Disasters like Hurricane Sandy always remind me how important it is that people have the type of life skills that Scouting teaches. As we have all learned, during the early phases of a disaster we have to depend on ourselves until help can arrive. The motto that Boy Scouts live by is “Be prepared.” This is certainly the first step to successfully making it through a disaster.
Scouts have learned how to prepare both physically and mentally. They know how to function with minimal means at hand. They have been taught wilderness survival techniques, tool use, first aid, and respect for the power of Mother Nature. Besides teaching life skills, Scouting builds good citizens through character development, leadership training and community service. Often times those giving back to their communities have developed the volunteer spirit through Scouting. In fact, Scouting has responded to every emergency in our nation’s history and now is no different.
On November 17, our Boy Scout Council will hold a major fundraiser, the Boots & Suits Gala, aimed at improving our camps which are critical for the delivery of our programs. If you would like to learn more or make a donation, please visit www.cycgala.org. Scouting depends on the generosity of people like you to bring our programs to youth, especially those in disadvantaged circumstances.
