All "knot"ed up
Heyboer Brian J (heyboer_brian_j@SPACE.HONEYWELL.COM)
Mon, 25 Jul 1994 15:03:15 U
Quoting Ian Ford <ianford@DIRCON.CO.UK>:
> Likewise, why wear all those knots ? I can understand that a Scouter may
> wish to wear the Eagle Scout knot, but the Arrow of Light gained at
> eleven ... is that <really> relevant ? Likewise, why not wear the
> highest award in each category rather than the whole string ?
Well, few of them are one "in a string". Most stand alone for totally
different accomplishments. Is my AOL knot relevent when also worn with my
Eagle knot? I think so. Attaining AOL was almost as big an accomplishment to
me at the time (10 years of age) as Eagle was at its time (16).
> I guess what I am saying is who are we trying to impress here ?
We are, of course, trying to impress the boys. The bigger question, is "What
are we trying to impress upon them?" Playing "what's that for" is one of my
favorite things to do with young Cub Scouts, Tiger Cubs, and non-scouts at or
nearing scouting age. It gives me an opportunity to impress upon them that
Scouting can be a big part of their life, as it has mine, for many years to
come. It adds something to the appeal of that AOL knowing that they, too, can
wear a knot on their Scouter uniform 30 years hence if they go the extra mile
now. I could combine all my years into one blue-background adult year pin, but
separating them into Cubs, Scouts, and Exploring gives me an oportunity to talk
about my Scouting career, HOW IT HELPED/HELPS ME, and how it can do the same
for them. I can use my own experience, as "documented" on my uniform, to
inform a young Cub (and his parents) of the oportunities that await him.
Perhaps it makes me look more like a Christmas tree, but so be it. I'm proud
to be a Scouter, and I show it with my uniforming; I can only hope that the
youth see my example and take similar pride in being a Scout.
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City |
