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 730 Dogs! In December 2010 we held the 10th annual Broke Back Dog Challenge and experienced our best attendance ever. (1980 + participants) This attendance figure made the Broke Back Dog Challenge one of the largest Scouting events in the state of Florida.  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?

 The 2011 Broke Back Dog Challenge will be held at Camp Miles on December 2, 3, & 4. Our theme this year is “Dogs of the Caribbean”. This year will be the biggest and best yet! 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  link at www.swflcouncilbsa.org  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

Your Brother Dog

Joker

(Steve Martin)