Written By: Ritika Putta
Scout. What is a scout? Is it a boy on the journey to manhood? A girl learning the ins and outs of popcorn marketing? A child learning how to survive in the harsh wilderness? There is no textbook definition that will accurately describe Scouting in a sentence. One may imagine wilderness skills, another may think of popcorn selling. Nevertheless, the boys and girls in Scouting are our future leaders who will fill a blank piece of paper waiting for its story to be written.
William D. Boyce introduced Scouting to America after an interesting run-in in London. After losing his way in the city’s twisting corridors, Boyce stopped a young man and asked him for directions. The boy not only provided directions but accompanied Boyce in order to ensure his safe arrival. Touched by the boy’s kindness, Boyce offered the boy a tip as a token of gratitude. However, the youth refused to accept the money, explaining that he was a Scout, and accepting the money would negate the act of kindness. Inspired by that young man, Boyce met with Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of the Boy Scouts Movement in England, and founded the Boy Scouts of America after returning to the U.S. on February 10, 1918.
Scouts are not only focused on serving the community, but on achieving the rank of Eagle, the pinnacle of the grueling climb up the ranks. There are seven ranks: Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle. Each rank comes with its own set of requirements ranging from community service to first aid to personal fitness. Advancement is a significant aspect of Scouting, as it can symbolize a Scout’s journey. The higher they climb, the closer they are to the summit or the peak of their journey. Avni Madhu enjoys advancing through ranks as it has helped her “get used to the outdoors and learn different skills that help [her] in life.” The rank of Scout is an introductory rank, providing a glimpse of what is to come. The ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class focus on wilderness survival, whereas the high-class ranks of Star, Life, and Eagle focus on leadership and service to the community. With each rank, comes a level of respect and a higher expectation to fulfill the purpose of Scouting.
Morals and values occupy a special place in the lives of Scouts. They have been taught multiple morals and values that they are expected to live by including helping people and nurturing the Earth. The Scout Oath and Law are the holy grail of Scouting. Scouts must memorize this when first entering Scouting. They pledge to be: “trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, etc.” The main purpose of these two pledges is to instill the expectation of what Scouts should act like: the role model. When asked what being a scout means and stands for, Apoorva Bathula explained, “To me, being a scout means to demonstrate the traits of the Scout Law and to practice the Scout Oath...A scout stands for a person with good traits and a Good Samaritan overall.” Scouts are loyal, adopting these affirmations as their own, religiously living up to them every day.
Service to the community is arguably one of the most important duties of a Scout. When I think of a Scout, I think of flag ceremonies, service projects and so does Meaghen Lovato: “The most important aspect of scouting is being able to help so many people with so many community service projects.” As SPL of Troop 220, the scouts and I are always searching for ways to give back to the community. I have received at least 5 pitches for service projects during this time of COVID-19. In order to achieve the highest rank of Scouting, the rank of Eagle, Scouts prepare and complete an Eagle project which they perform for the benefit of the community. Scouts can be seen as the gardeners of the community, pruning the plants of the needy, preparing the soil for future generations, and watering the plants of structure.
The journey through Scouting can be seen as a Scout’s path to adulthood. They accumulate life skills by leading the troop. Taking up a leadership position in the troop is a major decision as Scouts will need to learn how to resolve conflicts, reassure other Scouts, and manage and plan for troop-wide events. As Baden Powell once said, “A Scout is never taken by surprise; he knows exactly what to do when anything unexpected happens.” I can confidently say that I have grown from a sapling to a towering oak tree. As Scouts advance through the ranks and step up, they gain confidence and courage, their branches reaching towards the sky.
Scouting provides great opportunities for Scouts to bond with others in the great wilderness. You make unbreakable bonds and memories that will last a lifetime. The joy we receive from helping other Scouts and citizens in the community is like sunshine, made up of little beams that give us sheer happiness.
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