Bridging Over

What the Scout Law Means to Me ~ John Wayne

TRUSTWORTHY
The badge of honesty. Having it lets you look at 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 - and do - 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 its like your bicycle, its just no good unless you get out and use it.
OBEDIENT
Starts at home. Practice it in 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 waters 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.

Last night as the sun set over us, a time of being a Tiger cub also passed by. It seems just like yesterday that we were signing HS and attending our first den meeting. Throughout the year, we've watched him grow, love participating in events with his fellow pack members, and shine as he worked toward the moment of walking across the bridge to the waiting new kerchief, slide, handbook, and hat of a Wolf.


After watching all of his den mates cross the bridge after being asked two pivotal questions, it was HS's turn. He stood at the edge of the bridge and beamed as the Cub Master's voice boomed, " ____________ are you ready to continue on in your cub scout journey? Are you willing to continue to follow the laws of the pack and uphold the cub scout motto?" Without hesitation, HS responded, "YES!" and made his way over to receive his new colors.

I must admit, tears welled. For HS, this evening marked a steady progress toward a goal that he set for himself. HH and I did little to encourage him joining. We wanted him to set out on this path, but he announced the desire before we could even steer him towards it. Our times of watching him fulfill a goal, however major or minor, will always bring a tear. He has drive, determination, and a spark for success. May that intentness and focus for things that he believes are important reach new heights and empower him to always leap over the next hurdle that life throws. Cub Scouts will endeavor to teach him skills to surpass the hurdle, HS will absorb as much as he can, and by next year's end, we will once again find ourselves tearing up with pride as a bridge stands before him and he awaits his turn to announce and cross over his awaiting pack.


Way to go, HS! A proud new Wolf! You will continue to be inspired and achieve the symbolic meaning behind being a Wolf as you hone your power, strength, and courage.