Scouting Out Of Uniform: December 2018

Monday, December 31, 2018

Scouting New Year

Saturday, December 29, 2018

Friday, December 28, 2018

Thursday, December 27, 2018

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Facing the Future

Be Prepared! That is the Scout motto and it is a focus of most activities. Scouts learn first aid, how to build a shelter out of branches and what they can eat when in the woods. They learn how to handle disasters and emergencies. A good Scout tries to be ready for anything. However, the most important thing that a Scout is prepared for is the future.

The principles taught in Scouting are the best preparation for the future a young person can have. They will teach the Scouts how to lead, be a person of integrity and work hard till a goal is achieved. These life lessons will be with them for the rest of their lives. They never become outdated and they always work. Scouting is not just meaningful when they are young, it is for life.

“The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.”

H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Author

Many adults forget that the rules of good citizenship, integrity, and kindness apply for them too. Look around and you see people, many of great influence, being dishonest, rude and harsh, yet believing they are okay and what they do is just fine. The foolishness of our day has brought society to a new low many time over.

However, there are those who do believe that what we do affects those around us. That when we are honest, kind and helpful, we – in our own way – make the world a bit better. This is the principles taught in the Scout Oath and Law. Scouts know that not only can they make the world a better place, but it is also their responsibility to do so.

Are you prepared for the future? Not just to face the world you live in, but to change it. To make it better. You are the hope for tomorrow. Prepare today by being the person who stands out from the crowd. Allow your honesty, kindness, helpfulness, and willingness to work hard to influence and lead a lost and confused world. You not only can make a difference, but you are also the difference.

You matter! You matter to the world and to yourself. Remember to be your best, love God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.

Scouting Out of Uniform is a personal blog based on the lessons learned from Scouting that relate to personal development and success principles and is not an official site of The Boy Scouts of America. John Patrick Hickey does not represent or speak for the Scouting program; however, he does completely support and encourages Scouting for both young and old. John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Personal Development Coach, and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com. © 2018 John Patrick Hickey

Monday, December 24, 2018

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A Scouting Christmas

Christmas is a time that is perfect for the Scout. Christmas is a time of happiness and joy (A Scout is Cheerful). It is a time when people go out of their way to be nice to each other (A Scout is Courteous and Friendly). Christmas is a time of helping others in need (A Scout is Helpful, Helping Others at All Times). And it is a time to remember the birth of Jesus, who came as a baby to live as a man and to save us from our sins (A Scout is Reverent and Does His Duty to God).

Most of all, Christmas is a time for doing good and to fulfill the Scout slogan to “Do a Good Turn Daily”. Of course, Scouts do not wait until Christmas to do their good deeds. It is a practice they fulfill all year round. But at Christmas, it takes on a special meaning, not just to Scouts but to all people.

A Scout, or anyone really, should see doing a good deed, an act of kindness to others, as a special gift. This gift costs nothing yet is priceless. It is done with no expectation of payback or rewards yet yields riches beyond our hopes and dreams. A good deed is as simple as a smile and a few kind words, yet may be the most important project of your life.

“The most worth-while thing is to try to put happiness into the lives of others.”

Sir Robert Baden-Powell

1857-1941

Founder of The Boy Scouts

This Christmas, beyond all the gifts you give or receive. Beyond the celebrations and family get-togethers, you will attend. Keep your eyes open and your mind sharp to see where they may be a need you can fill, or an act of kindness just waiting for a person like you to give it life. Be ready to jump in and do that thing that others may not think to do. In short, be prepared.

Always remember that doing a good deed is not about you and how you think and feel about it. It is about others. A truly successful person is the one who knows that doing good is the best way to get ahead. I love the works of author and speaker, Zig Ziglar who said: “You can have anything in life you want, as long as you help other people get what they want”.

Have the best Christmas ever! Enjoy the gifts, family, friends, and fun. Do a good deed for as many people as you can and you will be like George Baily in the old movie, It’s a Wonderful Life, “The Richest Man in Town”.

You matter! You matter to the world and to yourself. Remember to be your best, love God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.

