Boy Scout Troop 325 Scoutmaster Minute
February 23, 2010
Andy Duprey, Scoutmaster
February 22nd marks an important milestone in Scouting History. It is the birthday of Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden- the founder of the Scout Movement. It is also the World Organization of the Scout Movement (the purple fleur de lis on your uniform) Founder's Day. This year also marks the 100th anniversary of scouting in America as well as the 50th anniversary of the founding of troop 325.
Some of you may have difficulty telling me where South Africa is. Some could tell me about the end of Apartheid in South Africa. Most of you would have trouble telling me who the Boers were. More would have difficulty telling me why the Boers and the British fought two wars (1880-81 and 1899-1902) there. But you might be able to tell me who was the 'hero of Mafeking"-yes, and how much we owe to him and a siege that lasted 217 days.
Colonel (later Lord) Baden-Powell, at the beginning of the 2nd Boer War in 1899, was assigned to 'harrass and tempt the Boers away from the coast, to occupy them and, thus, allow British reinforcements to land on the coast unmolested. He did just that, luring a large troop of Boers to the very north of South Africa, occupying them for 7 months at Mafeking.
With few resources, he held that force at bay, until relieved, not, by being more courageous or ingenious, but by being organized! It has been said that Baden-Powell was not an exceptional battlefield officer, but undeniably he was an exceptional organizer.
Today you are the recipients of that ability. Lord Baden-Powell turned to organizing the Boy Scouts in the UK. His will and determination are reflected in the adults that supervise this troop, the district, the council the national BSA and the World Organization of Scouting Movements.
I hope you will consider how much has been done for you through scouting, and that you begin, as you mature, to think "how can I be important in the development of the scouting program".
Thank you and good night scouts.