Boy Scout Troop 325
Scoutmaster Minute
Competition
May 6, 2003
George Denise, Scoutmaster

Two weeks ago, our troop participated in the Pioneer District Camporee. There were over 400 Scouts from some twenty-three troops represented there.

Camporee is a chance for Scouts in patrols to compete against other Scouts from other troops. I am very proud of the way our Scouts performed. They were mostly younger Scouts, as our older Scouts were busy hosting this event. Yet even though our Scouts were younger, and up against older boys in many cases, they dug right in, worked hard, and showed lots of spirit. They competed in virtually every event, and in the final analysis, won three ribbons and a Dutch oven.

In most undertakings, there can only be one winner. Yet if we do not do our best, or worse yet, do not even bother to compete because we know we can't win, then we not only fail ourselves but we fail others too. When we compete and try to do our best, win or lose, we learn a little. We get just a little bit better. We grow a little. We get a little stronger.

Competition is what built America and it is what has kept America strong: many people competing all the time, and getting better.

In Scouting, we do not pledge to win. We pledge to "Do Our Best! Do your best in everything you take on.

Thank you. And God be with you.