Friday, December 21, 2018

Thursday, December 20, 2018

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Duty to God

A Scout takes his word seriously. He knows that when he says the Oath, “I promise to do my best to do my duty…”, he means it. However, as a Chaplain for both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, I see the promise to “do my duty to God…” taken with less sense of importance as other elements in the Oath and Law. As our founder, Sir Robert Baden-Powell stated, “We never fail when we try to do our duty, we always fail when we neglect to do it.”

Every Scout will tell you that they have a “Duty to God”, however, most cannot tell you how that plays out in their Scouting life. I know of Scouts who attend church regularly and serve in whatever way they can. These Scouts may pray at each meal, attend vespers at camp and read their Bibles. Yet, to be honest, most of this is due to family influence more than Scouting. By-the-way, that is how it should be anyway.

“No man is much good unless he believes in God and obeys His laws. So every Scout should have a religion... Religion seems a very simple thing: First: Love and Serve God. Second: Love and serve your neighbor.”

Sir Robert Baden-Powell

(1857-1941)

Founder of the Boy Scouts

I know of many other Scouts that see their “Duty to God” as important as keeping the campsite clean or making their bed. It is something they do because they are expected to do it. It has little to do with spiritual matters in their life. Again, many of these Scouts learn their feelings toward God from home and family rather than from Scouts.

So, what is the problem? The problem is that our spiritual life, whether you are a youth or adult, is key to our success and wellbeing in life. If we neglect this factor, we risk the ability to have a solid moral foundation. Without that foundation, how can one truly follow the Scout Law?

Again, our founder, Baden-Powell said this about the importance of religion: “Religion is essential to happiness. This is not a mere matter of going to church, knowing Bible history, or understanding theology. Religion . . . means recognizing who and what is God; secondly, making the best of the life that He has given one, and doing what He wants of us. This is mainly doing something for other people.” Duty to God is not something that a Scout earns or works toward until it is achieved. Duty to God is the same as the Scout Law, it is a part of who you are and how you live.

Each Scout needs to discover just what his “Duty to God” is to him. How does he serve God and others? What does he believe to be true and why? The BSA does not dictate what “believe in God” means to each Scout. The BSA is non-sectarian and recognizes all religions. Yes, I come from a Christian perspective on this, that is because I am a Christian. Do I personally believe that any religion is okay and will lead you to God? No, I do not. However, that is a discussion for another blog.

We all need that moral compass in our lives that knowing and following God gives. As a Scout or one who believes in and tries to follow the Scout Law, we know that to truly be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent, takes more power than we have in ourselves. Doing our duty to God is following His teachings, serving others and living a life that reflects that reality in us.

Whether you are a Scout, a Scout leader, or even a non-Scout, doing your “Duty to God’ must be a part of your daily life. True success is not what we gain or how much we have, it is in who we are. The nature of humans is to think of ourselves first and do what is best and most convenient for us. When we do our “Duty to God” we think of others first and do what is best for them and we follow the path God has laid out for us in life.

You matter! You matter to the world and to yourself. Remember to be your best, love God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Monday, December 17, 2018

Going for It

There are many life lessons that young people learn in Scouting. They learn leadership and how to work with a team. They learn many skills and discover where they are strong and where they may not be. However, one of the most important and most useful is in the area of setting goal, planning their strategy and achieving those goals.

From the time a young person enters the Scouting program, they are faced with a number of opportunities. They have merit badges to earn. There are currently 137 different merit badges, and although a Scout is not required to earn every one of them, many Scouts do. They also have ranks to earn starting with their Scouting rank and taking it all the way up to Eagle.

Each badge; each rank, is earned and never just given to a Scout. It does not matter how long they have been in Scouting, what their family’s economic status is. Race, education, ethnicity, religion or any other factor does not play into the achievement of these prizes. It is all based on what the Scout does with the task he is given and how he completes the requirements for each badge and rank. Simply put, they must earn it and every Scout has the opportunity to do so.

“I say luck is when an opportunity comes along and you're prepared for it.”

Denzel Washington

Actor

In life, these Scouts will learn that excellence and success come to all those who put forth the effort. Our great nation is full of success stories from people in every walk of life. In Scouting, they will understand three very key facts to becoming successful in their life outside of Scouting. One is to set the goal of what you want. Second is to design a plan on just how you will achieve that goal. Third is that hard work and persistence pays off.

