IT TAKES A LEADER

October 11, 2000
By Jan Lankford


Ever wonder what a difference you could make in one child’s life? As I sit and read the daily paper, or watch television with all the negative news and violent crimes committed by humans, I can’t help but wonder if that person had someone who cared about them when they were a young. Would that have made a difference?

In my den I have seven little Tiger Cubs. No one knows if they will continue Scouting and earn their Eagle Scout rank, or if they will just drop off some where down the line. But at least they have that chance to find themselves and see how far they can fly.

As he matures into a young man, a scout stands ready to serve. Not only has he grown from a naïve, innocent little boy, he has also developed into a person that all can be proud of. As a child, he was taught right from wrong. Parents constantly guiding and nurturing him. As a teen, he longs to explore the world beyond his home – and he begins to do just that. As an adult, he practices all he has learned through the years. As children grow, they watch and learn from the examples set before them.

If they are not raised with love, wisdom, morals and values they can become the troubled adults who are a menace to society. It’s a hard, rocky road to climb, but as each step is taken a little piece of the struggle is won. Scouting helps by not only teaching a boy about life, but also teaching him how to survive.

Many have come to scouting thinking this is a place to be with their friends, only to find out that there is more to the program. Then, they are eager to accept the challenges - to learn how to build that campfire; to survive alone in the woods after dark; to learn to tell directions from the sun; to earn those patches and merit badges that take you any height you want. They are lead to find inner peace and strength that comes from faith - faith to trust self; faith to try new ideas; and faith to carry them through the difficult times. Finally, they are challenged to feel the satisfaction that comes from reaching a goal and achieving immeasurable success.

A Scout can’t do this without a Scout Leader – for every level of Scouting it takes a Leader. Scouters know the beauty of God’s handiwork. They look at a young Scout and see a mature person who has become a contributing member of the community. Ever wonder what a difference you could make in one child’s life? Try looking through a Scouter’s eyes. You’ll find what you’ve been missing. Don’t miss your chance any longer.