Posted on 02/09/2005 7:45:29 PM PST by SandRat
For the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts, this is a big week.
The two groups celebrate anniversaries - the Boy Scouts celebrate No. 95 and the Cub Scouts celebrate No. 75.
In those many years, millions of boys through a number of generations have participated in the Scouting program, learning about responsibility, respect, honesty, doing a good turn and learning skills to help them succeed in life.
These are the characteristics the organization is known for.
Boy Scouting, and its younger sibling Cub Scouting, give young men and boys a chance to test and expand their skills. They learn about practical knowledge. They learn about themselves.
And in an age when television seems to rule the lives of many children, Scouting takes boys out into nature and helps them enjoy their surroundings, setting a foundation that continues this nation's love for the outdoors.
Scouting has faced challenges in recent years, mainly over its stance regarding gay leaders. In the United States, the organization has found itself being banned by public bodies that don't want to support an organization scarred by bad publicity.
But the uniform of Scouting is still one that draws attention and respect. Attaining the rank of Eagle Scout, the organization's highest honor, is still meaningful, not just because it is the highest rank, but because it means a young man has tested himself and succeeded.
And that's where Scouting is beneficial today - in giving young men confidence and allowing them to know they can succeed.
We say happy birthday to Scouting. Thank you for continuing to play a role in developing young men in each generation.
On my Honor, I will do my best........
Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) - http://www.alliancedefensefund.org
Thomas More Law Center (TMLC) - http://www.thomasmore.org
American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) - http://www.aclj.org
The Rutherford Institute - http://www.rutherford.org/
Stop the ACLU Coalition - http://www.stoptheaclu.org
Here are a few examples of how two of those organizations are fighting back:
ADF Contacts Over 3,600 School Districts Over Attempts To Censor Christmas
ADF: 700 lawyers ready to fight ACLU lawsuits
ADF: Pentagons' Warning About Boyscouts Is Absurd
Thomas More Law Center: Town of Palm Beach Pays $50,000 In Attorney Fees Apologizes To Women In Nativity Lawsuit
Additional information:
The ACLU must be destroyed: Joseph Farah supports Boy Scouts, urges Americans to fight back
Citizens mobilized to stop ACLU (seeks to consign group to 'ash heap of history')
ACLU fulfilling communist agenda
Revealing FACTS on the ACLU from its own writings
See how YOUR Senator or Representative ranks with the ACLU
This group just started on December 3, 2004 and are looking for new members to their yahoo group
I don't think there was a more positive influence in my life than Boy Scouts.
... to do my duty to God and my country ...
Next, please? Carry it on.
Scouting in it's charter and structure is a splendid way to help build both girls and boys into responsible young individuals. Like many of us Freepers I had the opportunties to advance through scouting and sea explorers. Many fine memories and outdoor skills where learned and used through the years. My two brothers, wifes, sons and daughters all have been involved as well. So I come from a family that sees the values scouting can bring to not only the young people but for parents that participate. Their rewards are often great.
That's why I went from Bobcat to Lion then Tenderfoot to Life (didn't make Eagle as I caught the three deadly sins. Girls, Cars, and a job to support the first two!)
Got my son involved in '86 as a Tiger and hit every rank on the way finally making Eagle w/3 Palms and a Bronze Hornaday Conservation Medal before he was 18. I'm still in working at the District level. So you know I think it's the best.
To help other people,
To give aid and comfort to my family, friends, neighbors, and strangers in need
At all Times,
Unfailingly, never ceasing, and unendingly whenever it is needed now and for the rest of my life
To keep myself physically strong...
To be trustworthy in all things.
Loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, and kind.
To learn obedience and practice cheefulness and thrift.
To be brave, clean and reverent.
Above all, to keep myself physically strong,
Mentally awake and Morally straight.
To be prepared at all times to do my duty
To God and my country, and to do a good turn
To someone everyday.
Something that I noticed in 20+ years of active duty was that when a new guy joined your unit, straight out of AIT for Army guys and I guess it's A School for Marines, you knew just from how he kept his gear and how he handled himself living in the field, or with a map and compass, night navigation tables, if he was a scout or not. Scouts were sharp.
... to do my duty to God and my country
And to obey the Scout Law.
To keep myself Physically Strong, M . . . .
Carry it on
Hadn't heard that since the start of resident Woodbadge in July of '04. You're gonna make an old Scout mist up.
I WILL lead my Patrol by my initiative and my personal example, in Scoutcraft knowledge as well as in Scout Spirit.
I WILL plan, with my Scouts, the Patrol's activities--meetings, hikes, Good Turns, special projects--and will carry them out to the best of my ability.
I WILL train my Assistant Patrol Leader to lead the Patrol in my absence, and give each of the other Scouts a chance to do some leading in the Patrol.
I WILL keep well ahead of my Patrol in advancement, and will help my Scouts to advance by training them and examining them in Scout Requirements.
I WILL set an example for my Patrol by wearing my Scout Uniform at all Scout activities, and will urge my Scouts to do the same.
I WILL be responsible for the routine business of the Patrol attendance, dues, and the like--but will get some other Patrol member to keep the records.
I WILL make a special effort to be a friend to each Scout of my Patrol, and to know his home, his parents, his school or work, so that I may truly be able to help him.
As a Leader in the Troop
I WILL faithfully attend all sessions of the Patrol Leaders' Council to receive training for my job and to do my part in planning the program of the Troop.
I WILL represent my Patrol at Patrol Leaders' Council, bringing before the Council the wishes of my Patrol, and taking back to my Patrol the decisions of the Council.
I WILL promote the whole-hearted, punctual and well-disciplined participation of my Patrol in all Troop activities.
My son didn't make Eagle either, but he was a Marine! good trade.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.