Duncan Dec 28, 2023
I did go through the cub and boy scouts during my pre- and teenage years.

CUB SCOUT RANKS
Because we had moved prior to my attending 6th grade, I'm not quite sure where and when I did the Webelos. Why was I even part of any of this? I was never competitive with boys in anything and I was never quite much into being part of a team. How much more could you disappoint people on a bowling team when your absolute highest score was a 120?
I probably was expected to do this because my older brother was a boy scout. I certainly didn't want to do anything that involved being outdoors for any length of time (especially camping). I managed to get two or three merit badges (probably cooking or animal husbandry). And then I left.
I can't say that any of it inspired or sharpened my interest in learning anything. I developed no hobbies nor did I grow confidence. Physical fitness never happened as I had allergies and asthma and was prone toward being overweight.
About the greatest positive outcome (and I do not credit the scouts for this) was my understanding of the importance of preserving the environment. My Mother was more of the catalyst for that with her enzyme-free, biodegradable detergents, lead-free gasoline purchases, and recycling of glass.
Much later in life, I had come across the Unitarian-Universalists and their seven principles:

Unitarian Universalist Principles

There are seven Principles which Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote:

  • The inherent worth and dignity of every person
  • Justice, equity and compassion in human relations
  • Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations
  • A free and responsible search for truth and meaning
  • The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large
  • The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all
  • Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
While I don't always agree with number one, I do understand the value behind them. And I have often said that being a Unitarian-Universalist is sort of like living the creed of the Boy Scouts of America.