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On February 22, 2003, as the Keynote Speaker at the Camp Sunnen 50th Anniversary Banquet, Mark Brayer announced the launch of the new Bill Monical Campership Fund.
This Website
This website is dedicated to the memory of William R. Monical (1926-2001), a scout executive, camp director and friend who tirelessly met new scouts and staff with enthusiasm and an inspiring message, year after year.
 What This Fund Is About
In memory of Bill and for what he was to each of us, Mr. J. Patrick and Catherine Busch, their sons Mike, John and Tom, son-in-law Mark Brayer and each of their families have cooperatively participated in the creation of the Bill Monical Campership Fund.
This Fund's intended function is to help do what Bill strived to achieve every day - encourage more kids to attend Camp Sunnen and promote a meaningful experience there. Now, in Bill Monical's name and with your assistance, we pronounce this fund open and available to receive your donations!
This endowment will start to fund Bill Monical Camperships immediately for those financially strapped kids who would otherwise not get to go to camp. However, through your continued contributions, we hope to eventually build enough principal to fund future Camperships through interest only. That way, this fund might outlive all of us and would become a truly lasting tribute and legacy deserving of the influential life that Bill Monical lived to the betterment of countless scouts and staff, just like all of us.
Please join us!
How To Contribute
Simply make your (tax-deductible) checks out to Trails West Council, noting on the check that the donation is for the Bill Monical Campership Fund.
Then, please send it to this address:
Attn: Timothy L. Garber, Council Executive
Trails West Council, BSA
1055 Harrison
Wood River, IL 62095-1895
If you have any questions, please contact Tim at (618) 259-2145 or tgarber@bsamail.org.
Thank You!
Written Tributes to Bill Monical
A TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM R. MONICAL -
Post By: John Busch Feb. '06
I always had a special affinity for Mr. Monical, so it's surprising it took me so long to appreciate the profound affect he had on our family.
My brothers Mike, Tom and I worked 13 summers at Camp Sunnen. My Dad was a frequent Council Committee Member, a Scoutmaster for Troop 5 and a Camp Commissioner. We all enjoyed many interactions with Bill over his entire two decades as our Scout Executive.
My Dad clearly held Bill in the highest esteem, but back then I was just a little too young to consider it. I was a kid moving through the fog of adolescence or busy with school or immersed in work.
After Sunnen, I'd see Mr. Monical at Wilson Park where he worked after he left Scouting in '87. He seemed happy, enjoying the beautiful outdoor setting and closeness to kids and family. Also, there was a calm and serenity I hadn't noticed in him before.
In 2001, I got the news of Bill's death, which marked the passing of an era, and caused me to think about his life.
It all seems obvious in retrospect. While Bill was in charge, things worked. He set a standard of competency, yet always seemed cheerful and self-amused. Whether "Old Baldy", as he called himself, was singing that (annoying...sorry Bill) "Good Morning to You" song while leading our bleary-eyed Staff to Flag Raising (okay, so I woke up slowly) or handling a bona fide crisis, he was always in control and...things worked. If you did something wrong, there'd be hell to pay, but you knew who you'd pay it to and that was Mr. Monical.
Thinking back, his influence was everywhere - all the fundraising, all the events, all the ceremonies he presided over. He was so entrenched it was hard to imagine Scouting without him, or that we would ever have to. Sunnen had its biggest attendance ever, the Council was going great, Troop and Explorer Post memberships were at record levels, enthusiasm was rampant, and none of this was by accident. Clearly, it was the steady hand of Bill Monical and under his direction things just worked.
If it wasn't obvious what a great a job he did during his tenure, it was impossible not to notice after he left, when things became strained and disorganized. Much of the good will evaporated, replaced by discord and divisiveness. Realistically, Bill left a huge vacuum that would have been hard for anyone to fill, but it was an especially dispiriting time for many. Let's just say those years were like drifting in the vastness of space, rudderless, icy cold, and re-entry was definitely going to burn.
My Dad always said no person is indispensable, no matter how great or important they are, and of course the Council bounced back through the devoted efforts of Staff and Volunteers.
But what was it about Mr. Monical that gave him 20 years of success running our Cahokia Mound Council? More importantly, what allowed him to transcend his position and occupy such a fundamental place in our lives? I'm sure you have your own list, but here's mine:
#1. BILL WAS A GREAT JUDGE OF CHARACTER. HE JUDGED PEOPLE BY ACCOMPLISHMENTS, NOT PROMISES.
Bill led a steady flow of talent into his expanding organization. As I phoned people for the '03 Staff Reunion, no less than 4 well-respected Scout Execs told me unsolicited that they owed their careers to Bill's influence and nurturing. I'm sure this was true at all levels of his organization. A recent Camp Director told me (again, unsolicited) that when confronting problems he asked himself "What would Bill have done?" Bill just had that effect on people, and amazingly still does.
#2. K.I.S.S. (KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID).
