As Scouts and Scouters, we are 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 an 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.
“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
This reality is not something that we hope Scouting will someday achieve. Scouts have gone 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 achieved 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 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 a 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 stand 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.
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
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