Someone Cares
We knew it was special when we stepped
inside the church. First we heard the sound of voices - young voices, filled with
excitement and anticipation. Then, we noticed Cub Scouts - everywhere. They and their
families filled the front pews. They stood in the aisles, in the vestibule, at the doors.
Perhaps it seemed a little noisy to those who like a quiet church, but anyone involved
with Cub Scouts knows a little commotion is normal before an event comes together. And
this event, the awarding of religious emblems, is always one of Scouting's finest moments.
Yesterday, I had the privilege of
attending the Parvuli Dei Award ceremony of Cub Scout Pack 3240, held at Prince of Peace
Church in Olathe, Kansas . Pack 3240, Heart of America Council, is sponsored by Knights of
Columbus Council #7909. This was a normal religious award presentation, incorporated into
the Sunday worship service. Similar ceremonies are repeated across the Country. Yet, this
was indeed a special occasion.
It was special to me personally, since
the men in my family are members of the sponsoring organization. My husband was the first
Scoutmaster of Troop 240 which is also sponsored by KC Council.#7909. But, more than
personal attachments, yesterday was special because it was a testament to the attitude and
commitment of the current adult Leadership in the Pack. I remember a time when the Pack's
Webelos completed their Cub Scouting and most of them dropped out of Scouting. At that
time, the Pack adults viewed Cub Scouts as simply an elementary school age,
extra-curricular activity. In response to crossing over to Boy Scouts, the usual reply was
"He plans to be in sports instead." Today, a former Webelos leader from this
Pack is Scoutmaster of Troop 240. When he crossed over to Boy Scouting he brought all of
his Webelos with him. What changed?
I would like to say this occurred
because the Troop worked diligently to recruit new members through example and
involvement. They did. But, most of all, the attitude and commitment of Pack Leaders
changed. How do I know this? First of all, I know some of the current adult leaders. That
same commitment of volunteerism that they display as members of the sponsoring
organization is evident in their commitment to the Cub Pack. It is no accident that each
of those men and/or their wives wore a Scout Leader's uniform yesterday.
However, I don't know the Cubmaster. I
don't know all the members of the Pack Committee. I don't know who works, unrecognized,
behind the scenes. I don't know who provides the inspiration that keeps this Pack
functioning. I do know that someone cares about the uniform because there were so many
Scouts and Leaders in uniform. I know that someone cares about advancement because ALL of
the Scouts, not just one or two, had uniforms filled with symbols of achievement. I know
that someone cares about parent/guardian involvement because I saw no Scout with less than
two adults standing with him when he received his award. Someone cares about boy
participation because Scouts read the Scriptures. Scouts read the prayer petitions. Scouts
walked in the entrance procession where they carried items to the altar which represented
the influences of God, family, and community on their Scouting and in their lives. They
presented banners which proclaimed the celebration of all of God's gifts.
Don't misunderstand. I'm sure this Pack
Committee is not without its politics. (Have you ever known a Scouting Unit to be
completely free of personal agendas?) But, the results appear to be more positive than
negative.
My husband summed it up on the way home
yesterday. He said, "That's what happens when adults step past 'All I care about is
my son', to 'I want the best for the entire Unit.' Quality always shows when someone
cares."
So, to that someone in Pack 3240, or
someone in another Scouting Unit who is committed to a quality program for all Scouts in
your care, a big thank you - from me - from SCOUTER - from those Scouts whose lives are
better because of it.
If you are currently involved with a
Scouting Unit - be someone who cares.
