Every once in a while, Scouting reminds you why it matters.
Last night I served on another Eagle Scout Board of Review. I truly enjoy these boards because they give me the chance to speak with young, remarkable men and women and to reflect on how Scouting has shaped their lives. Last night was no different.
The board usually consists of about five members. We ask questions that cover the Scout’s entire journey and invite them to reflect on how Scouting has influenced who they are today. There is always something in those forty-five minutes of questions and answers that gives me a takeaway or something new to think about.
Last night I asked what I consider a fairly standard question. I asked the Scout to think about the Scout Law, which says a Scout is:
Trustworthy
Loyal
Helpful
Friendly
Courteous
Kind
Obedient
Cheerful
Thrifty
Brave
Clean
Reverent
I asked which one of these meant the most to him.
Without hesitation, he answered kindness.
That surprised me, so I asked why. He did not pause. He did not give an answer he thought we wanted to hear. Furthermore, he spoke straight from the heart. He said everyone needs kindness, and being kind is something that improves life.
I then asked a follow-up question. If one point of the Scout Law had to be removed, which would it be?
He answered kindness.
That led to a brief discussion. If kindness mattered most to him, why remove it? His answer was simple and powerful. Being kind is something you should just do and not need to be reminded of.
Another great answer.
We then talked about his Eagle Scout project. In his paperwork, he noted that the walkway he built was on a non ADA trail and did not have to meet ADA standards. Even so, he chose to build it to those standards.
The story behind that decision was compelling. His grandfather, who has been a major force in his life, injured his leg and needed accommodations. The Scout stepped up to help him. That experience inspired him to earn the Disabilities Awareness merit badge so he could learn all he could. When it came time to plan his Eagle project, ADA accessibility was already on his mind. His thinking was that even if the trail was not ADA now, it could be someday, and the bridge would already be ready.
His future goal is to run a food truck, which led to another question. Why cooking?
He explained that his mother works, and many times he cooked for his brothers. That responsibility led to a love of cooking. He said that when he cooks, it reminds him of his brothers and his family.
Yet another thoughtful and inspiring response.
This young man was one of the most honest, down-to-earth, and respectful Scouts I have met. His goals in life are to raise a family, cook great food, be a Scout leader, and be a leader in the community.
We need more people like this.
A local troop, his mother, and his grandfather have raised a remarkable young man. He is now an Eagle Scout, and he will continue to inspire those around him, just as he inspired the entire board that night.
At this time of year we all need to pause and give a little kindness. This Scout reminded me of that, and I thank him.
-Phil Stanway