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Monday, February 08, 2010

100 Years of Scouting

Happy 100th Birthday Boy Scouts of America!


Scouting played a huge role in my younger years. It was key in my social development, continued goal oriented drive, and adventure. I assimilated many leadership ideas and had opportunities to apply those methods as a youth along my path to becoming an Eagle Scout. I think that scouting is more valid and necessary than ever in the lives of young people who need great role models while developing their own moral compass.

General Baden-Powell, the father of scouting, began this youth movement in England around 1907. It was brought to the United States on February 8th, 1910 by William Boyce. It's hard to imagine how much influence a few all-things-possible minded individuals have had on the last century of civilization. A few Eagle Scouts that have had an impact on my life direction have been Jimmy Stewart, Steven Spielberg, and our 38th president Gerald Ford - who wrote me a personal congratulatory letter when I joined their ranks back in 1985.

Most of the scouts I know never forget the Scout Law and can't help but be influenced by it.
A scout is:
Trustworthy
Loyal
Helpful
Friendly
Courteous
Kind
Obedient
Cheerful
Thrifty
Brave
Clean
and Reverent.

Just think if everyone could abide by these simple ideals what our world would be like? Thank-You scouting for helping to forge me into who I am today. Thanks for helping kids today become the leaders and the role models of tomorrow.

All Things Possible,
Chris

31 Comments:

  • At 10:10 AM, February 09, 2010 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    As and Eagle Scout myself Chris, I certainly second your sentiments here. I can't think of a finer organization that helps to guide boys on their path to becoming men - and that teaches what "manhood" really is. Compassion, caring, etc. it's all there in the law and the oath.

    "Do a good turn daily" not just a motto (or is it the slogan) it's a lifestyle!

    DaveW

    PS I just realized that I've been on this earth almost half as long as Scouting *shudder*!

     
  • At 12:56 PM, February 09, 2010 , Blogger SusanGail said...

    Thanks for sharing...be well, Sue

     
  • At 1:00 PM, February 09, 2010 , Blogger SusanGail said...

    Thanks for sharing, be well...Sue

     
  • At 7:09 PM, February 10, 2010 , Blogger SusanGail said...

    My post up there was short, not sure of the new format:)... Great being in the midst of so many Eagles! Chris, Dave...you are two great scouts. And I'm married to and Eagle Scout as well. My dad was an Eagle Scout and so is one of my brothers. Your topic reminds me that I'd thought about writing about you and scouting, once upon a time, during the Chris Chronicles era:) I think I'm shuddering, too, Dave...to think of how much time has passed since then. Thankfully, we have the forum and ATP
    nudges to keep us on our amazing life adventures. Kind of a troop of our own! Sue

     
  • At 3:06 PM, February 11, 2010 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    I'm working in a Scout camp in March. We are running a flying trapeze rig that the boys get to try. - Tanya

     
  • At 4:19 PM, February 12, 2010 , Blogger SusanGail said...

    Tanya,
    How are you? Hope all is well. This sounds exciting. It'd be fun to hear
    more about it sometime.
    All Things Beautiful everyone, and
    have a joyously ATP Valentine's Day with your loved ones:) Sue

     
  • At 10:10 PM, February 15, 2010 , Blogger Christopher Showerman said...

    Hey Dave - fellow Eagle! Very Cool! And Sue's husband Jerry too! Wow. Thanks for contributing!

    Tanya, good luck in March at the scout camp. I'm sure you'll be the hit of the camp!!

    Happy President's day and have a great week.

    ATP,
    Chris

     
  • At 10:53 AM, February 16, 2010 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Greetings,

    Sue, I'm taking on day at a time. Thanks for the wonderful cards, you are a treasure.

    Chris, thanks you for the well wishes, as always you are the best.

    Tanya

     
  • At 11:39 AM, February 20, 2010 , Anonymous Ute said...

    Hi everyone!

