The Value of the Scouting Program
We often talk about the values that are taught in scouting, and there are many. Scouts learn about citizenship, leadership, duty to God, country and self, and mental and physical fitness. They are reminded to live by the scout oath and law everyday. But often overlooked is the value of the program itself. And the program is an outdoor program. Nature is a hands-on teacher, one that the scouts learn to respect and listen to. Mental and physical fitness are learned when a scout accomplishes something difficult for the first time. Leadership is learned as the scouts teach one another or as they plan and conduct their outings. Citizenship and reverence for God are learned as they learn to respect others and nature. It is by active participation in the program that a scout learns these values, not by reading the scout handbook or from listening to the adult leaders.
The scout patrols for our troop are the Dragons (0), Flaming Arrows (7), Leadership (4), Rattlesnakes (6), Scorpions (14) and Vipers (8).
The Scoutmaster's Minute