My first introduction to ShelterBox was at the National Jamboree. Even after walking for hours amongst a sea of tents of all shapes and sizes there was something about the dome that caught me. I listened to their “mission” and was impressed by their solution. After that we were off to inspect these comfortable cocoon-like hammock tents and other adventures and for months I didn’t give much thought to those rugged green boxes.
When the disaster struck Japan I wasn’t going to forget them again. I don’t have family there or even any business connections. I studied a bit of Japanese in college but never followed through on going. I don’t think it was just Japan that got me either. Since Katrina hit my beloved New Orleans it’s been one thing after another. I’m not ready to call it the apocalypse but it sure seems like somebody really pissed off mother nature lately. Never before can I remember such a back to back series of disasters and consequently so much need for shelter. It sparked a drive in me, a drive to do more.
Even in the days when it was socially acceptable to club your wife over the head and drag her by her hair, the shelter has been at the center of the family. It’s where everyone comes together at the end of it all. It’s warmth. Privacy. It’s a place to share a warm dinner after a full days labor. It’ protection from the elements and the wild. Now imagine yours, be it modest or mansion, was taken from you in an instant.
Everything. Gone.
Tonight I was privileged to be a guest speaker at Troop 75′s Court of Honor. My role was not as a Scouter tonight (though of course I wore the green socks) but as a ShelterBox volunteer. Their troop is coordinating with another town troop to host an Emergency Preparedness / ShelterBox weekend event in August. One if the leaders net me at the Tradeshow and asked the committee to invite me to come speak. They wanted the families to get a good introduction to ShelterBox and generate family interest in their August event.
If there’s one thing being a Scout Leader has helped me with it’s better confidence for public speaking. I started with talking to 8 year olds and worked my way up from there. Ive got a ways to go as a presenter but in spite of that i’d say there was definitely some interest generated in ShelterBox tonight, not just for donations, but possibly volunteers as well.
Jane S
June 18, 2011 at 5:51 pm
It would be great if Shelter Box could help out the people and Scouts of Joplin, Missouri after the devastating tornado hit that town.
Scouter Doug
June 20, 2011 at 9:19 am
Jane, thank you for your comment. A response team was sent to Joplin to evaluate the need for shelter and it was determined that the need for shelter in the area was being met. Shortly after ShelterBox deployed to Etna and Denning, Arkansas. You can see the news release here for more information: http://shelterboxusa.org/news.php?id=694