Chaplain’s Corner: A Scout is Kind...But it’s Not Easy!

On the last camp out of 2018, I challenged the attending Scouts to make 2019 a special year by observing one “special point” of the Scout Law. Of course we are held accountable for all the law, yet I want scouts to have their “special point” to concentrate in 2019.

The scouts learned on Saturday, that “A Scout is Kind” is my special point of the Law. I noticed some of the faces think that one point is sure easy.

It could be easy if they are nice to you. I was working with one of my therapists that was not nice to me. In fact, I personally believe she was down right mean. I told the scouts I think she ate rusty nails for breakfast. There were a few times I wanted to hide my Scout Shirt and give her a good verbal lashing. However, a scout leader must set the example by obeying all the Scout Law not just one or two points.

I eventually had to ask a former leader to offer me assistance because I couldn’t do it myself. Sometimes we need help of other people. This retired leader did that for me. In the end I did follow that point “A Scout is Kind”, but let me tell you it wasn’t easy. On my last day the therapist and I hugged each other and said good bye. It is not always easy to follow the points of the law, but it does pay off in the long run.

Let’s make 2019 a great year by picking one point and concentrating on it. Next year when we gather around our camp out Christmas table we will all be able to share how we helped make 2019 a great year.

Have a happy and healthy New Year.

~ Mr. Dave Seraphin, Chaplain, Sugar Grove Boy Scout Troop 41 (December 2018)