I’ve known Uddhav Swami for more than five years as his Scout leader. He is a very personable young man; mature for his age but possesses a great sense of humor; and so many other attributes I could cite. Perhaps an example of what he did would be more appropriate. Unquestionably the most important youth leadership position in Scouting is that of Den Chief. A Den Chief is a Scout (typically age 13-16)who volunteers to assist a Cub Scout “Den”-a unit of 5-12 Cubs from kindergarten to age 10 ½. The Den is led by two parent volunteers, who are preferably but not always trained. The older Scout, in addition to his/her own weekly Troop meetings, weekend service projects and campouts, attends weekly Den meetings and monthly Pack meetings. The Pack has each Den, designated by age group, averaging one or two Dens per Pack...eg 1-2 Kindergarten “Lion” Dens, 1st grade “Tigers”, 2nd Bobcat, etc to 5th grade Webelos who are preparing to “cross” into Scouts BSA, the BSA 10 ½ to 18 year old program. Uddhav’s Troop has over 100 Scouts.The Packs in our community were in dire need of assistance but none of the other Troops wanted to send their Scouts to assist for a variety of reasons, mostly because of the time demands on the older Scouts. Over a three year period we built a program that had 25 Den Chiefs (older Scouts) serving five Cub Packs. The Den Chief not only assists adults often new to Scouting, but trains the Cubs, and acts as their Mentor, encouraging them to be excited and thus stay in the Scouting program.When a Cub moves on to a Scout Troop, in most cases they go to the Troop of their Den Chief. So a Den Chief is also a major recruiter as well. 25 Den Chiefs were a large number for even me to handle (I earned Eagle Scout in 1976 and have been a Volunteer leader since).I spoke with Uddhav and presented my problem.He came up with the idea to create a “Senior Den Chief”, directly responsible for the leadership and training of all 25 Den Chiefs. No youth leadership position has this many direct “reports”. I thought it was a brilliant and creative idea. But I asked Uddhav “who can take on a job this large in addition to serving the Troop and working on his own advancement ?” Uddhav smiled and offered “Mr Reitz, I don’t mean time be presumptuous, but I’d like the job!” He not only took the job but maintained it for three years...longer than any Scout holds a position. Frankly, they burnout. Not Uddhav.By managing and leading 25 Den Chiefs who in turn each led on average 8 to 10 Cubs grades k-5, Uddhav made more than a ripple in the water. If tracked, it would be obvious Uddhav had a significant impact not only on each of the 25 Den Chiefs, but every one of the Cubs...almost 250. I know if no Scout in my 50 years of Scouting who had such a positive impact on such a large number of youth. While leading the Den Chiefs, Uddhav served as a role model for younger Scouts in the Troop and his peers. In addition to a heavy academic and extracurricular load, Uddhav achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, a feat accomplished by less than 6% of all Scouts. He influenced many young Scouts and encouraged his peers to participate with vigor and fun while learning Scout skills and serving the community. Uddhav was one of the Scouts with the highest number of service hours, performing conservation work, improving playgrounds, building benches for Seniors, tutoring, assisting with creating a sensory awareness room for autistic orphans and so much more. In Scouting we have an Oath-where the Scout (and all leaders) pledge to do our duty to God and country, help others at all times, and keep ourselves physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight, and follow the 12 points of the Scout Law. Uddhav lives by this Oath and Law to be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. And, to Be Prepared and Do a Good Turn Daily. Uddhav spreads the Scout way if life to his non-Scout friends and fellow students...always striving to help someone else...a servant leader who puts others before self. With this foundation Uddhav will not only be “successful”, he will continue to be a major contributor to his community and nation. Our Troop is extremely diverse. We meet at a Presbyterian Church yet have amongst our members Catholics, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians of all denominations. Ethnically our Scouts are of descent ranging from Indian to Irish, German to Sri Lankan...and so much more. Racially our Scouts are African-American, Caucasian, Asian, and Hispanic. There are no conflicts at all. The Scouts see two colors: the tan of their shirts and the green of their shorts. This harmony exists because of a Scout like Uddhav, who above all, sees himself as an “All American” teenager. On a deeply personal note, our son was murdered two years ago. On many occasions Uddhav has been there to support me. Words are not always needed. His smiles and nods of understanding bring me far more comfort. He has the zest of youth with a heart that reflects the strong family upbringing and commitment to same, always helping his little brother, always respectful to his parents. I’ve seen Uddhav “stumble” on occasion with certain tasks. But I’ve never heard him complain, make excuses or bear self pity. He gets whatever advice and help that he might need, makes decisions, and gets right back on his path. I don’t know what you are looking for in a scholarship recipient. I can tell you if I had to go on a difficult journey...one physically, mentally and spiritually demanding and was building a team, Uddhav would be at the top of the list. I use team as an example because while Uddhav is an extremely successful individual, he is a dedicated team member. He seeks to understand, to listen, and to be open to alternatives. I could write about Uddhav for hours and not say enough about him. I would be happy to discuss any aspect at any time. Tom Reitz, Tomareitz@gmail.com; 770-355-2526.
