Why We Scout by Gerald "Big Jar" Yungling


Why we Scout and what it means to be a Scout is something different to everyone.  From the founding of Scouts in 1910 under Baden-Powell, coming to America under William D. Boyce to the movement we know today, the idea and ideal of Scouting has been expressed in many ways.  One of the current catchphrases used by BSA is "Fun with a purpose."  But what's the purpose?

For me, the purpose of Scouts is to "Raise Good Men."  But what does that mean, and how is that accomplished through Scouts?  To me a good man is one who lives and expresses true and authentic masculinity.  As I see, this is taught in Scouts in four basic ways.

First, adventure.  If you ask the ubiquitous "man on the street" what Scouts do, you will likely hear about camping and other outdoor activities.  In fact, Scouts began when British Army General Baden-Powell returned from serving in Africa to find that English boys had acquired copies of a wilderness survival field manual he had written for his soldiers.  So certainly outdoor adventure is one of the main themes of Scouting.  But again, what does that have do with being a "Good Man?"  Does being able to use a compass or start a fire with flint and steel have any real world relevance in this day of GPS and disposable lighters?  No.  But nature has a way of removing the distractions and non-essentials of life and taking us back to the basics.  Nature teaches, challenges and inspires us like little else can.

Second, character building.

Third, community service.

Finally, leadership.