BWD: Scout's Honor
Everything I Need to Know I Learned in Boy Scouts
During 6th grade I remember climbing up a steep mountain with 4 older scouts during the dead of winter. It was bitter cold. An intense wind was rolling off of the top of the mountain. At the top we dug out a small rectangle in the snow, put a tarp down and rolled out our sleeping bags. My bag was cotton and already soaked after dropping it several times during the hike up the hill.
Most kids my age were at home cuddled up sipping hot cocoa watching a movie with their family while I was heating a can of Campbell’s Sirloin Burger over a fire. The burned soup immediately went cold in my flimsy aluminum mess kit when I took it off the fire. I was disgusted by the floppy green beans in the soup and did not want to eat them. At home, my mother would have sympathized and picked the beans out of my soup. I asked an older bearded scout; “What do I do with this extra soup?” He said “Eat it. If you dump it bears will come.” Wow! What a life changing lesson.
Plop me anywhere (the woods, a war torn country, Washington DC) and I will survive. In Boy Scouts, I learned to prepare; physically and mentally for any situation.
I spent a lot of my scouting career helping out younger scouts. Everything I did could shape these young fellows. I loved seeing a little 100 pound scrawny 5th grade kid come to his first campout with a 100 pound backpack overflowing with useless gear. I spent many nights sitting cross legged with a homesick kid talking about life, family, friends, school and favorite TV shows. They felt at ease. I felt good for helping.
I have invaluable memories of a backpacking trip at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico with my dad and some of my best friends. I became closer with my father as we humped our way up some of the biggest peaks in New Mexico; sustained by stale crackers, tuna, campfires, and poking fun at each other.
No matter how befuddled or complicated my life ever gets (and it is becoming very complicated and befuddled), I will always be able to get away. All I have to do is put on a backpack and some hiking shoes and go. Try sitting alone outside at night under the open sky and silence in Northern Canada away from all city lights. The stars are the crispest piece of artwork you will ever see.
I recently was charged with reciting the Scout Law in an interview. Of course, I was able to. I live by the law. That night I came home and read the law over and realized that everyone can and should live by this law.
Read it over. Print it out. Carry it with you for a week. Ask yourself, “Is this me?”
Scout Law
- TRUSTWORTHY
- A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises. Honesty is part of his code of conduct. People can depend on him.
- LOYAL
- A Scout is true to his family, friends, school, and nation.
- HELPFUL
- A Scout is concerned about other people. He does things willingly for others without pay or reward.
- FRIENDLY
- A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He seeks to understand others. He respects those with ideas and customs other than his own.
- COURTEOUS
- A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows good manners make it easier for people to get along together.
- KIND
- A Scout understands there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. He does not hurt or kill harmless things without reason.
- OBEDIENT
- A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobey them.
- CHEERFUL
- A Scout looks for the bright side of things. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.
- THRIFTY
- A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for unforeseen needs. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.
- BRAVE
- A Scout can face danger even if he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at or threaten him.
- CLEAN
- A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He goes around with those who believe in living by these same ideals. He helps keep his home and community clean.
- REVERENT
- A Scout respects the beliefs of others.
- Scout Motto
- Be Prepared.
Physically and mentally. A friend recently told me; “There are three things that you can control; your mind, body and heart. Do something positive for each every day and you will be succesful.”
- Scout Slogan
- Here is a challenge. Do a Good Turn Daily. What good turn did you do today?
Become a Scout. Live by the Law, Motto and Slogan. Find happiness and success.
To your happiness, ~ Ben
