Scoutmaster’s Minute

A Scout is Friendly.

          BSA definition – A Scout is a friend to all.  He is a brother to other Scouts.  He offers his friendship to people of all races, religions, and nations, and respects them even if their beliefs and customs are different from his own.

As summer draws to an end, Scouts are returning to school, fall sports are starting and I can’t help but to be excited for what the fall will bring in our Troop. This year we had 34 Scouts attend Summer Camp. 16 were first year summer campers. Watching young men from 4 different packs all come together, learning how to associate with one another and building friendships is a reminder to me why we are all a part of Scouting. Obviously, we teach skills and self-reliance as well as being community minded, but friendships, learning to “be a friend” to others is, in my opinion, one of the most important things we do. I am particularly proud of our second year and older scouts who not only took the lead in teaching scout skills in the campouts this spring and summer, but for their understanding that leading is not accomplished by barking out orders to others. Being a friend is the first part in making new friends, being a leader is asking your friends to come with you.

Many of you have heard me say, I met my “best friend” in scouting over 30 years ago. Of course we have had our differences, but I always knew he was there when I needed him, and he the same of me. Someday, many years from now, I hope each of you know who your friends are, and have many to help you along the way of life’s journey.

I look forward to meeting our new friends this fall as we invite our Webelo brothers to join us, and hope we remember the first part of making new friends. As always, I look forward to where our journey will take us, and hope we all remember to have fun along the way.

Yours in Scouting,

Scott Nodine