I was very appreciative that George McGovern, Council Executive attended last month’s District Roundtable.  Having him share his vision and mission with us is important for us to hear as well as understand.  I do realize that there were some of us who may have misunderstood his statement concerning retention.  The retention issue concerning the number of boys we lose each year was important for us to hear since all of us are passionately invested and engaged in what we are doing and accomplishing with our Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturers.

However what was more important to hear is that the Council understands that there is an issue and is marshalling its resources to assist our Scouters and boys to strengthen our Scouting program.  The Council is implementing a new Cub program, new Roundup plan and improved training. These new initiatives will ensure that we retain more boys in our program, our outstanding values-based program.

I suggested to George he might want to “flip” the order of his remarks to talk first about what the Council is doing to assist us followed by our current low retention numbers. Heard in this order will be much better received by all of us who give our time, hard work, effort, and heart to make a difference in the lives of our Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturers.

Gulf Ridge Council, George McGovern, lots of other volunteers, and me appreciate all that each of you are doing in our Scouting program. 

Thank you.

Ed Dadez