Boy Scout Troop 325
Scoutmaster Minute
A Scout is Respectful
August 15, 2006
Larry Polyak, Scoutmaster

You have all just recited the 12 points to the Scout Law, as you do at the end of every meeting. The Scout Law has been part of Scouting in the United States for almost 100 years, and it has certainly withstood the test of time. Just about every quality that we aim to teach in Scouting can be boiled down to one of these 12 points.

But if I could have the chance to add just one more thing to the list, it would be "respectful". A scout should be respectful. In fact, I found out that the Scout Law actually varies a bit from country to country. In the U.K, one of the laws is "A Scout has self-respect and respect for others.". Self-respect and respect for others. These go hand in hand. I talked once before about insults and about how those who insult someone else generally do it to make themselves feel superior. The same thing is true with respect. Those people that do not have respect for others, generally do not have respect for themselves. Somehow it makes them feel better to look down at someone else.

Having respect for others means having respect for everyone, not just your friends, or those people who have the same qualities that you do. Respect begins right here in the troop, where we have a wide variety of ages, personalities, interests, and opinions. If you don't respect your fellow scouts, how can you have respect for people out in the "real world". Let me tell you, the real world is way worse. More than likely you'll work with people you don't like, have bosses you don't like, and maybe even employees that you don't like. But if you remember to treat all those people with respect, you'll find that you will all get along much better. It doesn't mean you have to agree with them, or make them your best friends. But respect them and their right to enjoy the same things you do, and to be treated the way you would want to be treated.

I have suggested that next week during patrol elections, you form fewer and bigger patrols. I truly believe that this is for the benefit of the whole troop. In doing so, we won't have the luxury of putting small groups of buddies together and separating out those people who think they cannot get along together. I am asking that you respect each other and welcome the diversity we have in our troop. Diversity after all, is one of the things that makes America great. You may just find that people have hidden strengths and talents that can benefit your patrol.

Always remember, A Scout has self-respect and respect for others.

Thanks for listening.