Sure, Scouting has changed over the years. Scouting BSA (formerly Boy Scouts of America) has gone through some changes over the years. A name change for sure, but now the inclusion of girls and young women, just to name a few. No matter what you call it, or who you include, some things haven’t changed. Sure the requirements have evolved with the times, but haven’t we all? What hasn’t really changed is the methodology of the teachings, the skills that are taught, and the friendships cultivated along the way.
Speaking of friendships, some of my friends today are people I knew in scouting when I was younger. There was a handful of us that got into Cub Scouts together. Most of us made the transition to a local Troop together as well. (shout out to PACK 3197 and Troop 282)
Was it the fact that we did Scouts together for all those years, or the fact that we saw each other everyday at school from 1st grade to senior year that solidified the friendships? The world may never know but I think Scouts has been a big reason. I say that because as time went on, I got older and I got away from Scouts as an organization, but not as a mentality. I still remember most of the skills and lessons I was taught over the years. A few years ago my son got into Scouting and therefore I got involved once again. It was weird though. It was the more things changed the more they stayed the same.
I have friends that I have met now as an adult in Scouting. While we aren’t the best of friends, I know who I can go to in a pinch. I know who when I see them again it will be like old times, no matter how long it’s been since we’ve seen each other. For as big as Scouting is, it really is a lot of little circles. Who knows who. I know so and so, do you? That’s the thing, it’s like being an alumni of a particular school. It doesn’t matter what your major is, you have something in common. Except in the case of scouting, you don’t have to graduate to be treated with equality. Going to a school for a year is different than spending four years and graduating. Sure you were at the same place, but it’s not the same experience. Scouting doesn’t have that. If you were only in it for a year, you are welcomed with open arms and the idea that “things have changed since you were in it” (no matter when that was) and “welcome back”. It’s weird.