A Scout is Resourceful

Knowledge is of two kinds. We know a subject ourselves, or we know where we can find information on it. – Samuel Johnson If the Scout Law was ever expanded I would vote for the addition of ‘resourceful’.

Elements of resourcefullness are reflected in the ninth point of the law ‘thrifty’: A Scout works to pay his own way and to help others. He saves for the future. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.

Knowing where to look for answers is as important as knowing the answer.

Scoutmasters foster resourcefullness by asking questions (guided discovery) than by offering advice or giving directions.

I am reminded of a dark, cold, wet, long Novemeber night guiding a youth group over Indian Pass in the Adirondacks. All but one of our flashlights had given out from the cold and rain. The only way to make progress on the rocky, steep trail surrounded by heavy forest was to light the trail ahead. The group would hike twenty yards or so up the trail until they could not see, then the light would move up to the head of the group and light the trail ahead again.

Leapfrogging our way over several miles was slow, but steady. Our role in Scouting is similar – illuminate the trail ahead by asking questions, by tapping the resourcefullness of our Scouts. We mustn’t hand things to them so much as guide them in the process of finding out for themselves.

Where are the answers? Some are in within ourselves, some are beyond ourselves.

Scouts must learn the basics of finding answers to a variety of challenges – a crucial life skill. We build this skill incrimentally by asking the right questions.