A Life Lived in Scouting Essays -- Personal Narrative Boy Scouts Paper

A Life Lived in Scouting 1986: Introduction to the Mystery After the skits, songs, and cheers, the Camp Director (bearing a white sash embroidered with a red arrow and two bars at each end) came forward. The crowd instantly grew quiet and somber. The wind rustled; the branches swayed and cracked; the lake gently lapped the shore. Sitting with my father, I watched bats flutter above two great fires. In a clear yet reverent tone, the weathered old man invoked the beauty of nature, the mystery of life, and the Great Spirit. In solemn words, he added, â€Å"Each has his own path, let the Scout Oath and Law light that path.† A quiet tenor, the Camp Director began to sing. With intimate familiarity, uniformed men, women, and boys rose adding their voices to his. â€Å"My paddle's keen and bright Flashing with silver Swift as the wild goose flight Dip, dip and swing Dip, dip and swing her back Flashing with silver Follow the wild goose flight Dip, dip and swing† Faces stern, backs straight, heads held high, each waited; and, silence fell. Still seated by my father, I watched the fire of fellowship, bright against the water, cast long shadows across the faces of the crowd— the other stood unlit, no flame lived within it or brought warmth to the people. From the distant shore, a canoe entered the water and silently approached— the paddlers in smooth perfect unison. Mateo, messenger of the Leni-Lenape, stood erect and proud in the stern of the canoe. From a pot of flame, Mateo reached and drew a single arrow. Putting notch to string, Mateo released the arrow and smote the lifeless fire. Flame rose from its depths and the voice of Chief Allowat Sakima boomed across the water, across the fire circle, and echoed forth. â€Å"I am ... ... the last song of the final campfire and invokes the memory of all that have come before in Scouting. It is, to Scouts, a sacred song. The light dimmed still further and as we reached the top of the stairs. We stood together, finished humming, and walked down to the car. We shared our final night of Summer Camp together— two weeks later I went off to Basic and my father died in August of 2000. July 2004 will be my first Summer Camp in six years. â€Å"Scouting may be indefinable but it is palpable; and, it moves men and boys to become better human beings through their journey together.† First Verse of Scout Vespers Softly falls the light of day, While our campfire fades away. Silently each Scout should ask Have I done my daily task? Have I kept my honor bright? Can I guiltless sleep tonight? Have I done and have I dared Everything to be prepared?