To the Editor:
Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts have a rich heritage on Martha’s Vineyard. I often hear some elder Vineyarder tell me how he was in Scouting as a boy and how Scouting helped him throughout his life. Today, modern Scouting gives boys ages 6 to 18 an opportunity to experience things otherwise not available on the Island. From the pinewood derby to hiking to sleeping next to a campfire, Scouting is fun.
As a worldwide brotherhood, Scouting is unique. It is based on the principles of loving and serving God, of human dignity and the rights of individuals, and of finding out one’s true potential. It is a movement dedicated to bringing out the best in people. Cub Scouting doesn’t emphasize winning as an end result, but rather the far more demanding task of doing one’s best.
When Scouting can help nurture courage and kindness and allow boys to play, to laugh, to develop their imaginations, and to express their feelings, then we will have helped them grow. We want boys to become useful and stable individuals. Helping a boy to learn the value of his own worth is the greatest gift we can give him.
Boys join Cub Scouting because they want to have fun. For boys, however, fun means a lot more than just having a good time. “Fun” is a boy’s code word for the satisfaction he gets from meeting challenges, having friends, feeling good about himself, and feeling he is important to other people. While the boys are having fun and doing things they like to do, they also learn new things, discover and master new skills, gain self-confidence, and develop strong friendships.
I think that parents would want to lead their boys into Scouting and watch them develop a greater potential. Your child will thank you now and later. And for all of you in Scouting or who have been in Scouting, or support Scouting, thank you. Call 774-563-0460 for information.
Jonathan Polleys
Scout coordinator
Edgartown