“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) Former President of South Africa
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. 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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