By Steven Davis, Scout President
Scout on!
As we head into a new year, and continue to tire against ongoing restrictions, my challenge to all of you; Scout On!
I’m writing this article in the middle of December where state-wide restrictions were extended. Again. It’s tough, frustrating, and we all want to find ways we can be out doing the things we enjoy. And while it’s difficult to get out and do all the things we want, there are certainly ways we can.
Many of our schools today teach “Growth Mindset” to our children and there are lessons within having a growth mindset in which we can all benefit. For me, it’s exploring ways we CAN do things vs reasons why we cannot. And that’s an extension of my challenge to Scout On – Scout On and looks for ways you CAN.
- While most units cannot meet in person due to size, Dens and Patrols can (and can most certainly do so in the coming weeks), to have back yard campouts or hikes in our glorious mountains.
- Fire Mountain is open for day use and family use overnight – take advantage of our beautiful camp, the seclusion, the peace, the trails, and the fish. There’s plenty of firewood.
- Consider hosting a unit Scouting for Food Drive. This is really easy for an individual scout to flyer their own neighborhood, collect food, and deliver it to their local food back (or to pool all the food collected and deliver to a single food bank). Our foodbanks need support, especially in January and February where donations are typically reduced.
- Encourage peers to help each other with advancement or merit badges – even if this is online, 1:1 interaction (with proper adult supervision) is tremendously helpful.
Scouting units thrive when they have ongoing program. While our statewide restrictions are likely going to last for a few more weeks or months, our program doesn’t have to stop. Moreover, the impact we bring to our communities and our own mental health when we have the opportunity to participate in meaningful programs is critical.
Scouting makes a difference. And we can make a difference if we can focus on a growth mindset, figure out ways we CAN do things, and continue to SCOUT ON!
