The Role Model

I had the great privilege of being a Scout during its hay-day of the 1950s & ’60s. In our neighborhood, I don’t remember any of my friends who were not Scouts. Every boy was in Scouts. We all went to Troop meetings together. We all went camping together, worked on rank advancements and Merit Badges together. Scouting was not just who we were. It was what we did.

Because Scouting was so much a part of our lives, people expected a lot from us. It was a familiar saying, even in the TV programs and movies of the time, that when young people refused to do something they knew was wrong, the accusation was, “What’s the matter, are you a Boy Scout?”

 “Remember, when camping or hiking, that a good deal is expected of Boy Scouts. You have to keep up the good name of the movement.”

Sir Robert Baden-Powell

1857-1941

Founder of the Boy Scouts

There may not be as many Boy Scouts today. In a lot of neighborhoods, you may not find one Scout, surely not all Scouts. However, the high expectation for good behavior is still there. When you tell people you are a Scout, they have high expectations about you. You are a role model.

Over the past few decades, the idea of being a role model has been something people have tried to avoid. Sports figures who have been unfortunate examples of moral and civil behavior, not to mention lousy sportsmanship. When called on their bad behavior and the example they show to young people, they quickly say, “I never said I was a role model.” But like it or not, they are.

Scouts and Scouters need not only to accept that they are role models but to embrace it as the honor it is. Just as bad behavior can cause considerable damage to our society, so good behavior can improve it. Living by the Scout Oath & Law can make a difference. Scouters, being the example to your Scouts that the Oath & Law do work, can help them to be the influence our society needs. Scouts, showing your friends that you can be healthy and achieve without giving in to negative forces around you can help them as they go through life.

Scouting is not here so that you can have a good time. A good time is part of it, but there is a far greater purpose. Scouts can change our society and the uncivil, negative culture we see before us. But it takes our being willing to live the Scout Oath & Law every day. To view it as our mission in this work. The greater good that we can make the changes that are so desperately needed. You are the role model that everyone has been waiting for.

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.   © 2020 John Patrick Hickey