The special guest comic today is the daily Dennis the Menace by long-time Scouter Marcus Hamilton. Dennis the Menace was created by Hank Ketcham over 60 years ago and is carried in over 1,000 papers internationally. The daily single-panel cartoon is done by Marcus Hamilton, with the Sunday multi-panel cartoon is drawn by Ron Ferdinand (refer to last Sunday’s cartoon).

When JamboLink’s staff cartoonist, Rich Diesslin, put out a general appeal to his National Cartoonists Society (NCS) colleagues to participate in the 2010 National Jamboree’s salute to 100 years of Scouting in America, Hamilton was all for it. The reason is simple, for Hamilton, Scouting runs deep in his family. “It’s a privilege to honor the Boy Scouts of America in the Dennis panel. Mr. Ketcham did several tributes to the BSA in the past. My family has been involved with Scouting for as long as I can remember. My dad, my brother-in-law and my nephew have all been Scout leaders.”

Hamilton continues “I joined the Boy Scouts at our church in Lexington, NC, when I was 11 years old. I can still recite the Scout Oath and the 12 Scout Laws that we learned that first night. But, the main thing I remember is the Scout Motto, ‘Be Prepared.’ We prepare ourselves by listening and learning. Now when I speak to students, or even senior adults, I tell them how much being prepared can help them to face any challenge that may come along … and never give up!”

When his 21 year career as an illustrator ended he took his own advice and didn’t give up. “I have been blessed by my second dream career…drawing the daily Dennis the Menace comic panels. I’m now in my 24th year. Ron Ferdinand has been drawing the Sunday Dennis comic for 36 years. We, along with Hank’s son, Scott, are a team. Mr. Ketcham was all about teamwork. I think he learned that from his 4 years at Walt Disney Studios. He always sought the assistance of other creative minds, both artists and writers.”

So how does all this relate to Scouting for Marcus Hamilton? “Back to why I am a supporter of the BSA…just as my dad realized, the values that are taught to the Scouts, and the actual experience of serving others, will stay with these young men for the rest of their lives. I encourage all of the Scouts to focus on your strength, whatever it may be. Learn everything you can about the profession you want to pursue. Then you will BE PREPARED to succeed at your Dream Job.”

So JamboLink thanks Marcus Hamilton for his special guest comic and passion for Scouting. Learn more about Dennis the Menace at www.dennisthemenace.com.