We set aside today to celebrate the United State’s 238th year of independence. Have you considered the individual “independence day” that is the aim of a Scouter’s work?
It’s independence day when Scouts stand on their own two feet, overcome obstacles, best challenges, and take the initiative to set their own path forward.
These strides forward into adulthood may look small to us, but fireworks are going off in their hearts and minds.
Do you remember what that was like?
It’s only the perspective of years that show the first tenuous steps we took as a nation would succeed. Can you imagine what it must have been like to make a stand for independence against such overwhelming odds? We certainly owe what we celebrate today to the bravery and careful stewardship of those who led us forward in uncertain times.
Like them our Scouts are battling against the odds. The path to adulthood is beset with difficulties and dangers, they need all the help they can get!
We must be brave enough to let them move forward, to lend support and counsel without compromising their initiative.
Every step, every challenge , every obstacle, builds resilience and character that prepares them for responsible adulthood and citizenship.
Our work is making it possible, keeping it real, and celebrating each individual independence day with support and encouragement.
Our Scouts are moving towards independence through uncertain territory we’ve crossed ourselves.
Our job is not eliminating the obstacles they will encounter, but offering the support they need to make it through to their own independence day.
