Why Boy Scouts is Important...

I am so blessed to serve in this, the Boy Scouts of America Program, and the more and more I learn and teach, the more love I have for the boys I serve and this awesome program.

I served in the young women's program for years and as I think of the Young Women's  theme, I  see similarities in the Boy Scout Oath, Law, Motto and Slogan.  I am reminded of why The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has selected the Boy Scout program for the young men.

Let me tell you just a little bit of history about Boy Scouts. I will try to make it brief. 

The founder of Scouting, Robert Baden-Powell, was a military man. 

He gained his fame in the war between Britan and the descendants of Dutch settlers, the Boers, in South Africa. 

He came home a hero having held gaurd for 217 days against the enemy force.

 When he came home, he decided to use his notoriety to help British boys become better men.

To help boys become better men...

This was his desire...this is every parents desire too. 

The story continues...

An American man traveling  in London was lost.

A young boy in uniform came to his aid. 

The man was looking for an office in the center of the city.

A young boy noticed his distress and walked him there..... He didn't just give him directions and hope he'd find it.  The young boy escorted him there!

{off track a little, but this makes me think of going to the grocery store and asking for something. Some will tell you what aisle it is located but, others will take you there.  I think it shows much care when someone drops what they are doing to come to your aid, don't you?}

When the man tried to give the boy a tip, the boy wouldn't take it and said,

"I am a Scout. I can't take anything for helping you"

{This is the story of "A Good Turn"}

The man was William D. Boyce.  {"Boyce" scouts, that's a good way to remember.}

"A SCOUT? WHAT MIGHT THAT BE?" he asked the boy.

The boy told him about the program.

Boyce asked the young boy if he would take him to the British Scout Office.

This is where he met Robert Baden-Powell.  

Boyce was so impressed he wanted to bring this program to the United States.

On February 8, 1910 in Washington D.C., Boyce and a group of outstanding men founded the Boy Scouts of America.

And so there you have it.

 

{can you see why now the church decided upon this as the program for the boys...to make them better men...but just how does Boy Scouts make boys better men...well do you know the boys scout oath and law? The motto? The Slogan?  

 

Well, Let me share....and as I do I want to show you the similarities between the young womens' program and theme as more of you may be familiar with that.... 

Remember as the youth are taught to rely on the spirit and develop these attributes outlined below, they will become better people....just like Robert Baden Powell had hoped for the scouts in his day.   

The young women repeat this every Sunday it is what guides the program:

 "We are daughters of our Heavenly Father, who loves us and we love him. 

We stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things and in all places 

as we strive to live the young women's values which are: 

 faith,

 divine nature,

 individual worth,

 knowledge,

 choice and accountability,

 good works,

 integrity,

 and virtue. 

We believe as we come to accept and act upon these values, we will BE PREPARED to strengthen home and family, make and keep sacred covenants, receive the ordinances of the temple, and enjoy the blessings of exaltation." 

The young men repeat this, the Boy Scout Oath, Law, Motto and Slogan every week when they meet:

On my honor 

I will do my best

to do my duty

to God

and my country

and to obey the Scout Law;

To help other people,

To keep myself physically strong,

mentally awake,

and morally straight.

A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind; , Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.  

The Slogan is "to do a good turn daily"

 and the motto is to "BE PREPARED". 

As I prepared for the Trail to First Class Day Camp hosted with my good friend and fellow committee member, Sharla,we had to learn many things.  I read most of the scout handbook and took much online training.  Also, I tried to prepare myself spiritually by praying and reading my scriptures. 

 

I read over the oath and really pondered it....{I even matched it up with the young women's values.} 

On my Honor....{Integrity}

I will do my best {Individual Worth},

To serve God {Faith} and my country 

and obey the Scout Law. {Choice and Accountability}

To help other people {good works} 

at all times {divine nature}

To keep myself physically strong {individual worth},

Mentally awake {knowledge},

 and morally straight. {virtue}

It is my hope and prayer that I can help the Boy Scouts in which I have been called to serve. 

We had our Court of Honor tonight and they earned many merit badges at camp and most advanced in rank, but most of all, I think they are encouraged to do their best and live the Boy Scout oath and law and become better men.

 

I am so grateful for the opportunity so serve with  great men leaders and am feeling more and more part of this unit until recently, there hasn't been any women.  I worry that I might step on toes or not keep up with there motion...but with Sharla by my side we seem to be doing just fine.  My job as the Troop Committee Chair is mainly to see that the program is functioning and to help the Scoutmaster in anyway I can,  mostly behind the scenes with organization and paperwork, but as a parent & committee member I also get to be involved in their lives and help teach and guide when needed.

I feel like a second mother to these boys and want nothing but the best for them. I truly feel blessed.

 

I have another story to share about My Little Man...and all that he is overcoming and learning as he is engaged in this wonderful program...but that deserves a post entirely on its own.

 

from me to you w love, M