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Minute: Dividends of Scouting


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(I submit these for the local district newsletter, so hey, why not share here too!)

 

I wrote this a few years back for a pack newsletter, but it is still valid today. It may be useful to you for encouraging scouting families not to drop out of scouting during the end of the year, or over the summer.

 

Dividends of Scouting

 

You could skip Scouting and do all the same things with your boy and save a little money. But, for many of us, a structured program makes it easier to get things done. As pitiful as it is, I know I would not spend as much time with my son if it were not for this program. Scouting helps me to plan to do purposeful things with my son.

 

What is your son going to have when he finishes Scouting? Well, yes, once he learns to use a bowline knot, or square knot, he will use them even when he is very old. But more importantly, he will learn citizenship, teamwork, and leadership. I wont roll out the amazing statistics about how many presidents were scouts, or how many astronauts, or whatever. Instead, let me tell you about an older gentleman I met recently.

 

He looked to be a retired man working as a grocery store bag boy for something to do. My wife and I were just leaving the cash register when he noticed our uniforms. I was a Scout, and a good one too, he told us. I still know my Scout Oath! Oh great I thought, now I am being cornered into listening to this guy go down memory lane. On my honor I will do my best, he began, To do my duty to God and my country, and obey the Scout Law. Now I was intrigued. He really did know it word for word after all this time. Now I stood in review, interested to hear him say the rest. To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight! He was grinning ear to ear with pride. I shook his hand and told him very good, as I imagined his Scoutmaster from many years ago might have and we departed.

 

That kind man had never been president. I am pretty sure he was never an astronaut either. He might not have ever been a leader to anyone but his family, I dont know. But it was clear, Scouting had made an important impression in his life, and I bet he still lives by the Scout Oath.

 

What will Scouting do for your son? One can only guess, but to be sure, it will be positive. We might have a young Mars explorer in our pack. Maybe the architect of world peace. Or just as important, a person respected as a helpful friend and neighbor in our community.

 

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