Here’s to the Boys!
Here’s to the membership
Here’s to the boys,
Creators of havoc
And makers of noise
They scream and they holler
And batter our ears
They run and they tumble
And they drive us to tears
But still, in the end
They grow and they learn
They show off the skills
And the badges they earn
We guide them and teach them
Because, in the end
They’re what it’s all for
We do it for them.
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What is a Cub Scout?
Cub Scouts are found everywhere --on top of, underneath, inside of, climbing on, swinging from, running around, or jumping to.
Mothers love them, little girls hate them, older sisters and brothers tolerate them, adults ignore them, and Heaven protects them.
A Cub Scout is: Truth with dirt on his face. Beauty with a cut on its finger, Wisdom with bubble gum in its hair; the Hope of the Future with a frog in its pocket.
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One Hundred Scouts
Of any one hundred boys who become Scouts, it must be confessed that thirty will drop out in their first year. Perhaps this may be regarded as a failure, but later in life, all of these will remember their Scouting and will speak well of the program.
Of the one hundred, only rarely will one ever appear before a juvenile court judge.
Twelve of the one hundred will be from families that belong to no church. Through Scouting, these twelve and many of their families will be brought into contact with a church and will continue to be active all their lives. Five will earn their religious emblem. Six of the one hundred will become pastors.
Each of the one hundred will learn something worthwhile from Scouting, and all will develop hobbies there that will last throughout the rest of their lives.
Approximately one-half will serve in the military, and in varying degrees, profit from their Scout training. At least one will use it to save another person’s life, and many may credit it for saving their own.
Four of the one hundred will reach Eagle rank, and at least one will later say that he valued his Eagle above his college degree. Many will find their future vocation through merit badge work and Scouting contacts.
Seventeen of the one hundred boys will become adult scout leaders and will give leadership to hundreds of additional boys.
One in four boys in America will become Scouts, but it is interesting to know that of the leaders of this nation in business, religion, and politics, three out of four were Scouts.
The story will never end. Like the “Golden Pebble” of service dropped into the human sea, it will continue to radiate in ever-widening circles, influencing the characters of men through unending time.
Scouting’s alumni record is impressive. A recent nation-wide survey of high schools revealed the following information:
85% of student council presidents were Scouts
89% of senior class presidents were Scouts
80% of junior class presidents were Scouts
75% of school publication editors were Scouts
71% of football captions were Scouts
Scouts also account for:
64% of Air Force Academy graduates
68% of West Point graduates
70% of Annapolis Naval Academy graduates
72% of Rhodes Scholars
85% of F.B.I. agents
26 of the first 29 astronauts
*source unknown
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Growing Up
There will be a time when there will be no slamming of doors, no toys on the stairs, no childhood quarrels, no fingerprints on the wallpaper.
Then may I look back with joy and not regret.
God, give me wisdom to see that today is my day with my children.
That there is no unimportant moment in their lives.
May I know that no other career is so precious, no other work so rewarding, no other task so urgent.
May I not defer it or neglect it, but by the Spirit accept it gladly, joyously, and by Thy grace realize that the time is short and my time is now,
For children won't wait!
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The Boys
Boys are the nicest things that ever happened to me; those arrogant, self-assured, cocky little men children who assume that all this great world revolves around them.
Who else can carry half a worm, one crushed daisy, a piece of scrap metal, a three-day-old apple core, and two cents, all in one pocket?
Who else can be a fireman, sword fighter, cowboy and deep-sea diver, all in the space of an hour; and solemnly hold a funeral, complete with cross and box, for a shell of a turtle lost a month ago?
Who else can be cuter without teeth, meaner without malice, kinder without embarrassment, sillier without foolishness, and clean without neatness?
Me, I like Cub Scouts, THE BOYS! They smile when I need a smile; they tease when I'm somber; they keep me from taking myself too seriously. No, I don't wish that I were nine again. I just hope that somehow God will see to it that I always have someone nine years old near my house and heart.
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From a Child
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.
When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me and I learned that little things can be the special things in life.
When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there is a God I could always talk to and I learned to trust in God.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't. And that everyone has something to offer another.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I felt you kiss me good night and I felt loved and safe.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw tears come from your eyes and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you cared and I wanted to be everything that I could be.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked at you and wanted to say, "Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking.'"
Each of us: parent, grandparent, uncle, aunt or friend, teacher, or scout leader influence the life of a child, even when we’re not looking!
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A Boy’s Eyes
I'd like to be a Cub Scout-
(His eyes were deepest blue).
I'd like to learn, and play, and build
Like Jim and Freddy do.
I know how to use a hammer;
I can drive a nail if I try.
I'm six years old, I'm big and strong
And hardly ever cry.
I gave him the application
And his parents-participation sheet.
(His eyes were filled with sunshine
As he left on dancing feet.)
Next day, my friend was back again,
A dejected little lad.