    Wow, I had no idea the boy scouts have been around that long, certainly a good organization. But shouldn't the boys on the poster look a bit happier? ;)

    I saw "Invictus" today. Great movie, full of ATP and inspiration. Clint Eastwood sure knows how to make good movies! I am sure you all would enjoy it. Another great movie I saw not long ago was "Up in the Air" with George Clooney. I also saw "Sherlock Holmes" which I am of two minds about, it wasn't bad, but for my taste it had too much unneccessary violence. Interestingly, I seem to have been more sensitive about this then some of my friends who weren't bothered about it. Did any of you see it? If so, what did you think?

    And a bit of proud news about Kieren: he's got a guest part on CSY:NY which will air in March. I'm very excited!

    Hope you are all doing well. We had a bit of spring in the air last week, so there IS hope for life after snow and ice. :)

    Keep warm and safe everyone and have a great weekend!

    Ute

     
  • At 1:03 PM, February 21, 2010 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Hi Ute!
    I saw both "Invictus" and "Sherlock" and agree with you whole heartedly about "Invictus" and Cint Eastwood (did anyone else see "Gran Torino?" fabulous movie), but I'm with those who didn't have much of an issue with the voilence in "Sherlock." Though clearly not the classic interpretation of the character - though in some ways a more literal interpretation than the movies have given us before - I thought it was a fun "re-vamp" of the world's greates detective. I'm sure we'll have an opportunity to see how this revamp works in the sequel.

    Oscar night is quickly approaching. I wonder what everyone else's thoughts are for best picture. I'd love to see "Up" take it but I'm guessing it will go to a live action film (sorry Sue,that may leave "Avatar" out of the running too...just kidding!).

    DaveW

     
  • At 1:11 PM, February 22, 2010 , Anonymous Ute said...

    Hi Dave,
    wow, Oscars. That's a tough question. If you have many good movies I find it very hard to say which single one is the best. This year I have only seen three of the films nominated for best picture - UP, Avatar and Up in the Air and my vote of these three would go to Up in the Air with UP a close second. Having said that, I heard this morning that The Hurt Locker got a Bafta for best picture and that's usually an indication of who the Oscar goes to.
    Keep warm and safe everyone.
    Big hugs,
    Ute

     
  • At 6:08 PM, February 22, 2010 , Blogger SusanGail said...

    Hello everyone...good to be back home again in Michigan. Great three weeks being gone, and an RV adventure we'd not experienced before. Being on the road that long, that is! Well, nothing would hold a candle to Chris' Legends road trip. But I can see, under the right circumstances, you could get a little hooked on it. But I'd have to be sure of my Internet connections!

    Tanya, glad you're doing OK. Hope to hear about your scout camp experience. March is almost here!
    I feel I've lost a year, rather than three weeks.

    Dave and Ute, thanks for the notes.
    And I think I'm being outnumbered here on Avatar:) Help, Chris? You have not made a peep about movies lately:)

    Maybe it's that you all see so many movies...and I don't. You are probably thinking of ways Avatar could have been made better. I did see UP as Andy, our son, gave it to me for Christmas! Loved it. And have yet to see Clooney's movie or Eastwood's. But will eventually.
    It helps to know what the forum family recommends:)

    And, yes Dave, I thought of you as we drove into Michigan yesterday afternoon...and knew the snow was coming...which is why we scurried to make it while the weather was good. About eight inches here Jerry says.

    Tim hope you are doing OK...Tom...and all you across the pond! Spring is in the air:)
    At least when we think ATP! Sue

    Oh, one more thing. I think I forgot to mention that I put a link to Chris' InvertEgo tees on the Intuitive Connections Network I've done some book summaries for.
    www.intuitive-connections.net. It's Henry Reed's site...he's the one who draws the mandalas that I put my reflections on, on Facebook, and the one who was facilitator of the workshops on creativity, etc. that I attended in VA the past couple of summers.

     
  • At 6:12 PM, February 22, 2010 , Blogger SusanGail said...

    While waiting for that post, I thought of one more thing...I meant to ask if the Ironman article is out yet.

     
  • At 6:28 PM, February 23, 2010 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    I noticed on "Twitter" that there was an upcoming article in "Ironman" on Chris, too. But I had to wonder if it was the Australian edition or the North American edition?

    DaveW

     
  • At 10:12 PM, February 23, 2010 , Blogger SusanGail said...

