Presidential Active Lifestyle Award Challenge, Part 2

pacskybsa — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 05:31:13 +0000

On the surface, committing to 30 minutes of exercise for 5 days during a week for 6 weeks did not seem like an unrealistic “challenge.” However, as the reality of day to day life sank in, I have found the “challenge” to be more challenging than I had anticipated. Working for a volunteer-led, professionally-guided non-profit like the Boy Scouts, my days often start with a 7:30 am meeting and end when I get home at 9:00 pm. I am not complaining about the time invested and needed to fulfill the obligations of my position. I love my job and feel very fortunate to be able to provide for my family doing meaningful and rewarding work for an organization that provides such a valuable program for our youth.

That said I have been negligent in balancing and prioritizing exercise in my daily schedule. My main source of exercise continues to be walking with the occasional obligatory yard work but I have not transitioned in to any type of formalized exercise program. Recently I discussed this topic with Art Bernstein, a member of our Council Executive Board. He has moved compulsory lunch meetings with vendors to workout sessions at the gym. He is able to maintain his regular exercise schedule and his vendors actually look forward to the new twist on a “working” meeting.

How do you balance work, exercise, family and personal time?

Kent Downing
Scout Executive

My Quest for the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA)

pacskybsa — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 19:37:05 +0000

My Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA) quest has been defined by walking. When I walk with my spouse, we debrief on the day and plan for tomorrow, with my kids we talk about rock bands and school, with my dogs we stop to smell the roses (and other dogs) and with myself, I talk through work challenges and opportunities. My mind is running and my body is slowly catching up.

How is your PALA quest moving forward? Click here to learn more about the PALA SCOUTStrong Challenge and award.

Kent Downing
Scout Executive