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I believe strongly that scouting can still offer a great
deal to the young people of today. It was not so long ago
that I was a cub and scout myself (DOB - August 74). I know
for a fact just how much I enjoyed being in scouting. It has
helped me grow as a person and enabled me to become a 'good
citizen'. Scouting can help the young people of today by challenging
them to become good citizens themselves. It enables them to
share with the each other the secret of learning in a fun
way with a purpose.
Scouting can offer a wide range of activities and skills
that simply can not be found in any other single group or
organization. Not only does it ensure that the youngster (and
the leaders!) enjoy themselves thoroughly but it teaches them
and encourages them to grow and develop. Traditional scouting
skills such as campcraft can lead to unique opportunities
in the growth of the young persons abilities as stated in
the aims of scouting, their physical, intellectual, social
and spiritual aspects.
Some talk of scouting as being outdated and silly. I fail
to see the argument myself. Some point and laugh at the uniform
that we wear. Well to be honest I think this will always be
the case. The uniform is there for several reasons, not least
of which is to be noticed. I was teased and 'bullied' at school
for being a scout. I simply shrugged and laughed it off. I
knew what they were missing on a Tuesday night and at weekends
and nothing they could say or do could make me enjoy my scouting
any less.
Having a 'proper' uniform enables young people to learn to
take pride in their appearance and their membership in the
movement. It takes self-discipline and self-motivation to
keep your uniform in good condition and to ensure that you
are wearing the correct uniform in the appropriate circumstance.
When I was young I too used to hide my uniform under my coat
as I walked to Scouts. Then one day I stopped and thought
about what I was doing. How could I claim to enjoy scouts
and be proud of being a scout if I was going to hide from
everyone in the street? The area that I live in is probably
just as 'rough' as most cities, with its fair share of shady
characters and 'no-gooders' hanging on street corners. I made
a mental decision one day to wear my uniform openly and with
pride (except if it was really cold, then the coat goes on.
Scouts are not stupid). I have not looked back since. When
people turn and look at me in the street I smile at them.
Scouting is alive and well today and still doing a damn good
job. Pass the word and make sure everyone knows that.
Where else can a 13 year old go camping, abseiling, canoeing,
rifle shooting, archery, golf in the same day? Where else
are they given the responsibility to look after themselves?
To put their own shelter up, plan their own camp, organise
their own transport, cook their own food, run their day themselves?
Where else can they do this in a 'safe' environment surrounded
by millions of like minded people? No, not just people but
'members of a worldwide family' in every sense of the word.
Scouting can make a difference today. If everyone adopted
the written (and unwritten) principles, guidelines, and above
all, spirit of scouting the world would truly be a better
place (a cliché maybe but one that I believe to be
true nonetheless). Even if scouting didn't change the world
then think about this...
If the scout goes home with a smile on their face then scouting
has been a job done well.
Darren Dowling
ACSL 9th Dagenham
Webmaster - Scouting Resources
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