    Oh, yes, but hopefully we will be among the first to find out:) I'd put one of those little hearts here, if I could...ha. Measured today, and even after snow settled, we have at least a foot. I changed my mind about stomping around in it for a walk. Any more and I'll have to get the snow shoes out. But I'll be walking in the Webberville Spartan Center tomorrow with Clayton Klein and tomorrow is his 91st birthday.
    He will put me to the test, as I'm out of shape again. Jerry had rented the movie "MOON" as someone told him it was good, and it was, in a strange sort of way. Wondered if anyone else has seen it. A 2009 film.
    It would interesting, BTW, to hear a little more about the Eagle Scout stories from you and Chris.
    Jerry loved scouts. They had a group that built and raced boats on the Grand River I think. I'll have to ask him. But scouting was a favorite thing for him.
    Looking forward to the article:) Sue

     
  • At 8:24 PM, February 26, 2010 , Blogger SusanGail said...

    Happy weekend everyone:)

    This forum is way too quiet...and I just thought of something. I see that the Girl Scouts are nearly a hundred years old, too! Hadn't realized that. I was a Girl Scout briefly. Still have my sash somewhere. How's the forum family's favorite eagle, BTW? About to tell us some breaking news, perhaps:)
    ATB to all...Sue
    And Dave, there's 14 inches on our picnic table. With more on the way.
    wishing you and Tim safe travels. Crazy winter, another track from CA rains (stay dry!) to plains and East Coast again this week they say.

     
  • At 12:56 PM, February 28, 2010 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Greetings,

    I hope all is well.

    Just wanted to let you know that I lost my cousin. Thank you for all you tried to do.

    Tanya

     
  • At 1:14 PM, February 28, 2010 , Blogger SusanGail said...

    Tanya, I'm so sorry. I was checking email when your post popped in. Sending you big hugs from the bottom of my heart...to the top of it, too:). You must be crushed. It's hard to feel so helpless in these situations. I don't know why, but I just now thought to tell you to see Avatar, if you haven't. For some reason it helped me get through my sister-in-law's passing in Dec. I'll be thinking a lot about why for a long time. As Chris tells us, "Take care of each other,"...I was just reminded of that, too. So sending love that I've felt so many times from the forum family to you today:) Sue

     
  • At 1:55 PM, February 28, 2010 , Anonymous Alex said...

    Hi everyone!

    My thoughts and prayers go out to all the people who are suffering, are having rough times, and have been hit by catastrophic events on this planet like recent devastating earthquakes, storms.

    Tanya, i'm so sorry for the passing of your cousin; thoughts, prayers, condolences to you, all her family and friends.

    Thanks Chris for sharing your thoughts about scouting; happy 100th birthday to Boy Scouts of America! Certainly scouting plays a huge educational role. I agree with you about all the very important ideals you mentioned; in fact they are part of me as well, as they are part of every true aware, good soul, human being, independently by the scouting. The huge lack of those ideals, of true love, friendship, awareness is the main reason of all the horrific events and situations that happens on this planet.

    Thank you very much Sue for your beautiful, thoughtful comments, notes, e-cards; i'm very glad you had a nice, fun, well deserved vacation this month. All best wishes to Clayton; hope he had a happy 91st birthday.

    Ute, congrats to Kieren for his guest part on CSI:NY. I'm glad that after snow and lot of ice you all had a bit of spring out there. Spring is in the air here. In fact weather has been nice, very mild lately; it looks like spring one month in advance, out here in Northern Italy. However, weather is going to be colder on the second part of next week, here and on Central Europe as well; so Ute and all stay warm out there.

    Dave i saw the movie "Gran Torino" and liked it. I look forward to news and the upcoming article on Chris.

    A hug to all of you!
    Be well!
    Alex

     
  • At 10:55 AM, March 01, 2010 , Anonymous Jaschenka said...

    Hey dear forum family.

