April 2002

Responsible Scouting

“Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility“
Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Scouting in Singapore has come a long way and as it steps into the new millennium, it continues to develop our youths for the nation, bringing out the inner potential in them. As one may observed, the aspect of responsibility plays a vital role in the training schemes of the Cadet Scout, Scout, Venture Scout as well as the Rover Scout. This particular aspect requires the test-taker to be aware of his leadership style, serve the larger community and to be able to react accordingly in difficult times. In my point of view, even if there is no such aspect in the various training schemes, every scout should be a responsible and considerate person. This is well advocated in the fourth Scout Law “ A Scout is disciplined and considerate”.

What is Responsible Scouting?

It is a simple attitude that every scout should have in him and an action that every scout should exhibit whenever it is required of him. A responsible person is one who is reliable and trustworthy, therefore we can be assured that he does his job well.

Why is there a need for Responsible Scouting?

This is because I’ve noticed, through the actions of many scouts, that most of them are rather self-centered and are only concerned for their own interests. This mindset will definitely affect Scouting in many schools in the long run. Take for example, the issue of parangs and axes to Patrol Quartermasters. If the Patrol QMs do not maintain the parangs and axes well, those items will have to be condemned soon. Another example is to leave equipment exposed to the elements of nature. Whenever there is a piece of equipment left lying around, most would have the mentality that someone else is going to return the item back to the store. Sadly, the fact is that no one bothers to take the initiative to return it. 

The point I am trying to get across is that when Scouts have a selfless and more self-initiated attitude towards Scouting or even life, their actions would help to serve everyone well. The fact that our Group’s equipment like lashing ropes, pressure lamps, mallets, poles, tentages etc. are not in good condition and have to be constantly replaced shows that there is a lack of responsibility on the part of our Scouts, though I understand that equipment do undergo depreciation. This is not a very good sign because firstly, it eats into the treasury unnecessarily; secondly, it shows that Scouts have no sense of responsibility and lastly, equipment are not in a good state when required.    

I would like to put this across to the Venture Scout Unit Quartermasters first so that as seniors in the Group, they can lead by example, explaining to the junior Quartermasters the need to be responsible for Group equipment and thus gradually solved the problems faced by the Group. In my point of view, mindset and attitude cannot be taught but it can be changed.

by: James

BACK