Eagle Scout

What now?

Charles Barjon – August 13, 2018

Introduction

You might be asking yourself what is an Eagle Scout, and why it matters so much. Well you see in Scouting (Boy Scouting) “Eagle” is the highest rank one can earn. Many of us start out in Cub Scouts and eventually work our way up through Boy Scouts. I personally started in the Second grade in Cub Scouts. I then in the fifth grade transitioned into Boy Scouts (2011).

Boy Scouts is a program in which young boys ( and now girls too) can learn core morals as well as adventure throughout the forest. Scouting has taught my peers and I how to respect all who cross our paths. The first thing we learn are our Oath and Law, two statements that we adhere to. The Oath reads, “On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.” And more importantly the Scout Law reads, “A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.” The two statements alone build a foundation for years to come.

You’re now wondering well what else do these “Scouts” live by. The Scout motto and Slogan; “Be prepared” and “ Do a good turn daily” are additions to our core focus. When we pour each of these ingredients into our melting pot we create Scout Spirit. You could view this as the flame within each scout that lives by the Law and Oath. Scout Spirit is not only seen in doing hours of community service and leadership but, it is seen at home. Washing dishes, doing your homework, and cleaning your house; chores is the subliminal message.

Scouting at its core is all about leading. Leading by example that is, creating morally straight young men (women). We are pushing out responsible individuals into our society; doing our part to make the world a better place.

Now what?

My journey is most definitely not over; I have just started. Now that I have obtained my Eagle Scout rank after years of dedication and commitment I now have to represent the Boy Scout of America. Every where I go digitally or physically I carry an enormous load. Not only do I represent Eagle Scouts around the nation but I represent my troop and the organization as a whole.Consider it an Alumni relationship, now that I have left I must hold up the ideals that I have learned.

Down the road this means becoming an Adult Leader within my Troop and volunteering to teach scouts and adults the very basics of scouting. This means donating hours of my time to people who can not reciprocate. Moving along, this means I can give another young child what I have experienced.  All in all, after nearly twelve years of Scouting , the core moral compass that I now have is going to forever point to my responsibilities in society. 

-Live Righteously- ©