"Be always ready with your armor on, except when you are taking your rest at night."
This statement from the Knights code in my opinion ties directly back to the Scout Motto which is "Be Prepared". When looking at the first part "Be Always ready" we can just replace Be Prepared and we still get exactly the same meaning. Be Always ready for knights meant always being willing and able to save and protect the innocent whenever duty calls, this is basically talking about the ultimate sacrifice of a person giving a life in service of others. We as scouts are not normally called upon to give the ultimate sacrifice but we are still called up to be ready/ be prepared to give your gifts to others.
Again looking at this statement as a huge metaphor for today's time armor would be the tools needed to carry out your assigned job. Examples include a doctor with a stethoscope, a journalist with a pencil or a firefighter with his gear. This examples all are examples of armor in todays world. A knights armor would be that of his sword and protective clothing. But lets get back to the actual topic and focus on what a scout's armor would be. A scouts armor would be his skills in camping, cleaning, personal care, and emergency preparedness.
The only time a scout should take of his armor aka his skills is when he has died or when he is resting in order to better serve others and take care of his body. Yes this is a lot to ask of a any boy young or old but as scouts we are called to a higher level of being, which is to serve and care for others and yourself to the best of your power that is within reasonable boundaries. We are not asking for super heroes but are asking for people to live with high standards in a world that willing continually throw in your face that high standards are not important and that money should be the ultimate goal. Money is not the most important thing in life. The most important thing in your life should be to stick to your values at all costs.
Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
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