My thoughts about Boston Minuteman Council’s First Family of
Scouting, words cannot express my sorrow for your loss. Scouting in Boston
Minuteman was better because of Michelle. She brightened the life of every
Scout she helped. Being a camp director isn’t easy. It requires long hours,
tough decisions, silly skits, personal sacrifice, and great support.
My practical and spiritual observation does not permit me to believe she is truly gone. In fact, quite the opposite, she made an indelible impression on each of us. That impression becomes part of us. You see, Scouting lives primarily through oral tradition. There are countless examples of generational traditions passed from one Scouter to another, stories told around the campfire, roundtables, training programs, ceremonies, and legacies that still teach. I earned my Environmental Science merit badge from Buell Fuller, spoke with Howie about my decision to join the profession, and I pass along “camp director wisdom” to Nikki that was passed on to me, that originated from Tony Toto. In these ways our past leaders are always with us.
Michelle has helped countless Scouts and guided hundreds of Cub leaders and parents. Her impact on the Scouting community has only just begun. 20 years from now a Cub Camp Director will strive to run camp “as well as Michelle Theberge did.” It’s more than a legacy, it’s a living breathing spirit that continues to guide and inspire Scouters.
My practical and spiritual observation does not permit me to believe she is truly gone. In fact, quite the opposite, she made an indelible impression on each of us. That impression becomes part of us. You see, Scouting lives primarily through oral tradition. There are countless examples of generational traditions passed from one Scouter to another, stories told around the campfire, roundtables, training programs, ceremonies, and legacies that still teach. I earned my Environmental Science merit badge from Buell Fuller, spoke with Howie about my decision to join the profession, and I pass along “camp director wisdom” to Nikki that was passed on to me, that originated from Tony Toto. In these ways our past leaders are always with us.
Michelle has helped countless Scouts and guided hundreds of Cub leaders and parents. Her impact on the Scouting community has only just begun. 20 years from now a Cub Camp Director will strive to run camp “as well as Michelle Theberge did.” It’s more than a legacy, it’s a living breathing spirit that continues to guide and inspire Scouters.
But Michelle is so much more than a great camp director. She
is a great wife and mother. Let’s think about her and Ray for a moment. Here we
have two wonderfully talented, hard-working, deep feeling, and charismatic
leaders. They are a couple that make marriage look easy. Ray gives to
Scouting while Michelle supports, later that same day Michelle takes the lead
while Ray supports her. It’s a dance that transcends ego. Each is visibly proud
of the others accomplishments. Not because of what the other did – but because
of what the other gave.
Giving is a significant part of Michelle. In fact it’s a
significant part of the entire Theberge family. Jon, Cece and Luke are clearly
their mom’s children. At such a young age they each exhibit her grace and sunny
disposition. As camp staffers and the children of the Scout Master they learn
quickly to give of themselves and to share their parents with the rest of the
camp staff or the troop. This is never easy. Teens often want (and need) to
distance themselves from their parents. However, to get a real sense of these
kids - watch how they interact with each other and their peers. They
exhibit leadership and a genuine care for each other. Not the type of
leadership that comes from barking orders, they show their servant leadership.
And that’s Michelle living through her children. She knew
that leadership wasn’t about being in charge – well, sometimes she liked to be
in charge. I guess that’s part of the human condition. But, it’s always easy to
see that her desire to accomplish, achieve or strive to run a better camp comes
from a pure altruistic place.
In Scouting it’s true that you shouldn’t need to wear your
uniform for people to know you are a scout, people should know it by how you
act. Let’s go back to the human condition – the need to be in charge – and
let’s think about the wonderful balance that she and Ray exhibit through their
marriage. The only way two people, under the same roof, with such talent
and drive, don’t allow their egos to clash is by allowing the Grace of God to
flow through them.
In some faith traditions during the “baptism” in addition to
being dedicated to the church the congregation dedicates itself – all the
individuals – to the child. In this way all the parishioners are bound to the
welfare of the baby. They all become a community of parents. This gives license
for experienced moms to offer help to new moms, and for every parent to enforce
commonly held rules and behaviors. It is the oral tradition. This idea of
working together for the common good of all the children was something Michelle
showed us every day. This is what drives the success of Girl
Scout Troop 74107, Camp
Massasoit and the entire Theberge family.
Michelle allowed God to flow through her and into each one of
us. She is alive in each of us. And as such we are bound to each other, as
community parents, and we are bound Jon, Cece, Luke and Ray
My love, prayers and gratitude are with
your whole family today and every day.
Amen