One of Bill's favorite sayings, "K.I.S.S." was always offered with humor. However, the message was eye-opening when delivered at the right time. Simply stated, don't make things more complicated than necessary. Instead of doing an overly-complicated job that might not work, do a simpler task that accomplishes the same thing. Then do something else with the extra time you have left over. Could this be how he led the organization to achieve so much with so few resources...or is it just a funny saying?
#3. HE KEPT EVERYONE FOCUSED ON THE SAME GOAL - THE SCOUTS.
Bill wrote to our '74 Staff (yes, in CAPS): THERE IS ONLY ONE JUSTIFICATION FOR HAVING A STAFF - THE FACT THAT CAMPERS ARE IN CAMP.
In one form or another, this was an oft-repeated message illustrating his basic philosophy: Focus on the Scouts. With such a clear goal, good decisions flowed easily and people willingly lined up to help him achieve it.
#4. BILL TREATED EVERYONE DIFFERENTLY, AS THEY DESERVED.
To most, he applied good-natured teasing, kindness and encouragement. To others, challenge and light steerage. Occasionally, he'd put the brakes on when we got off track.
Like it or not, Bill always made the effort on our behalf. He held each person accountable, then encouraged, praised, or detained them according to their individual actions and circumstances. I'm convinced this is the best way. It's harder, but worth it.
#5. HE MAINTAINED A CLEAR CHAIN OF COMMAND, WHICH KEPT EVERYONE EMPOWERED AND CHALLENGED.
Bill outlined our responsibilities and escalation paths, ending with him, of course.
Most importantly: He always gave us all the responsibility we could handle - plus 10% more.
One of the best parts of the Staff experience was being trusted with this responsibility. Putting 15 and 16 year olds in charge of food distribution, truck driving, camper safety, sanitation, emergency response, supply logistics, etc. was CRAZY - but an AMAZING experience. Camp Sunnen was a community unto itself, and we made it work. That's why Staffers talk about it wistfully (even 50 years later) as one of the most empowering, confidence-building experiences of their lives.
My brother Tom ('78-'83) summed it up like this: "It didn't pay all that well and the hours were pretty long, but to this day it's still by far the most satisfying job I've had."
My brother Mike ('70-'72,'79-'80) used accrued Navy vacation to return and run the Waterfront for 2 more summers, of which he wrote: "The best times of your life bears repeating."
#6. BILL'S ENTHUSIASM WAS REAL, INFECTIOUS, AND HE ALWAYS TRIED TO MAKE THINGS FUN.
Whenever he was talking us into something (which was often), he had a way of presenting it (honor, cheerful service, etc.) that was hard to argue with. As you got swept in, you'd go talk others into joining the party and sharing the load. I learned that with the right attitude, good friends, and a sense of humor, even arduous tasks could be fun.
When I picture Bill, he's smiling with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, getting ready to say something.
#7. A PREACHER AT HEART, "REVEREND MONICAL" WAS A TREMENDOUS PUBLIC ORATOR.
I always thought of Bill as a Preacher moonlighting as a Scout Exec instead of the other way around.
He was the Chaplain when none were available. On those occasions I tried never to miss his sermons, which were the best I'd heard before or since.
If I could instill any Bill Monical trait, it would be to eloquently express that one perfect sentiment before a crowd of friends, as Bill always did.
Nothing beat campfires at The Point, with Lake Sunnen behind and trees overhead, all lit in shadows by dancing flames. After corny skits and solemn moments, it wasn't over until Bill spoke, and he always capped the evening perfectly, giving us something to think about as we trekked back down the hill in the darkness.
He did the same at countless events and ceremonies, adding just the right words to make each meaningful. There was always that pregnant pause when Bill would step forward and collect his thoughts. Perhaps others felt a thrill, too, waiting to hear what he would say. To a crowd, Bill was accomplished and superb.
Bill obviously had an affect on those around him. Staffers would step up and express sentiment that wouldn't be out of place because Bill had done it first. In those days, many a rising star honed their public speaking skills following Bill's example. Some got remarkably good at it, which undoubtedly helped them achieve success in their later lives.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
I'm sure each of you could add things that made Bill successful, remembered, appreciated and important, especially at the Council level or with adult volunteers, because I didn't have much visibility into that world.
From my perspective, Bill Monical was the personification of all the adults that gave their time so willingly to us, and the hub around which they revolved.
Many are still inspired by his example even after he's no longer around to provide it. This is perhaps the truest measure of a person's life: Their Lasting Positive Influence.
So, thank you Bill. It took some time for me, but now I think about you often and truly appreciate all you did for our family, for me and for Scouting.
John Busch
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Post By: Jeffrey Yates
Bill Monical and Rollin Henn were the two most instructive people during my many years at camp, others followed in my personal development as a scout and staff member. Rollie and Mr. Monical saw something in me that I will NEVER FORGET. They were my first mentors and the values they taught me is their legacy and it is time for me and others to continue what they taught us.
