Self-Reliance

During our recent backpacking trip, gathered around the campfire, I asked the scouts to

share one of their favorite things that have happened to them since they were a scout.  Many there have been in since a cub scout, but some of the boys are new, so I knew the answers would vary.  As they shared, the conversation evolved into what scouting has done for each of them.  One shared, scouting has helped him become more self-reliant, and strengthened his confidence.  A sentiment others echoed.  As I listened and shared with them, I still struggled to wrap my brain around what was happening.  In the middle of nowhere, in the woods, was a group of scouts, sitting around a roaring fire with no worry, sharing what the program has done for them.  Honestly as I looked at the other adult leaders who were there, a since of pride came over me, not that it was my doing that led them to share the things they did, but their willingness and comfort to share.  I just facilitated.

The scouting program, when applied correctly can have an impact on skills used later in life.  I still reminisce about my experience and understand how much I gained from what I learned.  Skills such as leadership, group dynamics, problem-solving, and self-reliance just to name a few.

The idea that youth must learn self-reliance, that they at some point must depend on themselves for their success, and that the world does not revolve around them are revelations many grownups never seem to grasp well into adulthood.  What I saw that night around the campfire was the realization that they might be a part of something bigger…  The world doesn’t owe them.

I remember when things clicked for me as a teenager, using skills I learned outside of scouts.  I started cooking for myself; much to my mother’s chagrin, because of course, the kitchen was her absolute territory.  But in time I proved myself and the barrier came down and I was allowed to do more as time went on.

Last week, Mike Brown and I were teaching some first aid to a few scouts and trying to convey how important these skills are, that it may be a scout, one of the leaders, or most likely someone in their family who may need the help some day.  In trying to convey the seriousness of the situation we were simulating, Mike was very animated trying to simulate the seriousness of the situation, and one of the scouts became emotional.  Our intent was not to scare, but to make clear, yes scouting is fun, but there is also seriousness to the things we teach we hope they can apply.

Lord Baden Powell shares a Canadian quote in his book, Rovering To Success.  The saying is, “Hump your pack!” meaning carry your load yourself.  A few pages later he encourages scouts to, “go forward with confidence – don’t be content merely to defend yourself and to ward off the worst of what you may be facing, but go at it with determination to defeat it and to get an advantage out of it somehow.”  To me Baden Powell is saying to scouts:

• Take what you are learning seriously. 

• Carry your own weight.

• Believe in yourself.

• Life is not easy, but with the right skills and attitude you can make it.

So to parents know that your scouts have the knowledge they need to be successful.  I challenge all of us as parents to hone those skills enabling each scout to be the success we know they can be.