    First of all, @Tanya- so sorry for your loss. Wishing you lots of strength, love & light to cope with this. *hugs*

    I probably don't have to tell you all that I am VERY excited- together with Ute ;)- to see Kieren guest-star in CSI. I enjoyed his recent Hallmark production "Flower Girl" a lot too, and am hoping for more movie news, maybe from our forum host?! We are trying to get a bunch of friends together to go watch the much anticipated 'Alice in Wonderland'. Anyone here seen it yet? Odd enough there is a boycot on it over here so not many theatres show it. Something to do with DVD release I believe. But one of the few cinemas where it is played is right here in my hometown!

    We had a slice of Spring today, after we got a bit of the major storm that raged over Europe during the weekend. I believe Ute had her share of it. Hope all is fine wherever you all are. Lots of Spring hugs. Be Inspired!

     
  • At 11:54 AM, March 01, 2010 , Blogger SusanGail said...

    Jaschenka, just saw your post. Yes, the Kieren news is exciting, since Ute does Kieren's website:)and C and K co-starred in Chris' Sea of Fear.
    When is it, did we miss it?

    We hope to go see Alice soon as it comes out. Both of us look forward to it...and I'll report back!

    It got up to 50 degrees for a bit here today with the sun melting lots of snow! Ute glad you're back in motion again. Alex, thanks for the nice thoughts and it sounds like spring might really be coming around!

    Keep thinking ATP Tanya:) and ATB :) Sue

     
  • At 7:50 PM, March 01, 2010 , Blogger SusanGail said...

    Hi everyone...my post after Jaschenka isn't up yet, but I'm adding something I thought you'd like to see. Speaking of EAGLES, and Eagle Scouts, the eagle, our American symbol. Here's a live webcam view of baby eagles born Feb. 27 at Blackwater Wildlife Refuge in Maryland. Very cool :) Very ATP :)

    http://www.friendsofblackwater.org/camhtm2.html

    Sending you blessings for spring "on eagles' wings"...Sue

     
  • At 9:05 AM, March 03, 2010 , Blogger Christopher Showerman said...

    Hi All!

    Thanks for all of the great thoughts on this topic.

    Tanya, so sorry to hear of your loss.

    Thanks Sue for the heads up on the Eagle Cam! Sounds exciting! And a belated Happy 91st to the amazing Clayton!

    Alex, I'm so glad you got to see Gran Torino! In my opinion, it was the best movie of the year - regardless of the Oscar snub.

    Nice to hear spring has sprung in the Netherlands Jaschenka!! That was always an event that would help me to Be Inspired!

    Thanks Ute and Jaschenka for the update on Kieren's appearance on CSI. He's always very good in whatever he's in.

    The Oscars are Sunday. You can find their bloated nomination list at http://oscar.go.com/nominations?cid=10_oscars_primaryNav

    Happy March!

    All Things Possible,
    Chris

     
  • At 8:31 AM, March 06, 2010 , Blogger SusanGail said...

    Happy weekend...hope you're able to work Alice into your schedule. It's a wonderful film. Maybe not as spectacular as Avatar, but since I'm into dream themes, I truly enjoyed it...and at IMAX. Even at the first showing after the midnight one (11am) the theater was comfortably full. Of course, whenever I see Johnny Depp, I think of Chris and imagine him in the roles. Don't know why, just always done that :) Best wishes on projects and congrats on Complacent premiere announcement on Facebook. Does that mean you will be in the theatres? Know the forum family is with me when I say how great it will be when you have the premiere for you own film...and how neat it would be we could all beam ourselves there.
    Best wishes on Radio America and hope to hear more soon.

    One thing I forgot last time...did you know Girl Scouts are almost a hundred years old, as well? What a legacy for their founders...

    Snow's a melting here. That's a good sign to "be inspired"!! It's been a long winter. Our daughter and son-in-law will be moving back to California again for 2-3 years as he winds down his career in the Marines. But not until Sept. So they can enjoy the eastern shore awhile longer. However, she admitted that this winter's snows have made them appreciate CA :) and they won't mind being back for awhile. So many life changes this year for everyone.

    All the more reasoon for ATP :) Sue

     
  • At 3:05 PM, March 06, 2010 , Anonymous Alex said...

    Hi all!

    Great to hear from you Chris; thanks for your comments and the link.

