Editor’s note: Salisbury High School senior Will Mowery recently described his experience as a Boy Scout to the Salisbury Rotary Club. As he recited the Scout Law, many heads in the room nodded as members remembered their own Scouting days. Here’s Will’s essay.
By Will Mowery
For the Salisbury Post
Scouting has had a huge impact in my life. I first joined scouting as a Tiger in Cub Scouts and moved quickly through the ranks of Wolf, Bear and Webelos 1 and 2. There were always fun games and activities that kept us interested, such as the famous Pine Wood Derby. Most of the activities taught us some kind of lesson or value, such as the importance of teamwork.
Then I moved up to Boy Scouts, where I learned the meaning of the Scout Law. Some of you here may still recall the 12 points. I won’t test you today, but a Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent. Even in my own life today, I still try to follow and honor these values.
Another thing that Scouting teaches is the value of helping others. Throughout my career as a Scout, I have been involved in numerous service projects. Just recently, I have completed my Eagle Scout project with Abundant Living, an adult day-care center. My project was to correct a grading issue along the sides of their emergency sidewalk. With a lot of hard work, I was able to correct this problem, and the feeling of helping others is very gratifying.
Scouting has also provided me with many memorable experiences. One trip I will never forget is Sea Base, an adventure camp on the North Carolina coast. While there, we kayaked over 60 miles on the Pamlico Sound to Ocracoke Island. Our relationship with each other became tightly knit over the week as we fought through the waves or relaxed on the beach.
Now I am in Venture Scouts, which is a co-ed high school Scouting program. It allows me to further my scouting experience. Scouting has taught me the values of giving back and service to others, as well as the importance of teamwork and responsibility. I will never forget the joyous experiences that Scouting has allowed me to be a part of.