Written By: Arushi Mundergi
"A scout smiles and whistles under all circumstances." This statement expressed by Lord Robert Baden-Powell is something we all see to be true in these despairing times. Hi everyone! My name is Arushi Mundergi, and I'm pleased to be delivering this speech to you tonight. While this is our troop's fourth Court of Honor, today marks the day of our first-ever virtual COH. Today, we gather to celebrate those of our scouts who have strived to meet their goals, no matter the circumstances they are facing. Although these moments are uncalled for, they serve as a somewhat peaceful period for us to reflect on ourselves, to work on ourselves, and, most importantly, to focus on our scouting pathway.
Around 110 years ago, one man with a dream founded the Boy Scouts of America. This man was who we all know as Lord and Baron Robert Baden-Powell, the father of Scouting. His sole desire at the time was to prepare young boys around the globe for life. He wished to show them the great outdoors in a way they hadn't seen it before. He hoped to provide them with a strong foundation for them to build on later.
Upon his return to Africa from his deployment in 1903, Baden-Powell found out that his military training manual, Aids to Scouting, had quite literally become an overnight bestseller. Teachers and youth organizations across the world began using his book. The massive outcome influenced Powell to write another issue of his previous publication directed to a younger audience. And almost instantaneously, all of Baden-Powell's texts were best sellers. His sister, Agnes Baden-Powell, also went on to found the Girl Guide movement, the female counterpart of Powell's organization. In 1907, Baden-Powell held a demonstration camp, known as the Brownsea Island Camp, which is now viewed as the official beginning of Scouting. Troops of girls and boys spontaneously formed, inadvertently creating an international phenomenon. In fact, since 1910, there have been more than half a billion young men and women who are a part of Scouting associations.
Lord Baden-Powell went on to formulate a vast system for optimum leadership that not only helped adults teach scouts, but it also helped scouts teach themselves and those around them. He also offered scouts the opportunity to learn new skills and gain knowledge whenever they wanted to through the means of merit badges and requirements to advance through each rank. Whether it was learning to tie a simple square knot, or finally earning a difficult merit badge, Lord Robert Baden-Powell's efforts truly did impact us all, for the better.
Robert Baden-Powell's legacy deeply affected our nation. He and his sister introduced a type of curriculum that brought out the best in many of our country's forefathers and mothers. In fact, out of the 12 men who walked the moon, 11 were scouts. Twenty of the United States' presidents were also boy scouts at one point in their lives. This proves that Baden-Powell's dreams did come true. Several of our democracy's pioneers were a part of the BSA. And now, as of February 1, 2019, girls and young women also have the same chance as other boys and young men to experience the thrills of Scouting, to understand the nuances of leadership, and most importantly, to build a better future for themselves as a part of Scouts BSA.
That brings us to today. Even though we are amid a global pandemic, we are here now to rejoice those of our scouts who have worked hard to fulfill their scouting dreams. While it seems like there is some greater force working against us all, it is essential to recognize the small things in life. Currently, we rack our memories for those bittersweet moments of spending time with our friends, hugging our families, and even going to school, but we have to remember to smile. In the face of several problems, a grin can brighten the whole room. Smiles are contagious, aren’t they? We must smile and whistle. We must do this for the sake of ourselves and the sake of those around us. While a grin cannot cure a virus, it can still heal our hearts. Every smile lifts spirits, and even the tiniest smirk is magical. So, as we go on with the night, remember what Robert Baden-Powell said. Scouts will always smile and whistle, no matter what. And before I end, I just want to thank Mr. Amon, all our assistant scoutmasters, our SPL, Ritika, and all our ASPLs for supporting all of us in such difficult times. Thank you.
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