I learned my first real-life skills as a member of Troop 276 in Huntington, NY, in the 1970s. Mr. Deveau was our Scout Master. Mr. Johnson was our wilderness training instructor. At the peak of my Boy Scout career, I was Senior Patrol Leader, Order of the Arrow; I had 48 merit badges, I was getting ready for my interview for Eagle Scout (the highest rank), and loving every second of my participation in the admittedly paramilitary organization. The life lessons learned are with me to this day.
The Scout Law — Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent — and, most importantly, the Scout Motto — “Be prepared.” — are truly words to live by. I still try to live up to them every day.
Oaths don’t mean much today, but the Boy Scout Oath is: “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 at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.” We would all be better off if more people valued these core principles.
I did not need to look any of this up or seek a printed reference; all I needed to do is think about some very special times as a Scout. The time when a flash flood almost took out my whole troop. A weekend spent navigating level 5 rapids with my friends, or countless days learning how to track animals (for photography, not food), learning to live off the land, learning to use firearms responsibly and safely, camping with just what you could carry for two-week trips (with one supply stop after seven days), solving seemingly insurmountable problems with a group of friends who shared a common goal, singing songs about things we all experienced, being part of the natural world and testing ourselves so far beyond our comfort zones that every challenge was literally life-changing.
This was the Boy Scouts I will remember. I know that the BSA did not evolve. I know there were scandals. I know it was an imperfect business model run by a bunch of bureaucrats who doomed it to failure. However, I also know what the organization meant (and still means) to me and the young men I grew up with. I am very sad to see how it devolved and ultimately ended.
To my friends at Troop 276, Philmont, Woodworth Lake, TMI, OA, and scouts around the world, please continue to “Do a Good Turn Daily.”
Author’s note: This is not a sponsored post. I am the author of this article and it expresses my own opinions. I am not, nor is my company, receiving compensation for it.