As Scouts and Scouters,
we are motivated, people. Scouting breeds the
kind of thinking that keeps 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 result is not the Eagle
rank. Scouting's 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 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 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. © 2019 John Patrick Hickey
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