A Word (OK, maybe a few more than that)

From the President

     Hello fellow Broke Back Dogs and those soon to become Dogs! The Broke Back Dogs have come a long way from the original Scoutmaster Fundamentals Patrol. We now number approximately 600 Dogs! In December 2007 we held the 7th annual Broke Back Dog Challenge and experienced our best attendance ever. (1800+ participants) This attendance figure made the Broke Back Dog Challenge one of the largest Scouting events in the state of Florida. We are in the process of setting up the BBD Service Committee with the mandate to coordinate at least one major service project at each of the Council’s Camps per year involving as many BBD’s and their Units as possible. We continue to actively recruit new members from the ranks of attendees at the University of Scouting Arts, Wood Badge, National Camp School, and other training events.  These are folks who have proven their commitment to continued Adult Leader Education. In short, the Broke Back Dogs are alive and well and continue to thrive. It is our hope that we will soon have members in every Unit in the Council and after that, who knows? Perhaps the Nation? Why not?

     Being a Broke Back Dog is much more than simply wearing the Patrol Patch. Dogs are always the first to offer help and the last to go home. This has always been, and continues to be, the spirit of the Dogs. The reason that I mention this is that preparations are underway for the 2008 Broke Back Dog Challenge even now.  The Challenge brings together the entire Scouting family of the Southwest Florida Council and beyond. Everyone from Tiger Cubs and their siblings to Venturers are invited and we have separate Challenges for them all. This is our opportunity to show everyone what the Dogs are all about. As you can well imagine, it will take all of us, every single BBD, to insure that this event is a success. When you became a Dog you will recall my admonition to you as you received your patch. “When I call, you come running, when you call, I’ll come running.” Well guess what? I’m calling. Go to the volunteer sign up link on this website and sign up to help out at the Broke Back Dog Challenge. Do it now! We need all Dogs to come together as one to make this event a huge success. As a Dog, you are already part of something special. The Broke Back Dog Challenge is the ultimate expression of what it means to be a truly committed Scouter. Show how much you care about the youth that have been entrusted to our care. Sign up right now!

     The Dogs have always been about having fun. All the barking when you first see a fellow Dog, the Patrol Patch, the Junior Dogs, and of course the Broke Back Dog Challenge. These are all elements of the Broke Back Dog philosophy of having fun whenever possible. And why do we place so much emphasis on having fun? Because, if it’s not fun, why bother? I quote Dr. Seuss, “From there to here and here to there, funny things are everywhere”. So keep up the good work Dogs. Keep doing what you do as you make Scouting better for having you involved. I love all you guys.

I’llseeyawheniseeya

Woof! Woof!

Your Brother Dog

Joker

(Steve Martin)