District Executive Updates

Every outstanding District in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is "Volunteer Driven and Professionally Guided." Hello, my name is Christina Coonradt and I serve as your Alpine District Executive (DE). Scouting has been a significant part of my life since I was a child. I was involved in Girl Scouting programs all my years, earning my Silver Award. Even in High School, while I was participating heavily in sports and working, I stayed active in the Scouting movement because of what it stood for, and for the kind of person it was helping me to become. I continued my scouting as a volunteer and paid staff working at a few Girl Scout Camps and then finally, for the Boy Scouts of America.

I've seen first-hand from many Volunteer and Professional Scouting positions how our Scouting Volunteers and Professionals work together. And by successfully working together we can accomplish amazing results that have a dramatically positive impact on our Communities, Schools, Churches, and most important: our Youth and our Families. Scouting has been a significant force throughout my life, and will continue to be as my family grows. I hope it is in your life and for your family too.

"The District Executive is your best Scouting friend and counselor— the full-time professional in the district. He or she is employed by the Council and works under the direction of the Council Scout Executive. The District Executive welcomes all suggestions and knows that you will need close cooperation to get the job done through volunteers."

– A Handbook for District Operations

I strive to help our District Committee and all our Scouting Units to reach-out to every eligible Youth in their communities, and ultimately to help those Youth and their Families to be the very best they can be through participation in our Scouting Programs. I can help your Unit directly or through our District Committee and its Commissioners & Operating Committees – these are the volunteers that extend our Program support across our nearly 100 Scouting Units in the Alpine District.

January/February Alpine District Executive Update

Many of us believe so strongly in our BSA Programs, and the good they can bring our Families & Communities, that we continuously strive improve our knowledge and understanding of them. Over time we build a tremendous testimony of Scouting based on our personal experiences. These experiences are founded in great BSA Programs, friendship, and personal growth. One thing I've learned is that we cannot simply give that testimony to others -Each of us has to find it for ourselves.

My own personal testimony is that no matter what program you are a part of, Scouting offers us a unique opportunity to participate in something bigger than ourselves. It opens doors for youth that may only have a window. It offers the light at the end of a tunnel full of hope for those youth who only see darkness. For all our Youth, whether in good surroundings or not, it offers an opportunity to learn important Life Skills by having fun with a purpose.

Consider this:

We engage our own children in the scouting program and we see first-hand the joy and positive change it brings to them.
Together, as one big family of Scouting, we are teaching, challenging, and actively engaging our children to be well-rounded individuals. We help promote Values, and ultimately we teach Leadership like no other Youth organization in the world.
And the best part, the payoff is this: we get to see their faces light up when they learn something new – those special "EUREKA I figured it out!" moments that make all the Volunteering worth it.
My challenge to you is to look at the children around you, at your child's school, at your church, in your neighborhood, or wherever you are, and ask yourself this one question: How can I make a difference in the life of another child?

This is the essence of the Scouting Movement: we reach out to ALL youth and help them grow to become a responsible, participating citizens and leaders who are guided by the Scout Oath and Law. One of my favorite quotes paraphrased: "It takes a village to raise a child." This is so very true. Our children are very easily influenced – let's help influence our children, all children in a positive manner.

And I want to thank all our Volunteers once again for all their efforts every day to make a difference in the lives of our Youth & Families. You are one of the greatest resources our Country has, and I am proud to be a part of your efforts.

Yours in Scouting,

Christina Coonradt, Alpine District Executive

March - June Alpine District Executive Update

I recall a famous quote that has always left a profound impression on me. It reads as follows...

"A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove...but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child."

-- Dr. Forest E. Witcraft

How are you important in the life of a child? Are you a parent, friend, teacher, Scout leader? But is being a parent, friend, teach or Scout leader mean that you are actually important to that child? Maybe the question should be written – Besides being a title, what have I done to be truly important in the life of a child? What examples have I lead or taught?

I remember when my daughter was born – I never could imagine how fast she would be growing up – she is almost two. Time goes by so quickly and life is so very short. I made the personal decision early on that I was going to spend as much time with my child as possible. I would not put my child second – not to emails, phone calls, work or other activities that pull me away from my child more than necessary. Obviously I work but setting limits is important so that I can spend time with my child. I don't want my daughter to grow up and think that I was never there for her – not in the sense of body but in the sense of attention. Sometimes it isn't enough to just be there in body – but to be there in mind, be attentive to your child or to the children around you. Our children are growing up in a society that is turning its back on in person to person communication and wrapping itself in other methods of communication – internet, cell phones, media, etc.

I re-read this quote numerous times, it gives me a sense of knowing what I am suppose to do with my life. I want to be important in the life of a child just like my parents, mentors, Scout leaders, teachers, church authorities were important to me as I was a child. Each child deserves to feel the warmth of love, attention and appreciation every day.

Scouting has opened up the opportunity for me to share that with other like minded adults – adults that want to embrace our future, encourage the youth of tomorrow by showing them how to be better individuals, leaders, etc. Adults that want to take the time to spend with children to provide them that foundation for a better tomorrow.

If you think about an individual's life span – childhood is very short in comparison to adulthood. Take a moment to reflect what you have done for a child. How honest can you be with yourself? Do you spend quality time with your child?

My message to you is simple: Whether you choose to become a Volunteer in Scouting or not; take the time to spend with your child, your child deserves your attention. When you are at a unit meeting with your child – don't spend it on the phone, texting or calling, being inattentive. Don't just drop your child off and leave. Children, whether they admit it or not, love when Mom/Dad/Grandma/Grandpa/Siblings/Aunts/Uncles/Friends participate and show interest in what they are a part of. Remember, your children are direct reflections of who you are!

Yours in Scouting,

Christina Coonradt, Alpine District Executive