From: Gary Arbeider [Arbeider@district.north-van.bc.ca]
Sent: April 2, 2001 3:26 PM
To: 'Webmaster@Scoutscan.com'
Subject: RE: The Uniform Review

Yes, I grant you permission to post this. 

I notice that there are a couple of typos that I made.
Changes are entered below and marked with ^ symbol.

Thanks, 

Yours In Scouting, 

Gary Arbeider,  
Akela, Group #12 Cubs
New Westminster


-----Original Message-----
From: Webmaster@Scoutscan.com [mailto:webmaster@scoutscan.com]
Sent: 02 April 2001 12:09
To: Gary Arbeider
Subject: RE: The Uniform Review


Could I have your permission to post this on the Scoutscan.com website as a
comment on the Uniform?

--
Kevin D. Nickson - Webmaster - Scoutscan.com
http://www.scoutscan.com  email: Webmaster@scoutscan.com
--


> -----Original Message-----
> From: Gary Arbeider [mailto:Arbeider@district.north-van.bc.ca]
> Sent: March 30, 2001 8:30 PM
> To: 'webmaster@scoutscan.com'
> Subject: The Uniform Review
>
>
> I have been involved with scouting since I was Cub, I am
> currently the Akela
> with the 12th New Westminster Cub Pack (Fraser Valley Region, British
> Columbia).
>
> To wear the uniform is an honour: When I was a Cub and as a new
> Scout I did
> not understand that, and that led to some discomfort in wearing it. Over
> time, I came to feel honoured to wear the uniform. Wearing a neat, clean
> uniform, bedecked with badges earned respect from those I respected.
>
> Every time I put on the uniform, I am reminded that I have made ^a^
promise.
> Wearing the uniform tells others that I have made a promise and that they
> should expect me to conduct myself in light of that promise.  It will be
> assumed the as a Scout I have a belief in God, adhere to
> spiritual practices ^and^
> accept the attendant duties and responsibilities; That I believe
> in Duty to
> others through service and respect of law; and That I have a duty
> to improve
> and take care of my self.
>
> Many organisations use symbols that are worn to either remind them their
> promises or to show others what they are apart of - Crucifix,
> Star of David.
>
> The uniform is a responsibility:  When you wear the uniform of a member of
> the Scouting movement you represent the scouting movement,
> whether you are a
> first year Beaver or a National Commissioner.  Your actions good
> or bad will
> either polish or tarnish how the world perceives a Scout.
>
> The uniform communicates:  As a leader, I encounter many youth, from
> different groups and sections.  Their uniforms tell me a lot
> about who they
> are, what they might be able to do and how much experience they
> have.  When
> travelling, and I have the responsibility to care for the group,
> the uniform
> lets me sort my youth from others, ^even when they are standing with
their^ back turned
> to me. The
> uniform allows the youth find each other and their leaders.
>
> The uniform vis-à-vis retention of membership: Most of the problems
> associated with wearing the uniform stem from either not
> understanding what
> Scouting represents and tries to achieve and pressure from peers
> who do not
> respect what Scouting is about.  Even as an adult, when somebody discovers
> that I am a Cub leader they sometimes put their hands up by their ears and
> go DYB DYB DYB.  They look silly and I just think - DO YOUR BEST,
> and try to
> do my best.  When my son (who is now a Cub) goes off to play soccer or
> softball or is off to school to take a test I'll call to him DYB,
> DYB, DYB,
> encouraging him to remember to do his best.  Its not about
> winning or losing
> its about doing your best, learning and growing (whether you are
> 9 or 42).
>
> It seems today that honour, integrity and responsibility are held in
> contempt by a vociferous minority.  And thus those who stand for
> these noble
> principles are ridiculed and teased.  Hiding and going
> underground will not
> help.  It is by providing good role models and building their confidence
> that Scouts will overcome these challenges.
>
> Sam Elsworth^,^ National Commissioner has said: "Let's ensure that all our
> adult volunteers understand that it's Scouting's programs, values and
> activities , not the clothes they are wearing, that are vital to our youth
> members and the fulfilment of our Mission."   The uniform, reflects the
> program that Scouts are participating in, the values they hold, the
> activities they do and their many accomplishments.  What applied when Lord
> Baden Powell created scouting, I strongly believe applies today,
> the uniform
> is integral to Scouting.
>
> Yours In Scouting,
>
> Gary Arbeider,
> Akela, Group #12 Cubs
> New Westminster, BC
>
>