Setting the goal is when the scout finds that badge or rank he wishes to earn. He finds out just what is required for him to do this. There are books and information that clearly present all the information needed to achieve the goal. In life, we have many goals that we wish to achieve. A Scout learns that, just like earing a new rank, there is information out there for the one who will seek it. The more they learn, the better prepared they are to achieve their goals.

Once the information is gathered, the Scout decides just what they need to do to move forward. Each step is calculated and followed to help fulfill the requirements needed. In life, they learn that the key to achieving any goal is action. Nothing happens without action! They cannot sit by and hope that things will go their way, they must do something to make things go their way. The information, no matter how detailed and good, is useless without action.

In Scouts, as in life, they find that the higher the rank, the more difficult the work. I have often challenged many adults who see Scouting as a “kid’s program” to take one merit badge and earn it like a Scout has to. They quickly find out that it is not as easy as they thought. There is no easy road in Scouting. No one is coddled and helped along so they are not overly worked. Everyone is not a winner and not all get the rewards. In Scouts, as in life, you must earn your rewards or go without them.

Scouts are taught to take care of themselves. To be self-reliant and to strive to be their best at all times. This is why so many Scouts go on to successful careers and take on the toughest challenges in life. It is not the fact that they have more skills, opportunities, or advantages than others. Success comes because they have been preparing for it all their lives. Scouts are not just prepared for when things go wrong, they are ready to act when things all go right. Success comes to the prepared.

You matter! You matter to the world and to yourself. Remember to be your best, love God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.

Friday, December 14, 2018

Thursday, December 13, 2018

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Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Don't Do That

One of the things I have learned in my time in Scouting is that the young do not understand the concept of impossible. I hear the dreams of young men to do and be things that would be impossible for others. I think of the words of the English historian, G.M. Trevelyan who said, "Never tell a young person that anything cannot be done. God may have been waiting centuries for someone ignorant enough of the impossible to do that very thing."

Scouts have proven this to be true time and time again. They have gone from humble beginnings to be leaders in business, science, education, government, and they have walked on the moon. You will not find the word impossible in the Scout Oath or Law. You will also not find it in the Scout.

Success-minded people need to be willing to believe not only that the impossible can be done, but it can be done by them. You could well be the very person God has been waiting to achieve things that others never even try to accomplish. I believe there are three things that the person who will do the impossible must not do.

“Don't let what you don't know scare you because it can become your greatest asset. And if you do things without knowing how they have always been done, you're guaranteed to do them differently.”

– Sara Blakely

Businesswoman

1) Do Not Do What is Safe

It is always disturbing to me that we tell young people they can be anything they want to be and then when they are old enough to achieve it, we say they have to be practical. I know that many will discourage people from following their dreams because they do not want them to be hurt. What they do not see is that by not launching out and taking the risk, they will achieve nothing in life.

Scientist, Grace Hopper said, "A ship in port is safe, but that's not what ships are built for." The same is true for you. You were built for greatness and to achieve the impossible. You were never made to be safe and not to take risks. If you venture out to achieve your dreams could you fail? Yes. If you take the risk could you get hurt? Yes. But you could also achieve the impossible and become the person of excellence you were created to be. It is the worst fate to come to the end of life not knowing what you could have done than it is to try and fail.

2) Do Not Do What is Common

If you do what others have done you will get what others have gotten. However, if you do what has not been done, if you take a chance and try what others fail to try, you will get different results than others got before.

When I worked at the Henry Ford Museum we use to tell people that there were three great myths that people believed. We let them know that despite what popular thinking was, the Wright brothers did not invent the airplane, Edison did not invent the light bulb and Ford did not invent the car. They all just made them work. They looked beyond what had been done and did something new.

The great scientist, George Washington Carver put it this way, "When you can do the common things of life in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world."

3) Do Not Do What is not Yours

Never, never, never allow someone else to define or create your dream. You were created for a purpose and that purpose is inside you. You can and must discover that for yourself. People will try to tell you what you should do in life or what your "talents" are. They may mean well but they do not know. Only you know.

