"Take pride in what you do. The kind of pride I'm talking about is not the arrogant puffed-up kind; it's just the whole idea of caring -- fiercely caring."  -- Red Aurbach, Professional Basketball Coach

I taught a class in easy to perform magic with common objects this past weekend to a group of Cub Scout leaders at the Mount Baker Boy Scout Council University of Scouting.  Although the class was only an hour long, I spent several days preparing for it.  I prepared handouts.  I choose visual aids that I would need.  I carefully considered the best way to present the information to those who would be in class.  For example, one of the things that I taught was making and using a Paper Bag Change Bag.  I prepared a customized routine suitable for the Blue and Gold banquets that Cub Scout groups will be holding next month.  I made one Paper Bag Change Bag to use in demonstrating that routine.  I knew that I would have 25 students, so I made three Paper Bag Change Bags to pass around and inspect while I was demonstrating how to construct one of the bags.  (I figured that would be eight people looking at each bag so nobody would have to wait too long to see it.)  Since my original use of the bag was to perform a transformation, I prepared another routine using the bag I had constructed to perform a vanish so they could see how it was handled now that they knew what to look for, plus to demonstrate how versatile the prop really is.

I could have very easily have taught the class without going to the extra effort.  However, I took pride in that class because I know how important the results can be.  I got my initial performing experience, both in clowning and magic, at Cub Scout events.  I never dreamed that entertainment would eventually become my career.  I will never know if what I taught this weekend may influence a future entertainer, but it is possible.  Even if they don't become entertainers, the things boys learn by performing at Scout events are important life skills that will stay with them forever.  Those skills include poise in front of groups, public speaking, confidence, and cooperating with others.

Another thing that came out of the class was several of the leaders told me that I had given them ideas they can use to make some of the necessary ceremonies, like graduating from one level to another, more interesting and fun for the participants.  A lady told me that she is in charge of teaching knots at the annual Cub Scout Day Camp.  She said teaching knots always seemed boring.  She said now she can make the class more interesting and exciting by using the magic effects I taught that are based on special properties of square knots.

I'll share another detail from teaching the class.  The organizers wanted the participants in each class to fill out a "report card" on the instructor.  The information will be used in planning next years educational program, and it will also be shared with the individual instructors so they can improve upon their classes.  The report cards had a blank for the class name and the instructor's name.  I found time before class to fill in that part of the card for the participants.  Several participants mentioned how surprised and pleased they were by that.  I told them I figured that by doing that I could spend a little more time in teaching because they needed less time to fill out the report card.

I make the same kind of effor for my shows.  Most of my performances include at least one customized routine that I prepare especially for that audience.  When I do a major show at a convention, like the banquet show at the South East Clown Association convention next September, I do many customized routines.  I could easily get by without doing anything that is customized, but I make the special effort because I take pride in being given the opportunity to perform.

How proud are you of what you do?  Do you care about the results?  What are the effects of what you do?  Why is it important?  What does that pride motivate you to do?