Aiming High

Recently, I read a column that gave me a new perspective on how we can advise our young people to not just take the middle road of life, but to push a little harder and raise the bar on what they can accomplish.

It was written by a Boy Scout volunteer in San Antonio who is also a columnist for a section called “Mustard Seeds” in the Blanco County News. He describes his fascination with knife and tomahawk throwing competitions at an October Wild West show and the skills of participants from around the world.

Much to his delight, he learned that his troop would be hosting a tomahawk throwing activity during a recent LDS Scouting centennial event at McGimsey Scout Camp in San Antonio. After extensive safety training, Scouts – both young and old – were encouraged to take a try at hurling tomahawks at large wooden targets. Because of the weight of the tomahawks, they were instructed to “aim high” to successfully hit the target.

To the writer’s surprise, the younger Scouts took the advice to “aim high” and hit the targets after a few tries. The older, stronger Scouts, thought they could simply “power” tomahawks to the targets and either fell short or missed entirely.

As the columnist points out, there was a great lesson here. Aiming high, he decided, “is not only good advice for boys, girls, men, and women throwing tomahawks but for any of life’s travelers in any endeavor,” he wrote.

That’s a great message not only for our Scouts, but for all of us to consider. When we talk to our Scouts about being prepared for life, we help provide them the training, outdoor experiences, and leadership opportunities to help them be the best they can be. That’s how we help deliver a quality Scouting experience for the sustainability of our organization.

How do you encourage people you work with to “aim high” as they achieve goals for your organization or community groups? What programs do you have to help participants be the best they can be?

More soon!

Wayne