I’ve known Uddhav Swami for more than five years as his Scout leader. He is a very personable young man; mature for his age but possesses a great sense of humor; and so many other attributes I could cite. Perhaps an example of what he did would be more appropriate. Unquestionably the most important youth leadership position in Scouting is that of Den Chief. A Den Chief is a Scout (typically age 13-16)who volunteers to assist a Cub Scout “Den”-a unit of 5-12 Cubs from kindergarten to age 10 ½. The Den is led by two parent volunteers, who are preferably but not always trained. The older Scout, in addition to his/her own weekly Troop meetings, weekend service projects and campouts, attends weekly Den meetings and monthly Pack meetings. The Pack has each Den, designated by age group, averaging one or two Dens per Pack...eg 1-2 Kindergarten “Lion” Dens, 1st grade “Tigers”, 2nd Bobcat, etc to 5th grade Webelos who are preparing to “cross” into Scouts BSA, the BSA 10 ½ to 18 year old program. Uddhav’s Troop has over 100 Scouts.The Packs in our community were in dire need of assistance but none of the other Troops wanted to send their Scouts to assist for a variety of reasons, mostly because of the time demands on the older Scouts. Over a three year period we built a program that had 25 Den Chiefs (older Scouts) serving five Cub Packs. The Den Chief not only assists adults often new to Scouting, but trains the Cubs, and acts as their Mentor, encouraging them to be excited and thus stay in the Scouting program.When a Cub moves on to a Scout Troop, in most cases they go to the Troop of their Den Chief. So a Den Chief is also a major recruiter as well. 25 Den Chiefs were a large number for even me to handle (I earned Eagle Scout in 1976 and have been a Volunteer leader since).I spoke with Uddhav and presented my problem.He came up with the idea to create a “Senior Den Chief”, directly responsible for the leadership and training of all 25 Den Chiefs. No youth leadership position has this many direct “reports”. I thought it was a brilliant and creative idea. But I asked Uddhav “who can take on a job this large in addition to serving the Troop and working on his own advancement ?” Uddhav smiled and offered “Mr Reitz, I don’t mean time be presumptuous, but I’d like the job!” He not only took the job but maintained it for three years...longer than any Scout holds a position. Frankly, they burnout. Not Uddhav.By managing and leading 25 Den Chiefs who in turn each led on average 8 to 10 Cubs grades k-5, Uddhav made more than a ripple in the water. If tracked, it would be obvious Uddhav had a significant impact not only on each of the 25 Den Chiefs, but every one of the Cubs...almost 250. I know if no Scout in my 50 years of Scouting who had such a positive impact on such a large number of youth. While leading the Den Chiefs, Uddhav served as a role model for younger Scouts in the Troop and his peers. In addition to a heavy academic and extracurricular load, Uddhav achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, a feat accomplished by less than 6% of all Scouts. He influenced many young Scouts and encouraged his peers to participate with vigor and fun while learning Scout skills and serving the community. Uddhav was one of the Scouts with the highest number of service hours, performing conservation work, improving playgrounds, building benches for Seniors, tutoring, assisting with creating a sensory awareness room for autistic orphans and so much more. In Scouting we have an Oath-where the Scout (and all leaders) pledge to do our duty to God and country, help others at all times, and keep ourselves physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight, and follow the 12 points of the Scout Law. Uddhav lives by this Oath and Law to be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. And, to Be Prepared and Do a Good Turn Daily. Uddhav spreads the Scout way if life to his non-Scout friends and fellow students...always striving to help someone else...a servant leader who puts others before self. With this foundation Uddhav will not only be “successful”, he will continue to be a major contributor to his community and nation. Our Troop is extremely diverse. We meet at a Presbyterian Church yet have amongst our members Catholics, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians of all denominations. Ethnically our Scouts are of descent ranging from Indian to Irish, German to Sri Lankan...and so much more. Racially our Scouts are African-American, Caucasian, Asian, and Hispanic. There are no conflicts at all. The Scouts see two colors: the tan of their shirts and the green of their shorts. This harmony exists because of a Scout like Uddhav, who above all, sees himself as an “All American” teenager. On a deeply personal note, our son was murdered two years ago. On many occasions Uddhav has been there to support me. Words are not always needed. His smiles and nods of understanding bring me far more comfort. He has the zest of youth with a heart that reflects the strong family upbringing and commitment to same, always helping his little brother, always respectful to his parents. I’ve seen Uddhav “stumble” on occasion with certain tasks. But I’ve never heard him complain, make excuses or bear self pity. He gets whatever advice and help that he might need, makes decisions, and gets right back on his path. I don’t know what you are looking for in a scholarship recipient. I can tell you if I had to go on a difficult journey...one physically, mentally and spiritually demanding and was building a team, Uddhav would be at the top of the list. I use team as an example because while Uddhav is an extremely successful individual, he is a dedicated team member. He seeks to understand, to listen, and to be open to alternatives. I could write about Uddhav for hours and not say enough about him. I would be happy to discuss any aspect at any time. Tom Reitz, Tomareitz@gmail.com; 770-355-2526.
