by Ross Francis

Have you ever asked what you get for your Scouting money? It’s a fair question.

You receive great value: trained leaders providing an excellent program which will have a positive impact on the education and development of children and youth. But how much is that worth? Whatever it costs – within reason, of course.

Let’s look at Scouts Canada’s Mission Statement. The Mission of Scouting is to contribute to the education of young people, through a value system based on the Scout Promise and Law, to help build a better world where people are self-fulfilled as individuals and play a constructive role in society.

Scouts Canada believes that children and youth who we help develop will turn out to be people…
With freedom and integrity; 
clean of thought and true of heart, strong of will, responsible and self-reliant, with personal commitments for their lives, consistent and true to their word.

Ready to serve others;
involved in their community, defenders of their own, and other people’s rights, pledged to democracy and committed to development, lovers of justice and promoters of peace who value human labour, and build their families on love, are aware of their own dignity and that of others, and who share with everybody joyfully and affectionately.

Creative people;Mbr /> who leave the world better than they find it, and strive for the integrity of the natural world, learning continually and searching for ways still unexplored, who do their work well and, free from the hunger to possess, are independent of material things.

Spiritual people;
with a healthy sense of life, who open their hearts to God, live their faith joyfully and make it part of their daily life, who are open to dialogue and understanding, and respect the rights and beliefs of others.

Wouldn’t it be nice if everybody had an opportunity to experience Scouting and develop these character traits?! Scouts Canada believes (as did our founder, Baden-Powell) that the world would be a better place if all people had the chance to share in the Scouting adventure. It is this belief that drives us forward, trying to get Scouting programs to as many youth as possible throughout Canada. Our success is measured in numbers – numbers of children and youth who have the opportunity to grow using Scouting’s proven methods. The more people we help, the better. We want everyone to model the character traits identified above.

Leader Testimonial?
Not long ago a Scouter wrote a letter to the National Office that others should hear too. Following is the letter…

Years ago, shortly after my son was born, I met one of my former Scouts in a store. I hadn’t seen him for quite some time so we had a lot to catch up on. We talked about the fun we had experienced camping, canoeing and hiking.

Then this former Scout said, “I really enjoyed those times. I think I’d like to be a leader someday so I can help more children. Who knows, perhaps I’ll even be your son’s leader one day.”

This made me stop and think. Wow, I’ve played a significant role in this person’s life. Now he wants other children and youth to have the same experience and benefits.

All Scouting leaders should take great pride in what they are doing. They’re helping to make Canada and the world a better place. How can anyone put a price on that? Whatever it costs – within reason – it’s a bargain!

Thank you!