This is a speech written by Wooten Jones of Troop 215, Wilmington, NC for a Council Function in 2002. It is an excellent first person account of the meaning of Scouting to this young man, who at the time was a 16 year-old Life Scout. Thank you, Wooten.
Council Speech , 2002
When I joined Webelos scouting in 1995, I did so for two main reasons: to go camping and to shoot .22's. I still love to go camping and still love to shoot .22's, but my reasons for continuing Scouting have changed considerably.
I want to let everone here today know what an excellent program scouting is. The skills I have learned in scouting will help me throughout my life, the friends I have made have provided me with manny memories of my time in scouting and the scout oath and law have given me a blueprint of how to live my life. I believe that I am a better person through my involvement with scouting and that scouting will continue to be a major aspect of my life in the future.
As a result of my involvement with Scouting, I have learned life-saving techniques, respect for the outdoors, problem solving, camping skills, public speaking and the ever present need to "Be Prepared". By becoming a scout, you say an oath, promising to live with honor annd loyalty, to remain courageous and cheerfull and to serve your fellow man. Being a scout, especially an Eagle Scout, identifies me as a leader, someone to whom people can look for guidance; this also means that people will expect more from you at home, in school and in your everyday life.
Following the Attacks on America last fall, the American flag became a commonplace sight on cars, clothing, public buildings, homes, television, magazines and even sports uniforms. The American people adopted it as their symbol of solidarity and support during the aftermath of this tragic and horrendus event. Stores display signs that read "Proud to be an American" and "God Bless America". Red Cross experienced an unprecedented level of blood donations and organizations such as the Salvation Army received an influx of volunteers and money to help with the recovery process. Stores quickly sold out of flags in the days following September 11th and flag manufacturers have been working overtime trying to keep up with the widespread demand for American flags. Years from now, everyone will remember the patriotism and compassion exuded by the American people during this trying time.
However, the Boy Scouts didn't need to run out and buy American flags after September 11th. They literally wear their American pride on their sleeve. They know the meaning of patriotism, freedom annd the need to protect those freedoms. Every scout meeting begins with the Pledge of Allegiance and every scout promises "On My Honor" to " do his duty for God annd Country". Throughout their 92-year history, Scouts have always stood ready to serve their nation.
Helping out in their communities, doing their best in school, learning about current events adn standing up for waht is right are lall the ways that scouts strengthen America. The aftermath of the attacks on America saw people bannding together to help those displaced and affected by these acts of terrorism. They lauded and immortialized the bravery of the New York City Firefighters. The American people were bound together by their loyalty to their couuntry and concern for their fellow man. Now more than ever, America is returning to the values Boy Scouts never left.
As the events of September 11th are relegated to the annuls of history and memory and decades fade, signs change and flags grow tattered, the Boy Scouts of America will remain steadfast in their dedication to the ideals of freedom, equality and patriotism.
There is a piece commonly referred to as the "One Hundred Scouts". It shows the tremendous importance that scouting has on the development of young men. It goes as follows:
For every 100 boys that join scouting:
- 2 will become Eagle Scoouts
- 17 will later become scouting volunteers
- 12 will have their first contact wtih a church, synagogue or mosque
- 1 will enter the ministry
- 5 will earn their faith's religous award
- 18 will develop a hobby that will last through their adult life
- 1 will use his scouting skills to save his own life
- 1 will use his scouting skills to save another person's life
One of the most rpofound statements regarding the role scouting plays in the development of young men came from my father. After 21 years in police work, 13 as a Narcotics officier, and hundreds of search warrants, he has never found drugs in a room that had a scout uniform in the closet.
While the media tends to focus on the negative aspects of youth in America, they hardly ever focus on the millions of scouts doing good in our country. Young men, to whom a drive-by means waving to your neighbor as you deliver wood to the needy, who embody the characteristics of good citizens, who undoubtedly shape America's futuure.
In a few days Scouting will celebrate its 92nd anniversary. While a lot has changed in Society since 1910, the values and morals taught through Scouting are still relevant as ever. Scouting's three objectives: to build character, foster citizenship and promote fitness are ideals that the American public should take to heart and try to promote to all people, regardless of age.
Through camping and the advancement system, Scouting prepares young men for the challenges of life. Camping teaches self-reliance, teamwork, time management and the importance of doing things right the first time. Boards of review prepare many scouts for job interviews, college admission interviews and scholarship interviews. Advancement provides a goal to work towards, while teaching important skills and having fun along the way.
Part of the credit due to these young men is also due to their scoutmasters and adult volunteers. Ask any scouting volunteer about the infamous "one hour a week" and they will tell you that it quickly transofrms into 3 or 4 or 5. These volunteers give their time to aid in the development of these boys into fine, upstanding individuals and good citizens. They are the role models of good character, responsibility annd citizenship that many boys need and look up to.
To me, The Eagle Scout Charge says it all: "You are a leader, for good or ill, people will follow the example you set." By recognizing yourself as a leader, you automatically conduct yourself in a better way, you know you are a role model, someone to look up to and that encourages you to do good. You strive to be "trustworthy, loyal, helpful and friendly". You "help other people at all times" and keep yourself "physcially strong, mentally awake and morally straight"
I thank you for your time and for letting me say a few words about what Scouting means to me. I hope that you will find the Scouting program as enriching as I have and will continue with your support of such a fine program. Thank you.
(reprinted with permission from the Wooten family 2011)
