Well this is interesting. I came to post this scout law element this morning all prepared with a joke about how I should have posted it before you all bought overpriced roses. However, for the first time, I was surprised with one of the definitions listed so I’m going with that instead.
We know the obvious meaning of thrifty which we can easily apply to the Family Life and Personal Management merit badges among others. But today, let’s take a look at definition number three. This one applies directly to the Scout Oath promise to be physically strong. Who knew?! I didn’t.
THRIFTY –adjective
1. | practicing thrift or economical management; frugal: a thrifty shopper. |
2. | thriving, prosperous, or successful. |
3. | thriving physically; growing vigorously. |
# 3 was a suprise! Your right, who knew………..I’ll have to re-think how to be thrifty
This was a question when I sat in on a young mans Eagle Review. I was amazed she even asked this. He only knew that it meant to save money. She granted him that but wanted him to expand his definition. He couldnt.
It’s amazing what a Scoutmaster will find when searching for other peoples’ insights.
Like many other troops, we sometimes struggle to keep ourselves and our Scouts focused on the mission of Scouting. I have plans to address each of the points of the Scout Oath and Law on a weekly basis, starting with Trustworthy and so on. When I get to the end, I’m going to start the cycle over.
I suppose that when one of our Eagle candidates is faced with a request to expand upon a particular virtue of the Scout Oath, he should be able to do this without hesitation.
Being on the White Horse District Eagle Review Board in New Jersey, it is not uncommon for me do put a boy on the spot to explain one of these points in his own words. (My favorite is Reverent.)
I don’t do this to make them nervous; God knows that they’re nervous enough in front of a group of strangers. It is to cause them to be more inquisitive of the everyday in the future. To keep what is important from becoming tedious or mundane.
Thank you for your insights. They are quite enlightening. Can’t wait for the next installment!
Kevin Teer
Scoutmaster, BSA Troop 67, Haddon Heights, NJ
Webelos Den Leader, Cub Scout Pack 252, Cherry Hill, NJtroop67snj.org