The Boy Scout tradition

The Boy Scouts have been an icon of American culture. Everyone recognizes their boys in uniforms. What I'm not sure that most people get, however, is what this organization does for young boys and men. Take a look at some of the Scout laws:

TRUSTWORTHY - A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises. Honesty is part of his code of conduct. People can depend on him.

LOYAL - A Scout is true to his family, Scout leaders, friends, school, and nation

HELPFUL - A Scout is concerned about other people. He does things willingly for others without pay or reward.

COURTEOUS - A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows good manners make it easier for people to get along together.

BRAVE - A Scout can face danger even if he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at or threaten him.

A full list of the values is available here.

The difference between these statements and a lot of empty corporate mission statements is that the Scouts live by them. Whether it's weekly meetings, getting merit badges or attending a jamboree, each activity if focused on developing these skill in young men through activity and leadership opportunities that, unfortunately, are often times not offered in school or other sports activities their involved in. It's made a difference too. Take a look at the type of people who have been involved in Boy Scouts.

OK, so this is supposedly a marketing blog, what does this have to do with marketing? Well, the Boy Scouts are celebrating their 100th anniversary in a couple of years. As part of this program, they're encouraging troops to develop logos that will become the official 100th anniversary logo. Developing the logo allows these Scouts to express their creativity as well as begin to define for themselves through this logo development what the true essence of Scouting is. If your a Scout leader or know a Scout, encourage them to submit an entry. (Full disclosure, I'm working on this project. I don't cover all the projects I work on but I strongly believe in what the Boy Scouts represent, beyond my role on this project). - Paul Herring

P.S. It's Cam in the photo, not me. He's one of those guys that are teaching these values by being a Boy Scout leader.

Comments

[Drew McLellan]

One of my employees celebrated his 10th anniversary with the company last week.

If I could clone him, I'd gladly have a few more. He's everything your post described.

He was an Eagle scout. And he still is. Clients love and trust him, his co-workers love and respect him and I thank God every day for finding him.

Here Here for the boy scouts!

Drew

[CK]

Buddy, you are batting 1000 this week. First the impressive RSS post and now...the most classic, the sweetest pic of Cam and his son.

What I love is how, in knowing Cam, he's such a perfect leader. Cam is just integrity personified in my mind.

(and his son is so cute!)

Please blog more as you rock.

[David Reich]

I'm a big believer in the value of Scouting.

The Scout Law is a good guide not only for Scouts, but for anyone in life.

I'm an Eagle Scout, by the way.

[Cam Beck]

Drew - Although so much of it is out of my hands, that's the kind of person I want to help raise. Thank you so much for sharing. It helps reinforce what I'm doing.

CK - You are always too kind to me. But Avery, on the other hand, is as cute as you say. :)

David - For some reason, it doesn't surprise me that you are an Eagle Scout. Perhaps because you're a person I admire and respect already?