Scouting advocates believe in the adage “Be prepared”. At times, it is easier said than done. Basically, just like any other unit, it takes a village to build a scout. Furthermore, it provides adventure and real life experiences. Naturally, it aims to contribute to the attainment of holistic development of lifelong knowledge, appropriate skills, proper attitude among children including out of school youths (OSY) which are deemed contributory factors to the enhancement of education. It implies the participation of adult or elder leaders in the community for the advocacy and achievement of these principles.
It was the second night of our three-day Basic Training Course in scouting. Observations for improvement were announced by the training team. The suggestions could had been digested well for implementation but it was disrupted. It was known that some participants do not have a travel order. The facilitator declared that the training was deemed for invalidity. Four names were called and the individuals were asked to stand. I am one of them. We confirmed that we really do not have with us our travel order. We were summoned infront of the group.
Accordingly, as a consequence, the four of us have to go home that night. There was silence for a moment. “We would willingly perform any challenge to be required”, voluntarily articulated a groupmate. The facilitator interrupted saying firmly that everybody then must have to leave, and that the training is definitely cancelled. Someone stood and revealed that together with a comrade they do not have a travel order. They asserted that they should also be called. I tried to explained my situation that I should be the only one to leave. It seems I had noticed losing my composure. However, the facilitator stated further that the whole training for all of us is null and void. That we must all leave that night. I detected that there were teary eyes. I thought I am not prepared for this scenario. Then the team leader with a strong voice pointed out there is no use of the exchange of explanations of one’s self and plight. Everyone was asked to stand.
Simultaneously, one among the training team started strumming the guitar, and they started singing the common song for birthday celebrants. The song went louder as the whole team were singing. The serious looking faces were changed to smiling faces. We realized that the four of us were born on the same month. Instantly, the team leader distributed a token to us. At that time, we laughed and expressed our gratitude. And pronounced that I even perspired and felt hot which they responded with much laughter. Indeed, it was a scene described as a courteous fight.
A little while, I was able to feel better. I took that situation to reiterate to my younger fellow workers the significance of a travel order whenever we got out of our workplace. The event was a test of handling situations in a mature and dignified way. It doesn’t matter what your present position or status is. Like doing basic chores is for everyone. Moreover, honesty was practiced and the willingness to be a part of a solution was definitely seen.
This once in a lifetime experience is profoundly accepted as a simple token of the felicitous moments of a fruitful scouting experience. And to work for scouting or any endeavor with passion leads to happiness. Truly, Dalai Lama confirms that happiness is not something readily made. It comes from one’s action.
By VIRGINIA B. SALIO-AN
