Written by: Nick Pham
On a beautiful Sunday afternoon, my mother decided to sign me up for the Scouting program. At that time, all she thought about was to provide an environment for me to connect with other kids of my age. I was hesitant at first, but now I couldn’t possibly thank her enough for making such an eye-opening decision for me. This journey through Scouting has made my childhood more memorable than I could have ever imagined. Therefore, I’d like to give you a little insight on the precious things that Scouting has given me, and hopefully help you understand more about how wonderful your journey can be with Scouting by your side.
- A WIDE RANGE OF SKILLS
When I mention my involvement in Scouting to someone, they usually jump to the conclusion that I must be good at survival, camping and outdoor skills. Though I do indeed possess these skills, they aren’t the full extent of what I’ve acquired through being a Scout.
A fellow Scout once made a very intriguing comparison. He stated that the structure of a Scout group is basically a miniature version of a corporation or society. Taking my first steps into the Scouting world, I could attest to this comparison. This analogy became increasingly accurate when I worked within a Patrol and eventually became a Troop Leader, as it was the human and conceptual skills acquired from camping activities that really mattered to me. Being a leader, I might not be the fastest in knot tying, the most skillful in keeping a fire, or the quickest to set up a tent, but I must be the one to recognize those who are skilled in these areas and assign them to the appropriate tasks (while possessing decent knowledge of these skills myself).
From extreme weather conditions, I learned to multitask under stressful situations. By interacting with a variety of children and parents, I came to understand how to serve individuals from different backgrounds, age range and perspectives. Outdoor games, especially ones that occurred during camps helped to enhance my teamwork, communication and leaderships skills. There are also various other “soft” skills that can be practiced in the Scouting environment, such as public speaking. As long as I am committed to improving myself consistently, there is no limit to the number or level or skills that I can acquire here.
- A BIG, YET CLOSE-KNIT FAMILY
At first, Scouting was just an ordinary playground in my eyes. As time passed, the people who I once considered mere acquaintances have gradually grown to become my “brothers” and “sisters”. In short, the individuals within the Scouting community have become akin to second family. This community is a place where I can truly express myself without worrying about any repercussions or judgement.
My brothers and sisters are the ones that would teach me to gather the will to stand on my own feet, rather than pick me up every time I fall. They can make the worst jokes I have ever heard on a daily basis, yet their words in front of a glowing campfire can be the most insightful pieces of wisdom I have ever heard. These Scouters have been there for me since my very first bike ride, my first break up, my graduation and so forth. They are also there when I want to take a break from the chaos of life at the present, and reflect on the spectacular times I had during my childhood.
Up to this point, I still do not possess the knowledge to understand what it is that has allowed us to bond so perfectly like this. Is it because Scouting can make up for what we’re lacking in our lives? Or is it due to the fact that everyone does not need to be anxious about being judged by their academic status, their imperfect appearances or differences in financial stability? Whatever the reason might be, I strongly believe that this family will be warm and welcoming to anyone that decides to join.
The relationships I’ve established here aren’t limited to a specific Scout group, a single city or even a particular country, since the Scouting movement is recognized internationally. In my point of view, this can make a significant difference throughout one’s life. When I left my beloved country, Vietnam, to pursue my dreams here in Canada, it was my belief in an international Scouting family that made my arrival in a different country much less frightening, and quite an exciting experience instead. Knowing that there will always be people who I can count on at my destination gives me considerable peace of mind. I would like to conclude this section by saying that if you are applying the Scout Law and Scout Promises in your daily lives, you will be welcomed by Scouting communities in almost any part of the world that you decide to travel to.
- THE MOST VALUABLE ASSET
If there was one piece of evidence on the impact of Scouting, that would obviously be myself.
The Scout Law has helped me a lot in terms of processing the information I absorb and, thus, shaping how I view the world in a more positive way. The motto “Be Prepared” is always there to remind me that life is a challenge where I must always be ready to transform any opportunities into successes. The strict yet forgiving nature of this environment has trained me to cherish every chance I get, but at the same time has allowed me to learn from my mistakes and improve my performance. Moreover, the various individuals in Scouting have taught me to be open-minded and be flexible when interacting with other people.
From my own experience, Scouting is definitely not a place that allows you to advance without learning any significant lessons. It is a place where I have to learn and unlearn continuously to adapt. This is the environment where creativity and passion are always tested, where more power equates to more responsibilities and where leaving legacy becomes a privilege. Thus, training in this spectacular type of background is the reason why I can always see my improvement whenever I look back.
THE VERDICT
If you have read until now, I would like to express my deepest appreciation for your time spent. I acknowledge the fact that, like any other influential movements out there, this might not be your cup of tea; but I hope that the insight into the treasures that Scouting has given me will give you some incentive of joining, staying or contributing to a Scout group.
#onceascoutalwaysascout #scouting #gratefulness