‘Why We Do This’: One Scoutmaster’s thoughts will inspire you

With all the behind-the-scenes legwork you do to make Scouting a success in your unit, it’s easy to lose sight of why you signed up in the first place.

It’s all about making a difference for our Scouts.

That’s why I’m thankful for Scouters like Michael Tances Jr., third from the right in the photo above.

Michael, the Scoutmaster of Troop 273 of the Michigan Crossroads Council, got back from camp earlier this summer and opened up about Scouting in a Facebook post for friends.

Scouter Kim Gbur saw his post and thought it was worth sharing with others.

I agree. Michael’s words are a reminder that the little moments of Scouting add up to a movement that makes a massive difference in the lives of youth. 

Why We Do This: One Scoutmaster’s Thoughts

By Michael Tances Jr., Scoutmaster

After spending a week at Summer Camp, sleeping in a tent and enduring all types of weather, here are a few things I observed:

I saw 16- to 17-year-old Scouts take a shy, quiet Scout who was new to our troop under their wings and make sure he felt welcome.

I saw a Scout that had never been “Up North” tube and canoe down the Rifle River, laughing and in awe of everything he was seeing.

I saw a young lady Venturer, new to the Scouting program, take to it like a duck to water, and it was amazing how she could get the other Venturers to work with her.

I saw young boys who have never been away from home making breakfast for 25 people and smiling while we guided them through it.

I saw young Scouts playing an actual board game — no controller needed — imagine that for a second!

I saw Scouts sit through hours of rain and not complain.

I saw young Scouts who thought they could do it all by themselves figure out that it’s better to work as a team.

I saw a Scout who was in tears last year when he couldn’t make it three feet up the climbing tower climb like he’d been doing it for years while the troop cheered him on — a moment I will never forget.

I saw a young Scout whose feet could barely touch the water when he was in his tube never give up in the relay race, even though he didn’t make it more than 10 feet from shore. His troop rallied around him, praising him from not giving up.

I saw Scouts who didn’t understand why they were asked to do things (but did them anyway) stand tall when their troop’s number was called to stand and receive their Honor Troop Award — some of them may have even pumped up their chests a bit!

Through it all, I saw nothing but smiles, and that, folks, is why we do it! When it’s all said and done, it’s not about me or the other adult leaders in camp.

It’s about the Scouts, and I’m proud to be their Scoutmaster.


About Bryan Wendell 3282 Articles
Bryan Wendell, an Eagle Scout, is the founder of Bryan on Scouting and a contributing writer.