I guess I'll skip the Cub Scouts.
(His eyes were dark and sad.)
My Mom is awful busy,
She has lots of friends you see.
She'd never have any time for a den;
She hardly has time for me.
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And Dad is always working-
He's hardly ever there.
To give them more to do
Just wouldn't be quite fair.
He handed back the paper
With the dignity of six years
And smiling bravely, left me
(His eyes were filled with tears).
Do you see your own boy's eyes,
As other people may?
How he looks when you're "too busy"
Or "just haven't time today."
A boy is such a special gift,
I know you realize
It only takes a little time
To put sunshine in his eyes.
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What Is A Boy
A boy is what he does, he does what he can.
What he is going to be, he is now becoming.
He is going to sit right where you are sitting.
And when you are gone, he will attend to those things you think are important.
You may adopt all the policies you please, but how they are carried out depends on him.
Even if you make treaties and leagues, he will have to manage them.
He is going to sit at your desk in Congress and assume your place on the Supreme Court bench.
He will take over your churches, schools, universities and corporations.
He will assume control of your cities, states and nations.
All your books are going to be judged, praised, and condemned by him.
All your hopes for him and the faith of the nations and humanities are in his hands.
SO YOU MIGHT AS WELL PAY SOME ATTENTION TO HIM!!
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To My Grown Up Son
My hands were busy through the day.
I didn't have much time to play
The little games you asked me.
I didn't have much time for you.
I'd wash your clothes; I'd sew and cook.
But when you'd bring your picture book,
And ask me please to share your fun,
I'd say; "A little later, son."
I'd tuck you in all safe at night,
And hear your prayers; turn out the light,
Then tiptoe softly to the door...
I wish I'd stayed a minute more.
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For life is short, the years rush past...
A little boy grows up so fast.
No longer is he at your side.
His precious secrets to confide.
The picture books are put away.
There are no longer games to play.
No good-night kiss, no prayers to hear...
That all belongs to yesteryear.
My hands, once busy, now are still.
The days are long and hard to fill.
I wish I could go back and do,
The little things you asked me to.
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This poem is a pretty accurate assessment of the fever of boyhood. All I know about the piece is that it was read by Jackie Gleason, and was transcribed from a recording on an old 78 - that makes it somewhat dated.
What is a Boy?
Between the innocence of babyhood and the dignity of manhood...
We find a delightful creature called a BOY.
Boys come in assorted sizes, weights, and colors,
But all boys have the same cravings...
To enjoy every second of every minute of every hour of every day,
And to protest with noise (their only weapon) when their last minute is finished
And you as parents tuck them into bed at night.
Boys are found everywhere: on top of, underneath, inside of,
Climbing on, swinging from, running around or jumping through.
Mothers and fathers love them, little girls hate them,
Older sisters and brothers tolerate them, adults ignore them,
And Heaven protects them.
A boy is proof with dirt on his face, beauty with a cut on his finger,
Wisdom with bubble gum in his mouth, and the hope of the future with a frog in his pocket.
When you are busy, a boy is an inconsiderate, bothersome, intruding jangle of noise.
When you want him to make a good impression his brain turns to jelly,
Or else he becomes a savage, sadistic, jungle creature
Bent on destroying the world and himself with it.
A boy is a composite. He has the appetite of a horse,
The digestion of a sword swallower, the energy of a pocket-size atomic bomb,
The curiosity of a cat, the lungs of a dictator, the imagination of a Paul Bunyan,
The shyness of a violet, the audacity of a steel trap, the enthusiasm of a firecracker,
And when he makes something, he has five thumbs on each hand.
He likes ice cream, knives, tools, Christmas, games,
The boy across the street, wood, water (in its natural habitat), large animals,
Dad, Mom, weekends, and fire engines.
He's not much for church, company, school, books without pictures,
Music lessons, neckties, homework, girls, coats, adults, or bedtime.
Nobody else is so early to rise, or so late to supper.
Nobody else get so much fun out of trees, dogs, and breezes.
Nobody else can cram into one pocket---
A rusty knife, a half eaten apple, three feet of string, baseball cards, gum,
Six cents, a slingshot, a chunk of unknown substance, and a genuine super-sonic code
Ring with a secret compartment.
A boy is a magical creature, you can lock him out of your workshop,
But you can't lock him out of your heart.
You can get him out of your study,
But you can't get him out of your mind.
Might as well give up, he is your captor, your jailer,
Your boss, and your master.
A freckled face, pint-sized, cat chasing bundle of noise.
But when you come home at night with only
The shattered pieces of your hopes and dreams,
He can mend them like new with these magic words:
HI DAD (or HI MOM!)
