5 Life Lessons Every Scout Learns According to This Eagle Scout

Though a youth’s time as a Scout typically doesn’t extend past age 18 (or 21 if you’re a Venturer), the Scouting program is something that sticks with its members far beyond their childhood years. Eagle Scout Alex C. explained this phenomena in an article he wrote for the Odyssey Online where he shares the “5 life lessons every Scout learns.”

Now an active adult volunteer, Alex describes his Scouting experience fondly and reflects on the 5 life lessons he believes every Scout learns in the program:

1. Leadership – Alex appreciates the leadership experiences he’s had in Scouting and says he feels equipped to take charge, whether in a group project or at a job. Alex learned how important it is for leaders to assist their peers, share ideas, and help with work.
2. Public Speaking – “Public speaking is an essential skill to have in a schooling environment, as well as a work environment,” explained Alex. Scouting offered plenty of opportunities to speak publicly and Alex says he learned helpful tips like having nice posture and speaking without filler words.
3. Being Prepared – “Disaster can happen at any time, and
   

   Eagle Scout Alex C. spearheaded a donation drive for a local no-kill animal shelter for his Eagle Scout service project. (Photo via the Odyssey Online)

   you should be ready for the worst,” shared Alex. “In fact, the Boy Scout Motto is to Be Prepared. In the organization, we strive to teach everyone the importance of being prepared for an event, task, or situation that may arise.”

4. Volunteering – “In Scouting, any youth who wants to attain the Eagle Scout rank has to do a leadership project,” said Alex. For his project, Alex did a donation drive for Pets Alive, a local no-kill animal shelter. Even though Alex needed to complete a service project to reach Eagle, he says it’s important for everyone to give back to their community.
5. Goal Setting – “Setting a goal for yourself is a great way to try and achieve something,” explained Alex. “In Scouting, we have tried to instill a motto on how to set goals, and that is using SMART goal planning.” SMART stands for specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely.

Read Alex’s personal account of his experience in Scouting by reading his original article on the Odyssey Online. And tell us in the comments below, what skills would you add to this list?