I don't remember much of my Cub Scouting days except that we made a lot of crafts, put on some very simple shows, and raced a lot of balsa wood cars.  Eventually, I became a Webelos.  Now I liked Webelos, but I must admit I got a little bored with it.  And I got so bored in fact that I caused a few problems.  And I caused so many problems in fact that I caused my Webelos Den Leader to quit. Fortunately, my father took over as leader, once again bailing me out of trouble. I did manage to earn my Arrow of Light before graduating out of Cub Scouts.

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Visiting my first troop meeting left such an impression on me that I remember it to this day. They did various Scout skills, played "Ships and Mines" and performed the famous "Bring Me My Royal Papers" skit. A couple weeks later, in April 1971, I joined and became part of the brotherhood of Scouting.

 

I loved my Scoutmaster! He was a Master-Sergeant in the U.S. Marines and looked tough. When they introduced him to me I thought they said his name was Don Hell!  Actually, it was Don Held. He quickly became my mentor and role model. He is one of the main reasons I became an Eagle Scout. Under his leadership, I also became a member in the Order of the Arrow. Soon after I earned my Eagle, he was transferred to another state. I never saw him again.

 

The new Scoutmaster was not very good and the program took a nose dive. To make matters worse, I thirsted for being Senior Patrol Leader, a position that the Scoutmaster's son had an unbreakable hold.  In May of 1975, myself and two other Scouts quit the troop and formed Troop 325.  I served as Senior Patrol Leader, helped to get the new troop going and earned my God and Country award. I was especially busy with creating a program so outstanding that everyone would love to come to meetings. My motto has always been, "If it isn't fun, it isn't Scouting!"

At age 18, I became the Scoutmaster. Although I wouldn't be recognized formally with the title until I turned 21, SM was me!  I took training as soon as possible and had them all (including Woodbadge) under my belt by the year I was out of college.  Now I could focus my attention on creating a good troop.

I had always dreamed of a high adventure program for our troop. With the help of another adult leader, we got a Smoky Mountains backpacking/rafting trip put together complete with pre-trip requirements.  We have had high adventure trips every year since 1983 (Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountains, Eastern Citizenship trip, Florida Sea Base, U.P. Michigan and Canada cycling trek, Philmont, Charles L. Sommers canoe base, Alaska, etc.)

We have about one Eagle Scout a year plus another crop of Scouts who are becoming great movers and shakers. However, we do not see how many Eagle Scouts we can produce in a year. We expect quality, not quality. I heard a comment made by a member of the church we meet at, "When a Scout gets his Eagle from Troop 325, he has really earned it!"  I can't think of a better compliment than that!

In 1996, I started a Venture Scout patrol/program.  This grew like gang busters and today touts a repeating cycle of downhill skiing, backpacking, cycling, caving and climbing/rappelling.

Here I am at the Annual District Banquet at Cricket Holler. I just received the District Award of Merit. Pictured from left to right: my sister Jackie, my brother-in-law Rick (who is my right arm in Scouting), John P. Combs (me!), my wife Terry (marrying her was the smartest thing I ever did in my life!) and my father, John S. Combs who was one of the biggest role models of my life.

In 2001, my district named me "Scoutmaster of the Year."  It was the first year the award was given so I feel this is an exceptional honor.  In 2003 I was awarded the Silver Beaver Award and received a standing obviation for my many years of service to Scouting. Later that same year, Scout Mike McFall asked me to give a speech (48K Adobe Acrobat file) at his Eagle Court of Honor explaining why I had worked as Scoutmaster for over 20 years and without even having a son in the troop.

In 2008 I celebrated 30 years as Scoutmaster of Troop 325. I was also selected to serve as Assistant Scoutmaster for our council's contingent to the National Jamboree.
 

My Square Knots

Arrow of Light	Eagle Scout Award	Youth Religious Award
Scoutmaster's Key	District Award of Merit	Silver Beaver

In 2010 I attended the National Jamboree as an Assistant Scoutmaster while my wife worked staff at the dining hall. I also saw my son obtain the rank of Eagle. Needless to say I am very proud!

On January 29, 2013 I retired as Scoutmaster after 35 years. I had 53 Eagle Scouts the 50th of which was my son. I currently am serving as a member of the committee.