Some of you may not believe this headline but it is true. Every time my son or I go out in uniform invariably someone will say “I didn’t know you were still around”. Scouting is not just still around but has kept up with the times. We are not the “going camping and playing dodge ball in the gym” group that so many seem to think we are. No, Scouting has definitely evolved since I was a Cub and I’m only 41.
What other organization does rapelling from the Niagara Escarpment, goes flying, does War of 1812 re-enactments at Fort George, sleepovers on World War II ships and submarines, laser tag, bowling, sleepovers at the War Plane Heritage Museum, Soapbox Derbys, Kub Kars, canoe trips, etc. and still does camping and games in the gym like dodge ball?
While all of the above is a lot of fun, the youth under the structure of Scouting also learn teamwork as well as individual skills. I have seen youth enter the program not very confident and leave with a completely different outlook.
You may have seen the movie Pay It Forward but Scouting has been doing this for 100 years in 2007. We teach the youth to respect themselves, their community and to do a good turn for someone every day.
“Do Your Best” is the Cub motto and it’s what the volunteer leaders teach the youth in their care all the time. This is not a pass/fail organization; it’s one where you challenge yourself and when you do your very best you win every time.
You often hear that Scouting is not cool but I beg to differ. Learning how to do things like campfires, cooking, setting up your own tent or any of the other skill sets involved in the 100’s of Badges and Awards is far better than sitting in front of a computer all the time. Don’t get me wrong there is nothing wrong with computer gaming but my son will always go to a Scout outing over his game cube. The areas of Badge work are boundless from Space Exploration, Snowboarding, Pet Care, Photography, Carpentry, Team Player, etc, and yes Computers as well.
While we still do what we have been doing for the last 99 years, we are doing so much more. Next time your son or daughter is looking for something to do, why not give Scouting a try?
Rob W.
Leader, 20th Burlington (ON) Cub Pack