What does
Sinoquipe mean to me?
When asked
this question my immediate reaction was how much time do you have to hear my
story? There are so many fond memories and emotions that I cannot possibly
share them all.
Shortly
after Patty, CJ and I moved to Fulton County in 1988 to begin my position at
JLG industries, we took a drive to explore the beautiful area we now call home.
We found ourselves at the northern end of the county. We stopped at an old
abandoned 1800’s farmhouse with an old Chevy truck on a property in need of a
lot of TLC. My comment at the time was
“I could live here they have a wood stove. Patty’s response was “no way could I
ever live here.”
Within a few
months I replied to an ad in the local paper for a Camp Ranger position with
the Boy Scouts of America. During the interview process I was told no decision
would be made until candidates had an opportunity to visit the camp and assess
the living accommodations. Low and behold the address led us to the old abandoned
farm house with the old Chevy truck in the driveway. This time with key in hand
we toured our future home. There was a lot of family discussion/opposition on how
could we possibly live in this house with a 6 year old and newborn!
CJ and I
decided with a lot of work, new paint,
new carpet, a thorough cleaning and persistent pleading we could persuade Patty
into this new adventure for our family. I began my career in Scouting in
December 1989.
Sinoquipe
had been without a Ranger for over a year. Volunteers had been the only work
force within that time. There was a lot to learn and a lot to be done.
It did not
take long to witness the Scouting spirit. We were so blessed to meet such kind
and dedicated Scouters, who we consider some of our most treasured friends
today. One of the most important things
that had an impact on me throughout my Scouting career is the genuine caring
and kindness that is exemplified in the Scouting movement. This remains a
beacon of hope for me when I look to the future of our youth.
Numerous
times I have been fortunate to witness God’s hand at work at Sinoquipe. Early
in my time at Sinoquipe, I would scratch my head and wonder how could this
impossible situation or issue be resolved? Now, I bow my head and give thanks
for God’s divine intervention.
Sinoquipe is
more than just a place; it is a spirit that lives within anyone who chooses to
adopt the spirit. From the wildlife that thrives here, to the healthy
waterways, plant species and forest land, we are fortunate
to deliver a Scouting program on this beautiful parcel of land. It is
imperative we as a Council protect and preserve this property for future
generations. I am and will remain dedicated to the preservation of our beloved
camp.
One of the
most gratifying moments for me is when a
young man who is now a father knocks on my door with his son and asks if I
remember him and proceeds to share with me how his experiences at camp had an impact on his life. I have
learned the most valuable thing any of us can do is to guide a young man along
the path to a moral, ethical and spiritual life. In turn, they will pass that
on and our legacy will continue.
To sum up “what
Sinoquipe means to me?” Sinoquipe provides a place to appreciate and enjoy the splendor
of nature while learning life skills. My family has been blessed to be raised
at Sinoquipe and call it home.
When growing
up my parents taught us you should not love inanimate objects. I think it is
safe to say, I love Sinoquipe, as it is a living entity.
Thanks to
all the great Scouting folks I have met along the way in my journey through
life at Sinoquipe!
God Bless
each and every one of you,
Ranger Jack
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