Rob Faris loves camping, hiking, backpacking, campfire cooking, history, literature and music. As a Scout, Rob went camping every month, served in all Troop leadership positions, attended Junior Leadership Training and participated in 1973 National Jamboree East. Wood Badge changed Rob’s life. Since earning his beads, Rob’s passion has been to inspire personal responsibility, self-reliance, good citizenship and ethical conduct in youth through application of the Patrol Method.
Ted Knight is a management consultant specializing in health service planning, business planning, economic development and program design for small communities. Scouting has always been a big part of Ted’s life. As a Scout and then as an Explorer, Ted served in all Troop leadership positions. As an adult, Ted completed Wood Badge training in 1991 and has served in adult leadership positions for over four decades. His objectives in Scouting are to teach the history, traditions and principles of Scouting as envisioned by Baden-Powell and to work especially with those Scouts who are truly interested in achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Ted is an avid hunter and outdoorsman.
Harry Wimbrough joined Scouting in 1969. As a Scout, Harry served in all Scout leadership positions within the Troop. Harry enlisted in the United States Army in 1975. Over the years, he served in numerous leadership positions from team leader to Command Sergeant Major (CSM) in a number of infantry units. Harry is a combat veteran, having participated in the Airborne Assault of Panama with the 75th Ranger Regiment during operation Just Cause. As Command Sergeant Major of the Old Guard, he took part in both the State funeral of President Ronald Reagan and the Inauguration of President George W. Bush. Harry completed Wood Badge For the 21st Century in 2009. He likes to camp, cook, hike, scuba dive and hunt.
Illustrator Joseph Durel has served as Patrol Leader and Senior Patrol Leader . He is enthusiastic about Baden-Powell’s writings and drawings. He has been drawing from an early age, but only seriously since the seventh grade. He is now a college student and is studying art. His artistic interests range from mostly fantasy characters to graphic art. His gallery can be found at jadematrix.deviantart.com.
The authors and the illustrator are associated with Troop 624, Chain Bridge District, National Capital Area Council serving Northern Virginia, Washington D.C. and Southern Maryland. Our modest goal has been to help focus scout leadership training through the lens of Baden-Powell's Patrol Method. Despite extensive combined scouting and leadership experience, we don't have all the answers. No one does. Leadership training is more art than science. There are many different approaches and perspectives. We credit all of you who care deeply and passionately about the greatest youth program in the world and demonstrate this every day through your commitment, tireless dedication and fine example.