When you discover what your purpose is and identify your own dream, you will find an excitement and power you never realized was possible. I love the way Denis Waitley put it, "Get excited and enthusiastic about your own dream. This excitement is like a forest fire - you can smell it, taste it and see it from a mile away."

You matter! You matter to the world and to yourself. Remember to be your best, love God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

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Monday, December 10, 2018

Book Power

I have the great privilege of being the counselor for several different merit badges. One of the ones I love to work with Scouts on the most is reading. I know that it is one of the least involved ones they have. After all, most of it is reading. But that is the thing that is the greatest part. I love to introduce young people, any people really, to reading. There is no greater gift you can give someone.

Success-minded people are always looking for tools to add to their success toolkit. They go to seminars, take classes, listen to audio programs, network and spend time on social media. All this is good and can be extremely helpful, however, there is one resource that is more powerful and useful than all the others combined. That is the power of books and the exercise of reading on a daily bases.

Any study of successful people will show you that they are readers. I am amazed that so many people say they do not read because they do not have the time in their day. Do you have the time to eat? Do you have the time to sleep? Do you have the time to clean up and get dressed? Reading is just as important to the successful person. It is necessary, not an option.

“If the crowns of the world were laid at my feet in exchange for my love of reading,

I would spurn them all.”

– Francois Fenelon

(1651-1715)

French Clergyman

Reading is often treated as if you can do it or not, it is really all up to you. Reading is seen as optional and a matter of personal opinion. This is where so many fail to learn and grow as they should and end up never achieving their dreams in life. Reading, developing a love for books, is not a matter of opinion, but a solid reality to success and life in general.

In the reading merit badge lessons, a Scout must read different types of books. Biographers, fiction, non-fiction, history and the like. This helps them not just to learn about different things but to help them find the types of books they like. I have found that young people who believe they have a reading problem, it is only that they have not read a book they liked. Ones you open this door, they will never close it.

I am very passionate about reading and for people to see its importance to their life. What saddens me is that so many people have all the excuses for not reading down, but fail to see the value in taking the time to better themselves. Science-fiction author, Ray Bradbury had it right when he said, "There are worse crimes than burning books. One of them is not reading them."

Make reading a part of your daily routine. Even if you start with just 15 or 20 minutes a day. I say start because you will find once you develop the habit your reading time will increase. Find a book that is in your line of interest and that you can learn from. It can be new and hot off the presses or an old classic that has gathered dust on the shelf. Whatever you choose, take a bit of time each day and read what you can.

To develop a love for books is the best habit any human can develop. You can go anywhere, do anything and be anyone you wish. There is a magic in books that is beyond our understanding. There is a joy in reading and knowing that you have the power to learn and grow. No other creature on the planet has this ability. Do not allow it to pass you by.

You matter! You matter to the world and to yourself. Remember to be your best, love God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.

Friday, December 7, 2018

Thursday, December 6, 2018

Wednesday, December 5, 2018

The Strength of the Gentle

What are the ingredients of a superhero? They are made up of things like kindness, courage, friendliness, helpfulness, and trustworthiness. Sound familiar? You got it, it is the same things that make us a Scout. The difference is that most superheroes are fictional, Scouts, on the other hand, are real.

There are times when it seems like the whole world is hard and unkind. The people you pass on the street frown and look like they will bite your head off if you so much as whisper a "Good Morning". The news is full of stories of all the mean and nasty things people do to each other. No one has a kind word about anything or anyone. Is there no hope left in the world?

Now comes out superheroes. The Boy Scouts. The one who smiles at everyone with that nuclear smile that melts the hardest heart. This hero has the superpower to say and do the kindest things with the ease of the preverbal hot knife in butter. While the people around them are mumbling, they are humming a happy tune and ready to win the day for goodness.

“The is nothing stronger in the world than gentleness.”

– Han Suyin

(1917-2012)

Author

Okay. I admit I have gone a bit extreme here. However, there are times in this sad world that the person who is positive, kind and happy seems like a long-awaited superhero. Here is the best part. Ready for this? Are you sitting down? You, my friend, are that hero! Yes, you.

