James D. Corder Boy Scouting Page

I want to thank my mother. If it wasn't for her I would have dropped out of Scouting. She knew how much I didn't like Webelows. Luckily for me, she had the foresight to have me join a different Troop. I am still with Troop 369 today. My Neighbor's son was in 369 and got both brother and I to join.

I was asked to assist 369's Pack as a Den Chief. I must admit that I jumped at the opportunity. It was my mission as a Den Chief to prevent the 8 year olds from going through the same torture as I did. Glitter and Glue can only be fun for so long: Boys want hammers and nails:-) And of course, the GREAT outdoors!!!

My neighbor was patrol leader. He was a great patrol leader. But I longed for more. I wanted to be Patrol Leader. So I went to my Scoutmaster and asked him what I must do to become the Patrol Leader. He replied that one must be the rank of First Class. So I obtained my First Class Rank. My Scoutmaster then stated that we just had elections therefore I had to wait a year.

I was never one to wait. I asked what I must do to become the Patrol Leader "NOW?" In a flip response he replied, go and get 8 new youth members and start your own Patrol. Three weeks later a new Patrol was formed. In fact, the old Flaming Arrow Patrol came in with us.
Panther was the all time great Patrol. We where the only Patrol in the Troop to own their own equipment! Our arch rivals was that lowly Beaver Patrol. The truth in our superiority came not only in the quantity of ribbons that adorn our flag but also in the longevity of our Klondike Derby Sled:-) [Inside joke with those Beaver Dudes:-]
Panther Patrol Patch

I was about to turn 17 and knew that it was necessary for me to become the Troops Senior Patrol Leader:-) In my opinion this was one of the major turning points in my life. I truly believe that this position developed the majority of my leadership abilities.

James D. Corder's 1979 Troop 369 when he was Senior Patrol Leader

Troop 369
July 15 to July 21 1979
Camp Shawondossee * Chaffee, Michigan

Kneeling
T. Minton, David Pringr, Tommy Duffy, E. Bulderbridge 1st Row
Rena Maurer, Philis Talyor,
James D. Corder,
Richard McKee, Don Cook 2nd Row
Phil Taylor, Tim Weller, George Skoda, Bengie McKee, Bruce Chambers, Phil Sprague, Pat Bender, Mike Newlin, Kevin Skoda, John Bulderburge, Camp Ranger Pat Flescher, & Lary Cope 3rd Row
Scott Maurer, Steve Weller, Ray Newlin, Wayne Taylor, Ralph Maurer,

Even though it is the requirements of Boy Scouts of America that the Webelows Leader be 21, I undertook this position for Pack 344 at the age of 17. The Pack was going to fold if it did not get a new leader. The professional staff member turned a blind eye so that the unit could continue.

The next two years would have been some of the most enjoyable times in my Scouting Career. Unfortunately I had to make a choice between my collegial endeavors and Cubing. College won.

Upon my 18th birthday I was offered the position of Assistant Scoutmaster to Troop 369. Of course I excepted! I am still registered and an active member of Troop 369. times.
This web site has served pages for Mr. Corder!