Our Challenge for the Twenty-first Century

As we enter a new century and a new Millennium one is prone to reflect on the many changes going on in our world.  I can remember being a fair whiz on a slide rule and questioning the reliability of calculators.  I can remember when computers were just a dream of things to come.  And I can remember when there seemed to be some rules of conduct and behavior, which werent debatable.

I have forgotten how to use a slide rule and I have learned how to use a computer. I am also downright proud to be involved, with you, in one of the few places where there are still rules of conduct and behavior, which have remained unchanged.  Our rules or values as expressed in the Scout Oath and Law, are one of the few things, which have not changed, in the past century.  Because of that, some see us as dinosaurs clinging to old-fashioned expectations of our members.

However, many folks are beginning to see Scoutings very important role in providing strong leaders and strong values for our country.  As we look at our real heroes of the past fifty years we will see that, for many, Scouting was a part of the right stuff that helped them to be heroic.  As we look at many of the leaders we really admire, we usually find that there is a Scouting connection.  For many young people you are counted among their heroes.

Today, we hear a great deal about character and character education.  We in Scouting have what many believe is the best tool there is for developing character.  Lets all resolve to extend Scoutings values based, high quality programs to an increasing number of our youth.  It may well be the most important thing we can do about the moral dilemmas that we face.  Scouting builds strong leaders and strong values... and character really does counts.  

John O. Thurston

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