2023-18 Walt Disney

This Scouter’s Minute was shared back in March of 2019 and was never recorded for this podcast. This one is entitled, Walt Disney.

I’m sure all of you have heard of Walt Disney, the father of Mickey Mouse and the creator of Disneyland. And if you have ever been to one of the Disney Parks you may have noticed all the different and iconic waste bins throughout the park. These waste bins are so well designed that you might not even notice them because they blend in so well with the theme of the area that they are placed in. No matter what land you are in, be it Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Adventureland, Critter Country, Frontierland, Mickey’s Toontown, Main Street, USA, New Orleans Square, or Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge; you will find a waste bin that fits the land. Sometime you will also find waste bins within the lands that are ride specific. An example of this would be in front of the Enchanted Tiki Room. This in itself is amazing as you will find that no matter where you are in the park, there is a waste bin within 30 feet of you.

Walt Disney said,” When I started Disneyland, my wife used to say, ‘But why would you want to build an amusement park? They’re so dirty.’ I told her that was just the point - mine wouldn’t be.”

Walt Disney wanted Disneyland to be a clean place for families to visit. Whenever he saw any bit of trash at the park, he picked it up and put it in the garbage. He thought keeping the world clean was so important that he asked all of his employees to follow his example and pick up trash whenever they saw it. This month, let’s follow Walt Disney’s example and take the time to pick up trash when we see it and dispose of it properly.

2023-01 Difficult Roads

Today we say hello to the very first day of the year 2023. For the past 2 years, rather than displaying ads for items that are on sale, our local grocery store has placed inspirational messages on the signs along the outside of the building. Yesterday as I pulled to get some last minute items for our New Year's Eve celebration, I read the following. “ Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.” I kept thinking about this sentence as I was walking through the isles and some of the beautiful destinations that I personally have explored this past couple of years.

Sequoia National Park comes to mind as the road to reach the park is one that will push your vehicle to its limits with the steep and windy road. But hugging one of those massive redwoods after enduring the long hard road is totally worth it.

Timpanogos Caves inside Mt. Timpanogos is another one that comes to mind. Even though the hike up to the cave is only 2.5 miles, it is a hike that will push your body to its limits. After you reach the cave opening, and catch your breath for about 20 minutes so your heart doesn’t jump out of your chest, the beauties of all the stalagmites and stalactites along with the Heart of Timpanogos will take your breath away again.

Ruth Lake is another hidden gem that we discovered inside the Uinta National Forest along the Mirror Lake Hwy. The elevation is pretty high up there which brings its own challenges with breathing, headaches, and fatigue and the trail is constantly up and down throughout the 3 mile round trip. But the blue high elevation lake is one that brought me one of my most relaxing days I have had in a long time as I took a nap in the hammock alongside its shore line.

These are all great destinations, and there are many more that I could talk about. But, my mind started thinking about some of the destinations that I have reached that are not necessarily found on a map. These are items that I have personally accomplished that may have been difficult to endure through. I think my son would have one of his personal destinations be planning and completing his Eagle Project.

New Years is one of those great times of the year that we can reflect on how we are personally doing, what we should be doing better, and some of the items we would like to complete on our bucket list. It’s a time for resolutions and goal setting. I personally do not have New Years resolutions, but I do set some goals that I would like to accomplish for myself personally along with some goals I would like to accomplish with my family.

These past couple of years have been very difficult for many people. Emotionally, physically, and mentally. I personally had the difficult time of losing my father in October of 2021. My kids would probably say that their school year this last year was really difficult. Difficult roads will always be part of our life. Whatever your difficult roads have been, take some time to reflect on how you are the person that you are now because of the experiences you have been through. Reflect on some of those amazing places that you have hiked to or camped at that were off the beaten path. Each difficult road that we endure through makes us a little more Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.

2022-03 Watch Your Mouth

During the American Revolution, George Washington issued an order against profanity. Washington could not endure the low and wicked practice in the army. He pointed out that profanity is so repulsive and unmanly among soldiers, how could a youth who uses profanity look parents, good people, and their teachers in the face without a sense of guilt and shame?

Here is Washington's order as quoted by Thayer: “ Many and frequent orders have been issued against the unmeaning and abominable custom of swearing, notwithstanding which, with much regret, the General observes that it prevails if possible, more than ever. His feelings are continually wounded by the oaths and in  imprecations of the soldiers, whenever he is in hearing of them. The name of that Being from whose bountiful goodness we are permitted to exist and enjoy the comforts of life is incessantly implicated and profaned in a manner as wanton as it is shocking. For the sake, therefore of religion, decency, and order, the General hopes and trusts that officers of every rank will use their influence and authority to check advice which is as unprincipled as it is wicked and shameful. If officers would make it an enviable rule to reprimand, and if that won't do, to punish soldiers for an offense of this kind, it would not fail of having the desired effect.”

In reference to the above order, and to quote the movie National Treasure, “People don’t talk like that way anymore.” 

I remember years ago, when I said a swear word, and my mother found out… I thought for sure that I was a goner! I am very lucky, and blessed, that my mother was one that taught me the importance of choosing good words after that incident and that I needed to change and not use profane words.  One of the things I do not envy of my teenage children, is the language they have to hear as they walk the halls to and from class at school.  Some of those teenagers that are saying those horrible words are Scouts! It was bad back in my day, and I can only imagine how much worse it is now.  It’s all around us now through music, movies, podcasts, and now even on live TV when they can’t blur out words or mute the sound fast enough on the news. 

As we practice the Scout Law, we should not only be physically Clean. But, also clean in our words.