Thoughts on the 400th post

Today is the 400th post on the long form Scouting and Me blog and for a variety of reasons there's a few less on the Tumblr so it is as well to consider today where we have got and how things will be going forward.

The first thing to say is it has become harder to find the images that really fit the blog because on Tumblr we have lost many of the blogs that dealt with youth organizations and one is being awkward with me.

For me any image has to tell or otherwise fit in telling a story around three main areas, boys youth organizations, scouting and what scouting means to me which is what this blog and the Tumblr is all about.

Any and all are written in a way that respects, and supports what it is they do even if I may disagree with elements not least past decisions because the objective of all is what actually matters the most.

That is why even in this trying times with the Coronavirus situation that has lead to the postponement of face to face scouting in the form of meetings, activities and camps, leaders are ensuring activities and awards are going on and where it can help, it does.

Those values are supported as they themselves transform me through the practise of them in my life being a very different adult little boy than the one who started this blog because I accept that if those today had the opportunity I was denied can move on and grow in scouting then not only so can I but more to the point, I should.

I should be able to look any boy in the eye and show that I am at least his equal physically strong, emotionally and morally responsible with a strong 'can do, stick at it ness' sense of vigor about me.

That as I adapt to our changed world is where this blog and I are at.

Stateside Cub

It was a long time coming but the 1972 US Boy Scouts uniform did look more obviously a scout one from a British perspective as for many years American boys of the BSA held out for their longs and having the odd idea long socks were for girls which is mo more true than saying ankle socks aren't.

Boys socks never come with bows or geometric patterns in the knit like Pereline girls socks do nor lace trimming!

Exploring in changed times

Although there are restrictions around how far you can go for exercise currently it is possible to scout, explore and walk although textbook hiking with camping between points is very much off limits as is using a car to get to a location.

This was one place within permitted travel distance I got to where there are farms and a nursery just beyond the built up area which with being vulnerable I am keeping away from as much as I can.

As you'll see saplings have been planted and the daffodils are out 

Accomplished

Standing fully upright with your Standard, proud of what has been achieved, a feeling I do know having done things against the odds before now.

The Race

All the excitement of being pushed by a team to see how can do a circuit the quickest in a competition for older scouts really brings everything out as the younger ones look on roaring with enthusiasm.

One suspects this is a biggish gathering of some sort as it taking place in a properly marked sports field in central Europe. 

Making our way

Rather like the snail, the scout carries his possessions on his back while exploring prepared to set up camp where needed and containing just what he absolutely needs and nothing more on what is a sunny day.

Today was rather sunny while I was out.

Fun on the farm

While I am pretty they wouldn't be on a tractor that close today, tractors are part of the Countryside many do visit if not actually live in and today while exploring alone I saw one going across a field plowing this morning.

Being active indoors

A scout leader and scouts out in public. One common way of both raising awareness and being involved in the wider community is to help pack peoples bags at supermarkets.

Sea Scouts

Among the many forms of Scouting one of the most distinct is that of the Sea Scouts whose uniforms reflecting Navy patronage, owes a little to the Sailor Suit.

Here they are standing to attention on the parade ground looking smart although one boys shorts need taking up a little before doing drill and marching in time the discipline involved in   it being of invaluable benefit to boys

Resilience

Bear Grylls was recently interviewed on BBC Radio 2. He was asked what he’d take on an expedition and his answer was ‘That never-give-up spirit.’.

To me that was just brilliant as it is that helps you get through life, being a Scout helps you develop resilience – the ability to cope with these pressures and bounce back.

The six ways to build resilience

Have a go at something new (and be prepared to fail).

Learn and pass on a skill

Spend a night away.

Chat with someone different to you.

Achieve something as part of team

Learn to pick yourself up, start again and bounce back

This is why I embraced the principles and spirit of being a Wolf Cub and why as much as I'm continuing to learn though it I am a much stronger boy for it which was proved while I was away and will help in our current Corona emergency. 

