Can a boy with a handicap be a Scout? Can he advance? Can a Scout on crutches go hiking, or in a wheelchair go camping? Can a deaf or blind Scout lead a patrol? Can a handicapped Scout earn a merit badge? The answer to these questions is—YES!
Since Scouting’s birth, handicapped boys have shown that Scouting works for them! They may have to try a little harder, and it may take a little longer, but they will find themselves doing things they never thought they could do and going farther than they ever thought they could. Many trails, camps, and activities are now handicap accessible.
My wife has a cousin who is confined to a wheelchair due to polio. He became an Eagle Scout. He went camping and hiking right along with everyone else in his troop. When he received his Eagle, almost the whole community turned out to help him celebrate the special occasion.
Scouting can play an important role in helping boys with a handicap develop both skills and self-esteem. This will aid in their social, personal, and spiritual development. Scouting can help other Scouts develop empathy toward a person with disabilities through activities found in the Handicap Awareness Merit Badge.
As for advancement, the handicapped Scout is generally asked to meet the same requirements as other Scouts. If a Scout’s handicap prevents him from completing a required merit badge, he may be allowed to choose an alternative badge of equal difficulty.
The Boy Scouts of America has always been in the forefront in making literature available (also to non-scouting groups) to assist in working with handicapped individuals. The following additional information is available:
“Scouting and the Learning Disabled”
“Scouting for the Emotionally Disturbed”
“Scouting for the Handicapped Resource Handbook”
“Scouting for the Hearing Impaired”
“Scouting for Mentally Retarded Boys”
“Scouting for the Visually Handicapped”
You hear so much about the need to be a multicultural society these days that I wonder if we really know what it means. What is multicultural? Is there a need for a ministry?
First, let’s look at what “multicultural” is. Webster’s Dictionary defines “multi” as a combining form meaning many or much. It means “specifically consisting of, containing, or having many.” Webster’s Dictionary defines “culture” as “a particular stage of advancement in civilization or the characteristic features of such.”
So what is meant by being multicultural? It is the combining of many characteristics of our civilization into one form or unit, which is very similar to what goes on in the church. In Ephesians 4:4-6 we read, “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”
You might ask, what has that to do with Scouting? Scouting is one of the characteristics that, once combined with other characteristics, forms the whole or complete unit or body. It is one of the many tools or ways of introducing the gospel message to the community.
There are many types of Boy Scout troops or Explorers groups. Some are comprised of youngsters from certain ethnic backgrounds, such as Asian, African-American, or Hispanic. Some are built on common interests, such as law enforcement, dentistry, or Bible studies. But what if one in the group does not speak English? No problem! Boy Scouts has literature, teaching manuals, and handbooks produced in many different languages, with Spanish being the largest. At the 2007 General Conference, material was provided to missionaries to use in their countries to help reach their communities.
“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season” (II Timothy 4:2).
“Do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry” (II Timothy 4:5).
What was Paul talking about? Could it be that he was referring to being ready at a moment’s notice to give an explanation for the hope that is within us? Not only when asked but proactively reaching out to someone else? Yes, I think Paul meant being mobile in our outreach.
What does being mobile really mean? The word mobile means “movable; characterized by extreme fluidity; characterized by ease of movement; capable of being readily moved about.”
In other words, being mobile in our outreach means taking this message of hope and redemption out to the people; being flexible enough to respond to any situation you might find yourself in; reaching someone who might not be reached any other way! Let me give you some examples.
One morning while in New Mexico several years ago, our group was getting ready to start our morning devotions when I noticed that there were several faces I didn’t recognize. What should I do? I did what any Pentecostal preacher would do . . . I told them they had to leave. Riiiiight. Not a chance! We started and included them right along with us. What a wonderful time we had, as we felt the presence of the Lord.
Another time I had worked with and witnessed to an individual who became the director of the local scout camp. For several days I had felt a need to go visit him. I called my wife, explained what I was going to do, and went. When he saw me he immediately informed his staff that he would be unavailable for several hours and that short of a major catastrophe was not to be disturbed. We went off by ourselves and for about two hours I ministered and prayed with him. He asked when we were done, “How did you know I needed this?” Scouting has allowed me to reach outside of my comfort zone and respond to situations so that someone can feel God’s presence.
That is what outreach is all about—being flexible in our approach, not restrictive as to the time or place but ready to be used of God to reach a soul.
How many times have we seen the label, “New and Improved”? After we made the purchase we discovered the only thing new and improved was the packaging! Due to advertising fatigue, we could have overlooked something because we thought we knew what it was all about.
Let me introduce you to the new and improved Boy Scouts of America. Do you really know what it’s all about?
Our message is the same—Acts 2:38. But how we package or present that message changes. Let me ask you some questions:
• Would you like a means to present good solid Christian principles and examples to your children?
• Would you like to promote a deeper understanding of our faith?
• Would you like a means to increase your Sunday school attendance?
• Would you like a means to bring new families into your church?
• Would you like a way to retain young people or add young people to your youth group?
• Would you like an up-to-date method to introduce your young people to future job possibilities?
Maybe it is time to take a new look at Boy Scouts! Boy Scouts of America programs span from first grade to twenty years of age. These programs are varied:
1. Cub Scouting: first grade to fifth grade (ages 7–10), family oriented
2. Boy Scouts: sixth grade to eighteen years, developing self
3. Varsity Scouting: older Scouts (ages 14–17), more challenging adventures
4. Venturing: young men and women (ages 14–20), crews choose special interests.
The Boy Scouts of America’s proven programs can be used as is or modified to meet the needs of the local church. What better way to introduce your youth to good Christian examples and principles, reach your community, and at the same time experience growth?
Check out our new and improved Web site and learn more about how Scouting can be a big boost to your church: http://www.pcsbsa.com
When I was growing up my patrol leader would always say, “Eat your greens; they’re good for ya!” We scouts would wrinkle our noses, look to heaven in a