We happened to be reading the Ventura County [California] Star the other day, when we were struck by an article about a group of Boy Scouts and their leaders. The article began…

After hours of packing and days of selling popcorn to raise money, a crew of boys and adult supervisors from Troop 228 of Oxnard had finally arrived July 30 at Philmont High Adventure Scout Ranch in Cimarron, NM for two event-filled weeks.

Philmont Scout Ranch continues to be the Boy Scouts of America’s premier high-adventure camp and the largest youth camp in the world, serving 22,000 participants every summer.

We hoisted our backpacks and set off into the wilderness. After a full day of taking in the beauty of Philmont and the fellowship of our fellow crew members, we knew we were going to have fun. The crew, consisting of 10 boys and our leaders, Patrick Boales, engineering geologist of Earth Systems….

So why were we reading that paper? The e-mail that conveyed the article to ASFE EVP John Bachner explains it:

Hi, John.

I’ve embedded an article within this e-mail that pertains to advertising some of my community involvement, as had been recommended during the [Fundamentals of Professional Practice] program in Denver.  I just thought you might like to know that I drank the Kool-Aid!  Thanks for everything.

Patrick V. Boales, RG, EG, HG
Earth Systems Southern California

A fundamental concept embraced by FOPP is this: Geoprofessionals will not become leaders of society by practicing their profession; they need to go outside of it to become involved in community affairs…BUT they should do so as representatives of their profession, to demonstrate that the profession itself cares. A secondary aspect: Any number of fine young men and women who are not wildly enthused by math and/or science may nonetheless believe either pursuit is something they’d like to become involved in because they have been exposed to outstanding role models. Note that the article did not refer to Patrick Boales; it referred to “Patrick Boales, engineering geologist of Earth Systems.”

The journey of a thousand miles…

FYI: Now is as good a time as any to reserve space in FOPP 20, slated to begin in August 2010. Designed for firms’ rising stars, FOPP is absolutely unique and positively effective. Reserving space obligates you to nothing. Putting people through the program demonstrates that you believe in them.