From: THE SCOUTMASTER MINUTE By Scoutmaster Jerry I believe it was Will Rogers that said, “The only problem with the Boy Scouts…There’s not enough of them.” Most of us in the Scouting community know this quote and have seen it around for some years now. I think it is true. In our never ending quest to gain members in Scouting a recurring theme continues to haunt those of us that care very much about Scouting and are not afraid to promote it. The theme of being relevant in our time. Of course Scouting is relevant in our time. Those that argue against Scoutings relevance obviously have not watched the evening news, read a local newspaper, spent 10 minutes on Facebook, stood in a mall. Look around, the world needs Scouting. No matter what your religious beliefs are, no matter your ethnic background, no matter what side of the political spectrum you fall... Scouting is relevant. Our values in Scouting are a key message missing in the world today. Over the last couple of days we have been bombarded by the news of Ferguson, MO. I will not get into the particulars of the court case or the actions that led us to this embarrassment of humanity. I think we all can agree that had this young man been a Scout, we would not be hearing about Ferguson, MO. Heck, no one knew it was a dot on the map until recently. The thugs that are now looting and destroying the town of Ferguson. Do you think they would do so had they knew the Scout Oath and Law and lived them. Do you think the Parents of those people, that cared enough to take their sons to Scouts would allow this to happen. Do you think that the young men that were required to understand what citizenship in their community meant, visit a public official, sit in a town hall meeting or session of court... do you think they would understand this process a bit better and would participate as a citizen, not a thug. Scouting relevant? Wake up. In the last week, the week leading up to our special day of Thanksgiving, we have seen the worst in people. What will they be celebrating on Thursday? That they stole a new TV, broke windows, and destroyed their homes? Is that something to be thankful for? On the other hand, what if they had been Scouts? What if they bowed their head on Thursday and gave thanks to their parents for loving them and caring about how they grew up? What if they gave thanks for the hard work that is realized in this bounty on the table? What if they looked across the table and said thank you for life and all of its blessings? You live in a dream world Jerry... Yep. But you know, on Monday night at our Troop meeting as I gave my Scoutmaster minute, I gave thanks. Thanks to the parents in the back of the room that care enough to bring their sons. Thanks to the young men that sat and listened to me, that they are growing life skills and living the Scout Oath and Law. I will not see these men on the news burning a car and stealing from a store. I dont have to worry about them bringing a gun to school and shooting their classmates. I dont have to lose sleep at night wondering if they are going to end up in jail. Scouting relevant. You are absolutely right it is relevant. As uncool as it may seem Scouting is relevant. In 1907 when Baden Powell started Scouting, one of his goals was to establish a world wide program for boys that would promote peace. Powell had served in the Boar wars and had seen enough of the worst in people. He knew that if.. IF.. men could embrace a common set of values that we could have peace. This dream has not been realized, not because of Scouting, but because there are not enough Scouts. If our politicians had these values, if our community leaders had these values, they would compelled to think about their decisions in the light of them. They would let their values guide their actions instead of greed and self interest. They would be leaders that have the heart of a servant, not a despot seeking control and fame. The dream of Baden Powell can be found in over 200 countries in Scouts and their leaders. But their are not enough. Scouting is relevant. Will Rogers said it best when he said that now famous quote, I know you all agree. The BSA should capitalize on this moment in time. Show the people of America that we have a choice to make.. Ferguson or Scouting? Have a Great Scouting Day! Scoutmaster Jerry | November 26, 2014 at 11:06 am | Categories: blog | URL: wp.me/p1gG9H-YP
Posted on: Wed, 26 Nov 2014 22:54:29 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015