Boy Scout Troop 325
Scoutmaster Minute
A Scout Is...
May 24th, 2005
Larry Polyak, Assistant Scoutmaster

You have all just recited the Scout Law. You all have it memorized. But have you ever said it slowly, word by word, and thought about each word? Repeat it with me again, saying each word slowly: A -- Scout -– Is –- Trustworthy –- Loyal -– Helpful –- Friendly -– Courteous -– Kind -- Obedient -– Cheerful -– Thrifty -– Brave -– Clean -– and –- Reverent.

Now, I’d like to ask you: What do you think is the most important word in the Scout Law? (Field responses from scouts) Trustworthy? Yes, that is certainly important. Obedient? Yes, also important, etc. etc. Those are all good answers, but they are not the word that I think is the most important. I’ll give you a hint. The word that I am thinking of only has two letters. I think the most important word in the Scout Law is the word “IS”. Why? Because the Scout Law does not state that “A Scout wants to be…”, or “A Scout tries to be…”, or “A Scout should be…”, or “A Scout is sort of…” or even “A Scout is expected to be…”. It states “A Scout IS.”.

A Scout IS – all those things. Now I challenge you. When I asked you which word you thought was the most important, remember the word that came to your mind first? Think of that word, that scout trait. During this next week, concentrate on that one trait. Be that trait. Don't kind of be, sorta be, or try to be. But be. Try to do something during the next week to prove to yourself that you have that trait. You are a scout. Remember the scout law and show yourself and those around you what a scout IS…

Thank you.