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Post By: Pat Busch
I'll never forget my first Summer Camp as Scoutmaster of Troop 5 at Camp Sunnen. Sunday was hectic, what with Swimming tests, Camp setup, cooking supper over charcoal, and getting cleanup done in time to get to Flag Retreat in uniform.
But then came the fun and frivolity of the Campfire at the Point. It was great! As the Campfire was drawing to a close, Bill Monical got up to speak. Almost at once everyone, from the youngest Scout to the oldest Scouter, seemed to sense that something special was happening. Bill was talking about Citizenship--American Citizenship! And it was from his heart to ours. It was a special moment! If only it could have been recorded!
In all the years that followed, at the Sunday Campfires, my mind always drifted back to that perfect Campfire, and Bill's perfect message. That night was an index to the kind of man he was--an outstanding roll model for Scouting, and all that Scouting stands for.
When Bill passed away, I realized, again, how much he had influenced my sons and me. Of course there is no way we can ever repay him, but the Bill Monical Campership Fund we have been instrumental in launching, will, at least, let us and many others help provide the Camp Sunnen experience to Scouts in Bill's name.
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Post By: Rick Hooks
Tolerance, teaching, talking. Those words are the first ones that pop into my gray head when I think of Bill Monical. He was extremely tolerant of a bunch of longhaired Camp Sunnen staff members. His generation was not know for being partial to hair length that extended over the ears. The early 1970ﾒs were a time of much turmoil in our great country. The Boy Scout movement was most certainly at the forefront of the anti-hippie movement. For many people, long hair represented what was wrong with the USA. Bill was capable of seeing beyond the long hair and evaluating you based upon performance. Frankly, He risked serious negative feedback from troop leaders based upon their first impressions of the staff. He took the risk, we proved him right. Bill loved to teach. He knew his outdoor skills, but I saw him thrive when he was teaching interpersonal skills to the staff members. Teaching scouts or staff invigorated him. The Boy Scout program is all about giving young men the opportunity to mature into contributing members of our society. Bill embraced that concept with vigor. His level of enthusiasm for the Sunnen experience was unmatched. Living at camp year round would have suited him just fine. If memory serves me correctly, Bill had some ministerial experience and firmly embraced the concept of ﾓwhy use one sentence, when two will do!ﾔ (I believe thatﾒs where I picked up that trait.) In all my years of gainful employment I canﾒt think of anyone I enjoyed working with, or for, more than Bill. Many of my best friendships were forged and memories made at Sunnen. Is there a better testimonial to a man and a place? I think not. Bill gave many of us the skills and opportunity to succeed as adults. For that I am forever grateful.
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Post By: Fred Wallace
I served as Camp Director at Sunnen in 1985,86,& 87. I have fond memories of the camp and also the staff members who served with me. I have been the Scout Executive for the Northeast Iowa Council in Dubuque, IA. for the past seven years.
Each summer when I welcome new staff members to our council's summer camp, I talk about Bill Monical and the impact he had on me. I share with them his philosophy on Scout camping, the role of the staff, and the magic that is created when everyone shares the same vision and dream.
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Post By: Jack Taylor
I have known Mr. Monical since 1969 when my family moved into our new house on Arlington Drive in Granite City. He lived down the street a few blocks from our family. Over all these years, he has been my friend and Scoutmaster. First, Bill was my Cub Pack leader in Pack 102 at Lake School. Later, he became my scoutmaster in Troop 102 at Suburban Baptist Church. Kent Monical, his son, and I received our Eagle Scout court of honor on the same night. I stayed on with Bill's Troop as Assistant Scoutmaster and eventually became Scoutmaster, working closely with Bill along the way. I'm still in scouting, thanks to his early influence, so I can pass on the tradition. Currently, I am Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 13 at St. Elizabeth. Kent Monical is now my brother-in-law, married to my sister-in-law Carol, so we're officially part of the same extended family now, although I've always felt that way about Bill.
Yes, I have lots of stories, pictures and movies. Bill taught me cooking, singing, and a strong work ethic. Also, I never knew it took one (1) hour to properly clean a stove! Do you remember the song ﾓGood Morning to Youﾔ, sung at 6:45 in the morning in Bill's tenor at high volume? How many of us found a trash bag tied to the door handle of our staff cabin? Who remembers the Red Baron? Who helped him plant the Tulip trees in front of the Sunnen service lodge?
The funniest experience with Mr. Monical occurred on a drive back to camp from Six Flags. I sat in the passenger seat; Jeff Yates was asleep in the back. Leaving Steeleville on route 8 some red flashing lights suddenly appeared in the road ahead. Yes, it was a Missouri speed trap. We were going 30 in a 25-mile per hour zone, 1 mile outside of town. They wanted cash, so we turned around and headed for the Courthouse. $27 later we were free, but where was Jeff Yates? We found Jeff several minutes later touring the Courthouse in his socks. Bill gave Jeff that famous Monical look, that you always get when something isn't going his way.
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