C.O.P.E. - Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience. Having designed and built four C.O.P.E. courses for local councils and trained more than 100 directors at National Camp Schools, I have used this important methodology to teach young people (and old) self confidence, problem solving, team work, communication skills, and leadership. It is one of the great programs of Scouting that just works.
Michael - On Relationships
RELATIONSHIPS ARE EVERYTHING - Both professional and volunteer relationships are very rewarding. Teamwork is key to success. It is as important to enjoy the people as it is to be passionate about the cause. Scouting then gives purpose to the friendships that are established. Mark Griffin and I were partners in running the Great Salt Lake Council. His wife, Janet, has done just about everything for Scouting on a local and national level and is just a great friend!
New Professional Relationships are essential to longevity in the organization. Scouting provides many opportunities to forge new relationships with other great Scouters. This picture is from my service at the National Scout Jamboree in 2023 where I served in the logistics center with Devin Koehler. We have become fast friends and share successes and challenges with each other. (I wonder who the guy in the background is....)
Michael - On Family
This is my daughter, Rachel. She accompanied me on a pheasant hunt, fell in love with shooting sports, then signed on as a shooting sports director at camp. She even got married at a Scout Camp!
Michael - On Family
This is my daughter, Emma (far right). She has always been a happy child. She is with her Scouts BSA troop getting ready for the rapids at a scout camp in Georgia. Scouting has given our children amazing experiences!
Michael - On Personal Fitness
A Scouting ethic is personal fitness. My hobbies include golf, racquetball, and most other sports. Riding 50 - 100 miles on a bike is harder, but still very rewarding. I also enjoy backpacking, shooting sports, and other outdoor adventures. Reading is how I unwind.
Michael - On Living Life
Life needs adventure - something to look forward to. My children bought me this birthday present to drive a Corvette Z71 at an international speedway. What a rush!
Michael - On Family Legacies
When I was a Scout my father took my brother and I with him to the National Scout Jamboree and to Philmont Scout Ranch. I wanted to have that kind of experience with my children. My two oldest daughters, Sara and Kelly, signed on to go with me and the council contingency to Northern Tier. This is what family legacy looks like to us.
Michael - On Family Legacies
All of my children now that have reached the appropriate age have worked with me and with other directors at BSA Camps. One of them even worked at Northern Tier. My wife has also worked with the entire family at a COPE Course. She has also served in volunteer leadership in Cub Scouts. Scouting is our family legacy.
Michael - On Philmont
Each of these young men lead very different lives. To reach through their collective barriers in any other setting would be very difficult. Working with them on the trail gives adult mentors a chance to break through all the "stuff" they carry with them and get to the heart of things. Their lives completely change in 10 days.
Michael - On The Wonders of Nature
Swamp Base is in the Atchafalaya Swamp - one of the world's great natural wonders. Scouting takes youth out of their limited environment and gives them the world! It also takes adult volunteers out of their repetitive, day-to-day lives and gives them purpose and adventure. Everybody wins with Scouting.