication and passion.
Thank you to the Montana Council staff who tirelessly worked to schedule and host informative breakout sessions, made us feel welcome and graciously hosted us, ensuring we were all taken care of and having a wonderful time.
Thank you to all members of the board who took time out of their busy lives to assure the business of our council moves forward. I am honored and humbled to share the table with such dedicated individuals.
Lastly, I would be remiss to not again congratulate Scout Executive Dirk Smith on his upcoming retirement. On behalf of the Montana Council, thank you for your many years of service to the Scouting organization. You are a valuable leader, passionate Scouter and dear friend. I am glad you have decided to retire in Great Falls as I’m sure we can call on you for some volunteer hours.
As I said in my State of the Montana Council address, we have much work to do.
WE have much work to do. Not YOU or I. It is through a combined effort that we will build on the hardships of the past two years and move forward with great success. And from what I witnessed this weekend, I have no fear that our council, the Boy Scouts of America and the future leaders we build through this program are in good hands.
Thank you. Keep calm, Scout on.
Greg Beach
Montana Council Board President
