A Scout is Obedient - Scoutmaster Minute

A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobeying them.

Unquestioning obedience is often the first casualty of adolescence. The most healthy adolescence is likely to be a messy, capricious process.

Maturing minds yearning for independence naturally question authority as they search for internal moral integrity. With the usual exceptions for health and safety it is best to give this search a fair amount of latitude.

Scouting’s intriguing mix of uniformity, self determination and group dynamics centered on a set of principles provide a rich environment for discovery.

Blind obedience is as dangerous as blind rebellion.

Scouts who are allowed to question authority and assert some independence are more likely to form a moral basis for their future than those expected to render unquestioning obedience.