2 Degrees of Junior Rangerness

Last week, I went with the Green Hats to do some work with a Junior troop in one of my old stomping grounds, Oregon, Ohio.  We lived there from halfway through kindergarten to the end of third grade.  Great teachers, great friends at Clay Elementary School.  It's also where I began my Scout career, 50 years ago, in second grade.

One of the Scouts' last names was familiar to me, because the family (still) owns a fantastic farm stand.  When we were kids, our bus went past the farm every day, and we bought most of our summer produce there.  The farmer's wife was also a teacher at my school.

Seaman Road, Oregon Ohio

I was talking with the child's dad, and mentioned all these things.  Earlier the Scout had told me that she had been to Yellowstone.  As we were talking with Dad, I asked her what she remembered and she said that since they were there last June she could remember a lot!  "Last June?" says I, "did you come to the Junior Ranger Station at Madison?"  The dad said that they had.  She said she earned her Junior Ranger patch, and I asked if she remembered the ranger who signed the paper for her.

"Hmmm,"  says she.  "I don't remember for sure, but I've got my paper right here in my school bag."

It wasn't one of the Mad Crew who signed it, but I was completely blown away by the fact that she loved her patch and paper enough to lug it with her for months.  Wow.

We couldn't really make out the ranger's handwriting, and I know I'm totally guilty of hen-scratching my name.  But seeing how this young lady cherished her stuff, I'm going to make a better effort at legibility.  We all should.

Wildlife Olympics at the Junior Ranger Station.

We clearly connected with this wonderful child.  Let's really connect and write stuff they can read!