I’ve known Uddhav Swami for more than five years as his Scout leader. He is a very personable young man; mature for his age but possesses a great sense of humor; and so many other attributes I could cite. Perhaps an example of what he did would be more appropriate. Unquestionably the most important youth leadership position in Scouting is that of Den Chief. A Den Chief is a Scout (typically age 13-16)who volunteers to assist a Cub Scout “Den”-a unit of 5-12 Cubs from kindergarten to age 10 ½. The Den is led by two parent volunteers, who are preferably but not always trained. The older Scout, in addition to his/her own weekly Troop meetings, weekend service projects and campouts, attends weekly Den meetings and monthly Pack meetings. The Pack has each Den, designated by age group, averaging one or two Dens per Pack...eg 1-2 Kindergarten “Lion” Dens, 1st grade “Tigers”, 2nd Bobcat, etc to 5th grade Webelos who are preparing to “cross” into Scouts BSA, the BSA 10 ½ to 18 year old program. Uddhav’s Troop has over 100 Scouts.The Packs in our community were in dire need of assistance but none of the other Troops wanted to send their Scouts to assist for a variety of reasons, mostly because of the time demands on the older Scouts. Over a three year period we built a program that had 25 Den Chiefs (older Scouts) serving five Cub Packs. The Den Chief not only assists adults often new to Scouting, but trains the Cubs, and acts as their Mentor, encouraging them to be excited and thus stay in the Scouting program.When a Cub moves on to a Scout Troop, in most cases they go to the Troop of their Den Chief. So a Den Chief is also a major recruiter as well. 25 Den Chiefs were a large number for even me to handle (I earned Eagle Scout in 1976 and have been a Volunteer leader since).I spoke with Uddhav and presented my problem.He came up with the idea to create a “Senior Den Chief”, directly responsible for the leadership and training of all 25 Den Chiefs. No youth leadership position has this many direct “reports”. I thought it was a brilliant and creative idea. But I asked Uddhav “who can take on a job this large in addition to serving the Troop and working on his own advancement ?” Uddhav smiled and offered “Mr Reitz, I don’t mean time be presumptuous, but I’d like the job!” He not only took the job but maintained it for three years...longer than any Scout holds a position. Frankly, they burnout. Not Uddhav.By managing and leading 25 Den Chiefs who in turn each led on average 8 to 10 Cubs grades k-5, Uddhav made more than a ripple in the water. If tracked, it would be obvious Uddhav had a significant impact not only on each of the 25 Den Chiefs, but every one of the Cubs...almost 250. I know if no Scout in my 50 years of Scouting who had such a positive impact on such a large number of youth. While leading the Den Chiefs, Uddhav served as a role model for younger Scouts in the Troop and his peers. In addition to a heavy academic and extracurricular load, Uddhav achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, a feat accomplished by less than 6% of all Scouts. He influenced many young Scouts and encouraged his peers to participate with vigor and fun while learning Scout skills and serving the community. Uddhav was one of the Scouts with the highest number of service hours, performing conservation work, improving playgrounds, building benches for Seniors, tutoring, assisting with creating a sensory awareness room for autistic orphans and so much more. In Scouting we have an Oath-where the Scout (and all leaders) pledge to do our duty to God and country, help others at all times, and keep ourselves physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight, and follow the 12 points of the Scout Law. Uddhav lives by this Oath and Law to be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. And, to Be Prepared and Do a Good Turn Daily. Uddhav spreads the Scout way if life to his non-Scout friends and fellow students...always striving to help someone else...a servant leader who puts others before self. With this foundation Uddhav will not only be “successful”, he will continue to be a major contributor to his community and nation. Our Troop is extremely diverse. We meet at a Presbyterian Church yet have amongst our members Catholics, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians of all denominations. Ethnically our Scouts are of descent ranging from Indian to Irish, German to Sri Lankan...and so much more. Racially our Scouts are African-American, Caucasian, Asian, and Hispanic. There are no conflicts at all. The Scouts see two colors: the tan of their shirts and the green of their shorts. This harmony exists because of a Scout like Uddhav, who above all, sees himself as an “All American” teenager. On a deeply personal note, our son was murdered two years ago. On many occasions Uddhav has been there to support me. Words are not always needed. His smiles and nods of understanding bring me far more comfort. He has the zest of youth with a heart that reflects the strong family upbringing and commitment to same, always helping his little brother, always respectful to his parents. I’ve seen Uddhav “stumble” on occasion with certain tasks. But I’ve never heard him complain, make excuses or bear self pity. He gets whatever advice and help that he might need, makes decisions, and gets right back on his path. I don’t know what you are looking for in a scholarship recipient. I can tell you if I had to go on a difficult journey...one physically, mentally and spiritually demanding and was building a team, Uddhav would be at the top of the list. I use team as an example because while Uddhav is an extremely successful individual, he is a dedicated team member. He seeks to understand, to listen, and to be open to alternatives. I could write about Uddhav for hours and not say enough about him. I would be happy to discuss any aspect at any time. Tom Reitz, Tomareitz@gmail.com; 770-355-2526.