(semi)Uniformed Ambassador

There is no reason for embarrassment in wearing the uniform, and I agree with
those adults who wear it properly and set an example for the youth in their
unit.

But, I think that this string started because we were hashing over the question
as to why our youth are sometimes reluctant to wear their*s, or even tell some
of their schoolmates that they are Scouts. I suspect that it has been because
Scouting has been marginalized. That Scout spirit has been ridiculed as *too*
good in a setting where the society tells everyone to *go for it* and focus on
Number One. It is hard to be a Scout, a true believer, throughout life when
business ethics tells you that the end justifies the means. Perhaps we should
emphasize that a Scout is Brave - just by living as one.

But, now back to my Subject. There are elements of my outdoor clothing that I
often use in everyday life. For example, I have a Polartec jacket which is
super for wearing when there is a little nip in the air, or it is drizzling but
a rain jacket is overkill. That jacket has a Council patch sewn on it.

I've worn that jacket, with patch, on vacations and travels and found an
instant recognition by persons of other nations, as well as by other U.S.
tourists abroad. It is a calling card. And, you can be an ambassador. Tell
your youth that it*s the largest fraternity in the world, and the symbols of
Scouting mean that you have friends everywhere.

It was interesting, just the other day I was walking down the street with that
jacket on my shoulders and my wife on my arm and this, for want of a better
description, indigent streetperson came up to me and offered me a Scouting
handshake. I can only surmise that no matter how down and out you (in this
case he was) become Scouting will be important an important element forever.

YIS
Jay Thal

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