I have come to the conclusion that the hardest thing to get across when introducing members to a boy scout troop whether or not they have been a part of cub scouts or not is what exactly are we suppose to get out of scouting. To me this is not so simple because with all the experiences I have had in the movement it is hard for me to decide which I should and should not tell but after years of fact gathering and personal reflection I came across this resource from another scouter and really this is exactly what we are suppose to do and why we do the things we do. It doesn't give technical instructions in methods but gives us a general idea of what to expect from the program.
Welcome To The Boy Scouts Of America
SCOUTING promises you the great outdoors. As a Scout, you can learn how to camp and hike without leaving a trace and how to take care of the land. You'll study wildlife up close and learn about nature all around you. There are plenty of skills for you to master, and you can teach others what you have learned. Everyone helping everyone else-that's part of Scouting, too.
SCOUTING promises you friendship. Members of the troop you join might be boys you already know, and you will meet many other Scouts along the way. Some could become lifelong friends.
SCOUTING promises you opportunities to work toward the Eagle Scout rank. You will set positive goals for yourself and then follow clear routes to achieve them.
SCOUTING promises you tools to help you make the most of your family, your community, and your nation. The good deeds you perform every day will improve the lives of those around you. You will be prepared to help others in time of need.
SCOUTING promises you experiences and duties that will help you mature into a strong, wise adult. The Scout Oath and the Scout Law can guide you while you are a Scout and throughout your life.
Adventure, learning, challenge, responsibility - the promise of Scouting is all this and more.
So there it is all in a nutshell. My favorite line is the last one especially this part " the promise of Scouting is all this and more". This shows that it is impossible to tell you exactly what scouting is going to accomplish but we as the leaders of the movement have the responsibility to make sure that you get the most out of the program as possible.
Yours in Scouting Service
Mark West
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
