Boy Scouts in Japan

I haven't blogged in some time, because I have been out in the woods with the Boy Scouts of Japan.

A little history first. I was a Scout in the American Scouting program from the time I was 11 to the time I became an adult, and then served as a volunteer for a few years until it became impossible with obligations at university.

Since I have been in Japan, I have not been tempted to return to Scouting activities, because my plate has been rather full. Recently, though, I have been back around Scouting in Japan, because my son showed an interest and joined a local troup. After hanging out with them for a while, I decided that I should volunteer some of my time. I spent a week with the troop last year at summer camp, and most recently I signed up for Wood Badge training here in Mie Prefecture.

Wood Badge training is adult leader training, and in the case of Boy Scouts, as they are still called here in Japan (America changed the name to Scouting some years ago when women were allowed to participate) Scout Master training.

I'll elaborate on the training event in more detail later, but I thought I'd share a couple of thoughts. First, I think the experience was related to the content of this blog, because is was all about education, the education of leaders who will in turn educate young people. Second, I got some insights into my teaching and learning.