“The Scout movement is a world leader
in educating youth. Scouting inspires
patriotism, sound moral values, courage, character-building, self-reliance and
community awareness. It also motivates
our young people to achieve their full potential.” – Nelson Mandela
As Scouts and
Scouters we are a motivated people.
Scouting breeds the kind of thinking that keep people moving toward
their goals and achieving all the time.
We have ranks to achieve, merit badges to get and the rewards of becoming
or helping some young man to become and Eagle Scout. All this achievement and drive is good, but
let's not forget what the deeper purpose of Scouting is, to become people of
character and courage.
As wonderful as the Scouting
program is, without the ultimate objective of forming a good and purposeful
life, it is just another youth program and nothing more. Scouting's end result is not the Eagle
rank. Scouting's end result is to create
people who are leaders of integrity, decency and honor. We who are part of the Scouting program should
have our sights on making a better world not just making an awarded Scout.
This reality is not something
that we hope Scouting will someday achieve.
The truth is, Scouts have went on to become successful business leaders,
great scientists and Doctors; they have walked on the moon and been Presidents. Scouting has for over a century developed
great and honorable leaders that have achieve the impossible, discovered the
unknown and changed the world.
As we work to follow the Scout
Law and the principles of Scouting, let us not forget that it is more an twelve
rules to follow, it is the force that can change the world. Scouts are what I call success-minded. That means they believe in their ability to
do good, to create and achieve wonderful things. Those who have learned the power of the Scout
Law and the things taught in Scouting go on to be success in all they do.
Success-minded people know that
if they are going to achieve success in life, it is up to them. No one is going to give it to them and no one
is meant to take care of them. They are
self-reliant and hard working. The word
impossible just means it might take a bit longer to do. Their honesty and integrity stands firm and
they will not give in to the pressures of forces around them to lessen their
values. The fact is, Scouting, in any
form and by any person, takes courage.
Achieve all you can with enthusiasm
and excitement. Just keep in mind that
there is a greater goal than awards and ranks or promotions. The only thing that matters in the end is the
person you become.
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.
John Patrick Hickey is an author,
speaker, Life 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 http://www.growthcenter.net or www.johnpatrickhickey.com.
© 2014 John
Patrick Hickey
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