Darryl Alder became my very first Scoutmaster when I turned 11. It didn’t take long for me to discover what kind of leader he really was.

A few weeks after my early summer birthday we were at an 11-year-old Scout Day Camp at Maple Grove Campground near our home in Richfield, Utah.

Our day was filled with activities, skits, food and fun. We worked on merit badge requirements and passed off tying knots. The whole event, beside teaching us how to grow up, I now know was also designed to wear us out!

Wearing us out was put to the test when it was time to go home. All of us boys wanted to jump in the creek first! Darryl and the other leaders had done a good job of keeping us dry and out of the creek so far, and the last thing they wanted was to drive home with a bunch of wet and stinky boys.

It didn’t take much pleading for Darryl to quickly give us the awaited permission.

We ran like escaping greased pigs and were soon splashing in the cold creek. We dunked each other, splashed water on others not so enthusiastic as we, and laughed a lot.

That’s who Darryl was. He let us have fun. But that didn’t mean he was a pushover. Not at all! We worked hard and played hard.

We were soaking wet when he told us for the umpteenth time it was time to go, but we didn’t have any towels to dry off with before getting in his car.

But was he worried?

Not at all!

“That’s why I have vinyl seats,” I remember him saying.

That was the beginning of a wonderful relationship with Darryl as a scout leader and as a friend.

Darryl demanded discovery of our very best.

Last Saturday Darryl was awarded the Silver Beaver, one of the Boy Scouts highest recognitions. The Silver Beaver is “given to those who implement the Scouting program and perform community service through hard work, self-sacrifice, dedication, and many years of service. It is given to those who do not seek it.”

Darryl represents all that is great in the Scouting movement. He lives what he teaches, works the programs, and loves the boys.

In his honor, I take the liberty to rework, just slightly, the Scout Oath.

On his honor he has done his best to do his duty to God and his country. He has obeyed the Scout Law, has helped other people at all times, and keeps himself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.

I Love you Darryl!

Have a great Monday my friends! Thanks for letting me share.

Les

p.s. Take 13 minutes today to thank one who was a great influence in your early life.

Photos courtesy of Darryl Alder Family

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