Scoutmaster Minute—Persistence

SM Minute—Persistence

Ahead of the Presidents’ Day holiday, I’d like to share a quote from Calvin Coolidge, who was our thirtieth president, serving from 1923 to 1930.  He was known as a man of few words—one of his nicknames was “Silent Cal,” but here’s one thing he said:

“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence.  Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent.  Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb.  Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts.

Persistence and determination are omnipotent. The slogan ‘press on’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”

.

(adapted from Troop Program Resources, p.9)

.

Arrow of Light: Four Winds

Image via Wikipedia

Four Winds Ceremony for Arrow of Light

Den Leader:  Our Pack is gathered to recognize some of our brothers who have achieved the highest rank in Cub Scouting, the Arrow of Light. Second Year Webelos Scouts, please step forward with your parents.

The Founders of Scouting learned many things from those who came before us. They learned of the Lenni Lenape who lived in the cradle of our new American nation. The Lenape believed that the Great Father created this Earth and the Four Winds. He sent four spirits, the Manitou, to care for the Four Winds.

North Wind: I am the North Wind. People say I am cold, but you have grown to accept me because you have been true-blue Scouts and have lived up to the Law of the Pack. Accept others that you meet on your scouting trail.

South Wind: I am the South Wind. Over hill and dale I have blown fair and warm on your outdoor adventures as you explored the world around you. As Cub Scouts you have been cheerful and friendly – a credit to your den and pack. Continue to be cheerful and friendly as you follow the Scout Law.

East Wind: I am the East Wind. I bring the worst of storms on my gusts. Through the challenges you faced in Cub Scouts, you have shown that you are brave and helpful to others. Remain brave in the face of hardship and keep looking for ways to help those in need.

West Wind: I am the West Wind. I bring warmth, fair weather, and blue skies. You have shown yourself to be a trustworthy Webelos scout, loyal to your den of brothers. Loyalty and trust will fill your life with fair skies and good friends as you scout outside our Pack.

All Winds: (in unison) We will be with you forever. We wish you the best of luck in your travels and experiences on the Scouting trail.

.

(adapted from Boy Scout Trail.com Crossover Ceremony.  I asked five Boy Scouts whose brothers are in the Pack to help, each reading one Wind and the other handing each Cub a real arrow donated by our local archery shop.  I added the reference to the Lenape in honor of the Order of the Arrow. We do AoL at start of Blue & Gold Banquet, then do bridging ceremony, using the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout Motto, and Scout Slogan, at end)

.