by MaryAnn
Gardner
Orienteering -
the scouting skill by which a Scout learns to find the way from one point to
another.
Like scouts from years past - the Native American, the Pioneer, the Sailor, the
Mountain Man - Scouts of today use the best tools available. It may be the Sun, the
North Star, hand-drawn maps, uniquely shaped rocks, trees, or other landmarks.
Most likely, today's Scout also uses a modern, dependable compass and a map to make
his journey.
It is no accident that, as the BOY SCOUT HANDBOOK states, "the
universal scout symbol was adapted from the North point of the old mariner's
compass". North, of course, helps the navigator point the right
way to go. In scouting this signifies that a Scout can point the right way.
The design, called a fleur-de-lis (lily or iris) is used throughout the world
as a sign of scouting brotherhood and friendliness. Its three points
signify the three parts of the Scout Oath - duty to God and Country, duty to others, and
duty to self.
It is important to have the best tools available and follow the right course whether
in the Council Orienteering Contest or as the navigator on the Space Shuttle.
It is just as important to use the best tools available to stay on course when aiming for,
or working at, your life's occupation - or to follow the right way when making moral and
ethical decisions.
Scouts are fortunate - by providing the opportunities in secouting programs, their
parents and leaders have given them one of the best tools available to to follow that
course. If your child isn't a Scout, help him/her join scouting by
contacting your local Scout