Scouting during the Coronavirus outbreak

In the current conditions we're living in, looking for a sense of direction may seem hard as much as having one is important.
While face to face meetings events and activities in the Scout Association and GirlGuiding UK have been suspended to minimize the risk to young people and adults in scouting as with the other members of the Scouting family, scouts are finding ways of helping them not just cope but in offering to the wider community service.
As well Scouting is developing fun activities to help those children who have to self isolate with their families.
At such moments, the very values of scouting are needed and why in changed ways scouting is continuing.

Exploring anew

Out exploring with route and possibly a description of what they well see along the way the young scouts go exploring, enjoying the adventure.

They joy of such a adventure was something I felt yesterday when went along an area I hadn't explored for a few years which had changed a little chatting to people and admiring the spring views.

We're There

Scouts pose as their flags are displayed with boyish enthusiasm and high spirits for the official photograph together having made their camp. 

Lending a hand

Helping out is something that comes into being a scout and here this boy is supplying man power, turning the crank around at this camp event.

Getting it assembled

The team sets upon the task of assembling the tents for the duration of their stay, carefully threading the canvas through the frame neatly ready for the first night having identified a suitable spot.

Achievement

A good deal of distance in the journey travelled, you sit down and take in the fruits of your labour as that scout who found the inner strength to continue on when others may have given up.

This week has been taxing but I rose to the challenge thanks to the lessons I have learned through the practise of Scouting.

Location for scouting

When one considers the many places worthy of a Scout to explore the Cheviot Hills in Northumberland is a strong contender and here a wild goats with its impressive horns is around this area that you need to follow the path through.

I went through similar fields remembering the Countryside Code last month.

Inspiration from "The Man"

What B-P said was quite true and remains timely when some have a massive sense of personal entitlement and a part of what Scouting is doing to challenging some long standing attitudes of mine.

Anyone can be a scout

Troop 446 Boy Scouts meeting in the community center of the Ida B. Wells Housing Project, Chicago, 1942, showing Scouting is for all regardless of race or social class.

B-P

Lord and Lady Baden-Powell would be celebrating their birthdays on , 22February.

This day is marked by all in Scouting as Founders Day

Pix from the source than cannot be disclosed

The Boy Scout

While I have talked a little on here about Cubs and Wolf Cubs the point always was you passed on the next section which is Scouts (or as originally Boy Scouts) from around 10 and half years of age.

This is an actual membership card from 1965 two years before the changes came in so you can see what you would of been given when you handed in your old one upon transition which lists badges you could earn for both Public Service and Proficiency and what by way of aims you are expected to work toward as a Boy Scout.

A boy at 15 would if continuing in Scouting hand this card in for his Senior  Scout Card which historically at least tends to face more challenges from other interests such as films and movies apart from romantic impulses.

Rather like with Wolf Cubs or post 1967, Cubs, the Boy Scout also had annual publications whose content was geared around what you'd need and be interested in to gain your badges as that Boy Scout.

This 1961 edition of the Pathfinder Annual is a good example of one which also shows how pre 1967, the Boy Scout uniform that featured shorts and long socks with garters, just that bit more grown up from his Wolf Cub uniform.

Birthday

Although I may well be elsewhere for much of today it is the Birthday of this Wolf Cub in Spirit who is growing through the application of Scouting principles, moving along while enjoying experiences I never managed before.

Scouting was ALWAYS for this boy and is a core part of me.

A unit as one

A scout leader very much loved and in charge of his pack, he helps mould them into being the best boys they can.

For me that part of giving in to the Old Wolf and not giving up was always the most difficult due to trust issues but it is something I am getting better with because it's the bedrock for boys like me to move on.

Traditional scouting today

Wigton Baden-Powell Scouts with leader Julie Bryceson photographed last year after winning a lottery award to help develop scouting for their colony established in 1988.

It is good to know that traditional looking branches of Scouting remain popular providing what it is boys (and girls) really need adapting to the times but upholding the tried and tested program B-P himself set out rather than trying to be cool or competing directly with adventure centres such as those provided by PGL.

PGL are brilliant but it is minus the moral and spiritual import that builds up a young person's character enabling them to fulfill their full potential .

I'm leader

Standing with your troop at the rendezvous point, considering your next steps before resuming, this is one way to learn real leadership skills.

A history of Cubs in 100 Words