Boy Scout Troop 325
Scoutmaster Minute
Scoutmaster's Benediction
February 5th, 2008
Larry Polyak, Scoutmaster

Before you close this meeting tonight, you'll all hold up your right hand with the scout sign and recite "may the great masdaufowlscoootsbeewiduteelwiimeatugen". Yes, no one can understand what is being said. I even had some newer scouts ask me: "What is that they say at the end?". It's called the "Scoutmaster's Benediction" and it says "May the great Scoutmaster of all Scouts be with you until we meet again." Although this is what our troop says, several variations exist, and they might give you a better idea of the true meaning of the phrase, for example:

"May the Creator of all things Great and Small, watch over you and bring you back within this circle again soon."

"May the Spirit which brought us together keep us mindful of our Obligations during the week and remind us of our need to learn, share and return here again."

The most wordy one is...

"May the Scoutmaster of all those who will listen to Him prepare you for leaving this room; may He continue to remind you to help other people and to do your best during this week; may He return you safely to your families and friends; and may you humble yourself in continuing to listen and follow His guidance and direction."

I don't think we want to change to that one!
But I think my favorite is:

"May the Trinity of Life grant you safe passage to your homes, give you ways to use the Scouting ideals, and return you safely to all of us again next week."

Tonight - for once while I am still scoutmaster! - Let's not mumble through it. Let's say the bendiction slowly and clearly so that maybe we'll remember its meaning.

Say it with me: "May the great Scoutmaster of all Scouts be with you until we meet again."

Goodnight Scouts.