SCOUTMASTER CORNER
I want to continue talking about the methods of Scouting. The Methods of Scouting define HOW we do what we do. This month, I want to write specifically about the outdoor program. I have often said that Scouting is three-quarters outing.
There is a good reason why troop 204 makes a point of camping 12 months of the year. I know that with the cold-weather of ILST, some of you are thinking “that’s not so bad”, and others are wondering why anyone would want to camp in 20 degree weather.
In the outdoors, the skills and activities that we learned in troop meetings come alive with a purpose. In the outdoors, we learn how to live together, how to share responsibilities, and how to work together to accomplish a common purpose. The outdoors is where we face real leadership tests — making sure the patrol is fed and sheltered, keeping everyone safe, and
working together to solve problems. The Outdoors is a classroom without walls where we learn about the world around us and disconnect from our electronic world. In the outdoors we truly learn how to practice patience, respect others, do our full share, and develop lasting friendships.
There is no requirement for Scouts to attend a certain number of outdoor trips, and frankly, we rarely have to convince a Scout to head outdoors for a weekend. Scouts don’t see all the things I mentioned above, they just think it’s fun. And that is perfectly fine with me. Scouting is also a game with a purpose.
Weekend trips are when I and other leaders can really get a sense for how a Scout is living the Scout oath and law in his every day life and demonstrating Scout spirit. I cannot honestly attest to this if we don’t get to spend some time together in the outdoors.
So make sure you (or your son) attend as many trips as possible this year. It is an ideal environment to put your skills and knowledge to use, it’s a great opportunity to show your Scoutmaster your Scout spirit, and it’s fun.
BSA Troop 204 