SO what do we do right?

[OldGreyEagle]

Lets see now in the last couple days it has been poated the uniform is lame/dorky and way too expensive and just about guarnateed to run kids off, the new Wood Badge program is a pale imatation so inept that people who havent taken it feel as though they have a right to riddle until it approaches swiss cheese, the program is inefficiently run and has no vision or imagination and we need a huge advertising campaign, so, I have to ask, is there anything the BSA does right and what is it and if you cant answer, why do you do what you do ?

[dsteele]

I think we need to remember the big picture. The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is being met. Whether it's because of or in spite of, the things OGE mentions, we're very good at what as Scouters do.

 

That is instilling in youth the values found in the Scout Oath and Law.

 

Unc.

[Laurie]

Any one element might be a little sloppy, might not work the first time, or might work right away -- but we Scouters have to take the program, believe in it, learn it and practice it, and then we will see the results. As we do so, we need to live by the Scout Law too because it helps to treat one another better even while handling difficult times and because we are always setting an example. Just today I was asked to help find a prayer for an Arrow of Light ceremony (scripting ceremonies was my biggest strength as well as joy, and how I'll miss that!), and this is what I found that I think helps answer what we do right:

 

 

Dear Lord, Bless all those everywhere who contribute to shape the hearts, minds and bodies of young people. Let us remember what they have taught and apply it daily.

 

When facing deceit and dishonesty, let us be Trustworthy. If we see hypocrisy and faithlessness, let us be Loyal. Where disregard of others and mere materialism prevail, let us be Helpful. When we find people in despair, let us be Friendly. In an atmosphere of ill manner, let us be Courteous. Where some measure manliness in brutality and crudeness, let us be Kind. Though lawbreaking and rule-scoffing are common, let us be Obedient. While others grumble and grouch, let us be Cheerful. In an environment blighted by waste and extravagance, let us be Thrifty. When confronted with danger and temptation, let us be Brave. As we see filth and pollution everywhere, let us be Clean. While witnessing impiety, let us remember to be Reverent.

 

In short, in a world that has for generation after generation lamented the lack of good examples, let us, as Scouts, stand out, grow up, and be real adults. Amen.

 

Author not named

 

[edit: added the following link]

Almost a year ago, I posted here about the importance of Scouting to our family. That thread focused on the positives and is found here if anyone is interested:

 

Youth Underestimated...but not in Scouting

 

Youth rather than boys thanks to my friend Eamonn (This message has been edited by Laurie)

[red feather]

OGE, I try real hard not to be concerned about the items you mentioned. I feel that as a scouting volunteer that my hands are full with working with each scout one at a time. Helping them learn what a scout is all about and helping/watching them grow into young men that are proud of themselves.

 

To me that is what we are all about. The rest of the stuff you mentioned is window dressing. The scouts deserve the best that we can provide. Scouts do not really care about the window dressing they just want to learn and be proud.

 

That's True Returns

 

yis