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John Wayne: What The Scout Law Means To Me
A great American, John Wayne, passed away many years ago. One of his last public appearances was at a dinner. He was riddled with cancer and knew he was close to death. The purpose of the dinner was to benefit a land purchase for a Scout Reservation called John Wayne Outpost Camp. At this dinner, Wayne recited the Scout Law. Then he did something unusual, he said the twelve points of the Scout Law are "nice words". "Trouble is" he continued, "we learn them so young we sometimes don't get all the understanding that goes with them. I take care of that in my family. As each boy reaches Scout age, I make sure he learns the Scout Law. Then I break it down for him, with a few things I have picked up in more than half a century since I learned it."
The Wayne proceeded to explain the importance of the Scout Law, breaking it down for the guests at the dinner; much like he would have for his grandson.
Trustworthy: The badge of honesty. Having it lets you look any man in the eye. Lacking it he won't look back. Keep this one at the top of your list.
Loyal: The very word is life itself, for without loyalty we have no love of person or country.
Helpful: Part sharing, part caring. By helping each other, we help ourselves, not to mention mankind. Be always full of help--the dying man's last words.
Friendly: Brotherhood is part of that word. You can take it in a lot of directions - an go - but make sure and start with brotherhood.
Courteous: Allow each person his human dignity which means a lot more than saying, "yes ma'am" and "thank you sir". It reflects an attitude that later in life you wish you had honored more, earlier in life. Save yourself that problem. Do it now.
Kind: This one word would stop wars and erase hatreds. But it's like your bicycle, it just no good unless you get out and use it.
Obedient: Starts at home. Practice it with your family. Enlarge it in your friends. Share it with humanity.
Cheerful: Anyone can put on a happy face when the going is good. The secret is to wear it as a mask for your problems. It might surprise you how many others do the same thing.
Thrifty: Means a lot more than putting pennies away, and it is the opposite of cheap. Common sense covers it just about as well as anything.
Brave: You don't have to fight to be brave. Millions of good, fine, decent folks show more bravery than heavyweight champs just by getting out of bed every morning, going out to do a good day's work and living the best life they know how against the law of odds.
Clean: Soap and water help a lot on the outside. But it is the inside that counts and don't ever forget it.
Reverent: Believe in anything that you want to believe in, but keep God at the top of it. With Him, life can be a beautiful experience. Without Him, you are just biding time.
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Understanding Boys
To a boy, Scouting is a game, a magnificent game, full of play and full of laughter, keeping him busy, keeping him happy. A boy becomes a Cub Scout for the sheer fun there is in it. The action in Scouting appeals to the boy's impulse to do something.
The basic principle in Scouting is "learning by doing". There is nothing negative in it. There are no "don'ts." Scouting doesn't say "Don't rob a bird's nest", but instead, "find out about birds." It doesn't say, "Don't cut down trees," but instead, "Help save the trees." That is talking boy language, stimulating, not prohibiting.
Boys like the adventure of Scouting. They like the adventure of tackling a job, alone or with a den. There is adventure in doing a good turn. A boy finds companionship and fellowship in the den. There is always present the urge to achieve, a higher rank looms ahead, there is no distinction to be gained.
Boys are alike in many ways. They are part human, part angel, and part barbarian. They want everything except soap and work. They take the knocks of the world, stomachaches, injured toes and fingers, broken bones, and black eyes. But at the same time, they absorb the good of the world. And in a few short years, when they become men, they cast aside their boyish ways to battle against the stern reality of life, and generally make good, participating citizens.
Even though all boys are alike in some ways, each one is an individual and should be treated as such. Balance is the thing. Knowing where to draw the line is the thing. For out of it all, a boy must learn that sometimes he must assert himself, and sometimes he must give in for the welfare of his fellow Cub Scouts.
Boys will be boys, no matter where you find them. They play, run away, love to be outdoors, and do a host of things that are generally looked upon by their parents and leaders as a foolish waste of time. Boys all have the same creed, to enjoy every second of every minute of every hour of every day. A boy is like a puff of wind because he comes at the most unexpected time, hits in the most unexpected places, and leaves everything a wreck behind. He has an impelling desire to exercise on all occasions; he pulls the cat's tail; he tangles Sis' curls; he shoots paper wads in Sunday School; and he possesses a perpetual appetite. He has a dirty face, uncombed hair, and is ragged regardless of which side of the tract he lives on. But the time comes when he becomes a loyal and true citizen of his country. He lives his own life, makes up his own mind as to truth and honesty and best interest of others. God Bless Him!
Character in a boy is a slow growing thing. Every day of his life, everything he sees and does forms a small piece of his character. Give him the right and opportunity to be proud of himself. Teach him the value of helping other people. A Cub Leader can help boys in some ways that no one else, not even their parents can. Help them to learn to stand on their own two feet and be men you can be proud of, and what's more important, men they can be proud of.
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Nobody Knows What a Boy is Worth
Author Unknown
Nobody knows what a boy is worth,
We'll have to wait and see.
But every man in a noble place
A boy once used to be.
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