The Force That Changed the World

“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

(1918-2013) Political Leader

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.

THE END RESULTS

                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.

SCOUTING ON THE MOON

                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.

THE FORCE THAT 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

                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