A positive mindset and a happy heart is nothing more than a choice we make every day. They are not gifts from on high or things we must study for and earn our "Heroes" degree. You just choose to be positive and to be kind to others. In fact, when you act kind and happy toward others it really builds on itself and you become stronger and stronger with each passing person. This is why Scouts are encouraged to do a good turn daily. It establishes a habit, one that changes them and changes those they come in contact with.

The world needs as many heroes as it can get. It seems like things and going down the toilet but the truth is there are many, many people who are happy, kind and do wonderful things for humanity. Be that hero and make a difference in the lives of every person you come in contact with. As the 19th century English critic, William Hazlitt said, "A gentle word, a kind look, a good-natured smile can work wonders and accomplish miracles." Be one who accomplishes miracles.

You matter! You matter to the world and to yourself. Remember to be your best, love God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.

Tuesday, December 4, 2018

Monday, December 3, 2018

The Work Comes First

I have always thought that there should be a “Patience” Merit Badge in Scouting. Besides being a much-needed skill to learn, it is something that Scouts find they cannot get away from learning. They have to work through all their badges, step by step. They face things like learning to start a fire without matches or fire starters, putting up shelters from things they find in the woods and cooking food they caught themselves. Instant gratification is not part of the Scout’s world.

The problem and it is a problem, of instant gratification, is far more than people seeking out cheap, quick thrills. We live at a time when it is easy to get what you want, right now. It takes no time at all to prepare a meal, does some work around your home or gathers information. It is wonderful that we have the ability to create and develop such wonderful conveniences, however, fast and easy does not work with all things in life. When it comes to success, you still have to work for it.

I believe this kind of thinking has lead many into believing three common myths. You have heard these before, maybe even believed them yourself. Each is not only untrue but can be highly destructive to the people who pursue them.

“I run on the road, long before I dance under the lights.”

– Muhammad Ali

(1942- 2016)

Fighter

Get Rich Quick

Anyone over the age of 18 most likely has been approached by someone, in person or through media of some kind, and told they can become rich in their spare time. That is one of the most common lies that success-minded people have fallen for. Everyone wants to be rich. Everyone wants to be successful. Everyone wants to do it with the least amount of effort and work. Soon, however, everyone finds that they get neither rich nor quick.

If you want to become successful and to accumulate wealth, you had best understand and accept this fact: If you are not willing to work hard you will never achieve this goal. A quick study of history will show you that anyone who has achieved success and wealth has worked - and worked hard - to get what they wanted. Not in their spare time, because successful people do not have "spare time" as they work toward a goal. Not quickly, for they were willing to do what it takes for as long as it takes to achieve their dreams.

Work Smarter, Not Harder

Actor, Mike Rowe, refers to this bit of advice as, "The worst advice in the world." And I agree. I do not oppose a good [I stress good] education. What I do oppose is the idea that all you need is a diploma and you are on your way to easy street. Reality is that the majority of people now graduating with a degree do not end up working in their field of study and the majority of them are not working at all. Rowe also said, "We're lending money we don't have to kids who can't pay it back, educating them for jobs the no longer exist."

What we all need to understand is that the only way to success is to work smarter AND harder. Education is more than just attending classes. Success-minded people know that they must be learning all the time. Read books, take classes and be a constant student. While you are doing that, work your butt off and you will see just how successful is really achieved.

You Deserve It

Nothing makes me crazier than this constant bombardment of people tell us that we deserve it. Deserve what? According to our media and advertising agencies, you deserve to be rich, healthy, strong, well fed, have every convenience under the sun and to have a better mate than you have. Here is the hard truth: Unless you are willing to work hard, do what it takes to develop yourself and put in the time, you deserve nothing at all!

I know that sounds hard, but at least it is the truth. Never be taken away by some snake oil salesman who tells you all that you deserve just because you live on this planet. There is no free lunch in life. Successful people know this and that is what makes them successful. You deserve what you are willing to pay for in life; and by pay, I mean to work for, invest in and learn. You can have it all, you just can't have it for free.

You matter! You matter to the world and to yourself. Remember to be your best, love God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.