Scoutmaster Minute—A Scout is Loyal

A Scout is Loyal.  A Scout is loyal to those to whom loyalty is due.

When we think of being loyal, we think of standing by our country, and our state.  We are loyal to our church and our family.  We are loyal to our school.

When we join Boy Scouts, we pledge our loyalty to our Patrol and Troop.  In Cub Scouts, the Law of the Pack was that the Cub helps the Pack go and the Pack helps the Cub Scout grow.  In Boy Scouts we each help the Patrol and Troop, and the Patrol and Troop help us.

That’s the key with loyalty.  It’s not a one-way street.  Your Patrol and Troop are only as good as you make them.

You get out of Scouts what you put in.  You give loyalty to those to whom loyalty is due, and they will return loyalty to you.

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Scoutmaster Minute—A Scout is Trustworthy

Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox

The Scout Law says:

A Scout is trustworthy. A Scout tells the truth. He is honest, and he keeps his promises. People can depend on him.

We all know the story of Pinocchio, the little boy whose nose grew every time he told a lie. It’s a good thing our noses don’t grow whenever we fib, or it would be a lot more difficult to move around in a crowded room.

It’s not our nose that grows when we don’t tell the truth. It’s our honor that shrinks when we are not honest, when we don’t keep our promises.

It’s not always easy to keep your word. It takes a big man to get up early to help out your fellow Scouts on a service project, or go out in the cold to compete in the Klondike Derby.

But eventually people will figure out if you are somebody they can rely on. Who would you rather trust? A guy who’s honor is the size of Paul Bunyan, or Pinnochio?

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Scoutmaster Minute—The Scout Salute and Handshake

Our Scout salute and handshake are ancient signs of bravery and respect. Back in the days when George Washington was general of the Continental Army, men carried weapons for their protection. When they met one another there was an uneasy moment as each watched the other’s right hand. If it went toward his sword or gun, there was a battle, but if it went to his hat it was a salute of friendship or respect.

The left-handed shake comes to us from the Ashanti warriors whom Baden-Powell knew over a hundred years ago in South Africa. He saluted them with his right hand, but the Ashanti chieftains offered their left hands and said: “In our land only the bravest of the brave shake hands with the left hand, because to do so we must drop our shields and protection.”

The Ashanti knew of General Baden-Powell’s bravery, for they had fought both against him and with him, and they were proud to offer him the left-handed shake of bravery.

During February, we will honor the birthday of two brave men: General Washington, founder of our nation, and General Baden-Powell, founder of our Scouting movement. As you use the Scout salute and handshake, remember these two great men.

(from p.12 in BSA Troop Program Resources)