    Thank you Sue for the link to the live webcam of baby eagle; very cool indeed!

    Hope you all are having a happy weekend and March. After mild days here lately, snow and cold air are temporarily coming again here tomorrow and next week.
    Be well all!
    Alex

     
  • At 10:26 AM, March 08, 2010 , Anonymous Ute said...

    Hey everyone,

    how are you?

    Alex, how are things in Italy? It's still quite cold here, though as far as Germany goes, we are in a relatively good and warm spot. And for the last few days we saw the sun again, after it was hiding behind clouds for what seemed like an eternity. And my allergies are coming back, too, definately a sign that Spring is approaching! ;)

    For those in the States, Kieren's episode comes up this Wednesday on CBS at 10 pm and it will also become available on the CBS website about 24 hours after it aired.

    Tanja, sorry to hear about your cousin.

    Dave, I am sure you will be pleased that UP got an Oscar for best animated film. And I was right with my prediction about The Hurt Locker. It hasn't been release here yet, so if I can, I will catch it when it comes. I finally saw The Last King of Scotland this weekend, heavy stuff. I can see why Forest Whitaker got the Oscar for that part. He's great, I like him a lot.

    Hope you are all well. Keep warm and big hugs to you all!

    Ute

     
  • At 2:45 PM, March 10, 2010 , Anonymous Alex said...

    Hi all!

    Thanks Ute for the news on the Kieren's episode, for your lovely thoughts and comments. It's snowy and cold here right now but i'm glad to know we'll enjoy beautiful, sunny, very mild spring days out here and on southern, western and central Europe, next week. I'm sorry for your allergies, take care but despite of them hope you all will enjoy mild spring days soon out there too!

    Hope you're all well!
    Alex

     
  • At 10:48 AM, March 11, 2010 , Anonymous Ute said...

    Hi again, Alex,

    no worries about my allergies, it's just a bit of sneezing and occassionally itchy eyes. I have good medication to counter it, so I am feeling lucky it's nothing worse.

    Even though it is sunny, we got a fierce cold wind today, snow showers forecast, brrrr. Time for another nice hot cup of tea!

    Yesteday I went to see "The Book of Eli" - anybody seen that yet? I thought it was quite awesome visually and had an interesting twist to the story. The actors where all great, too. Though, probably not everyone's cup ot tea. I'd like to hear your thoughts, if you've seen it.

    Later tonight I will watch Kieren's CSI episode. Can't wait!

    Hope you are all well. Keep warm!

    Big hugs,

    Ute

     
  • At 9:56 AM, March 12, 2010 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Thank you all for your warm wishes. It's hard to keep thinking ATP and ATB. Hope to write again soon.

    Tanya

     
  • At 8:04 PM, March 13, 2010 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Tanya,
    It is hard sometimes to keep thinking ATP and ATB...I lost a dear friend this week and am experiencing some other personal problems (I will most likely lose my current job by June 30 and my nephew was diagnosed with diabetes this week and is currently hospitalized because of it) so I have a small idea of the pain you are experiencing and the weariness that it brings. Please know that there are those of us who care and are thinking of you - even though we've never met in person.

    On a much lighter note - there's know good way to segue I guess- yes Ute I was very happy for Up's Oscar wins! Overall, I was pleased with the awards given out...though I'm sure the show itself could easily be an hour shorter!

    Take care everyone - ATP and ATB!

    DaveW

     
  • At 10:10 PM, March 13, 2010 , Blogger SusanGail said...

    Hello dear forum family,
    I saw this quote from Michael Beckwith on Facebook, and thought it would make you smile.

    "As you set your clocks forward, continue to walk in the nowness of the moment and glow for GOD!"

    Dave and Tanya, special prayers for you both. Dave, thanks for posting on Facebook about your friend's passing, your job situation and your nephew. Hoping the forum special place will glow with many more prayers for you, and for Tanya, and for all of us who are facing challenges in this new year.

    It's at times like these that it's comforting to know the forum family is here, with a little dose of inspiration to keep on keeping on.

    Sending hugs and ATB thoughts to all...hoping all is well in L.A., too :) Sue

     

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