THE SCOUT TRAIL

When we go hiking we spend most of our time on trails.  Sometimes the going is easy because the ground is flat and smooth.  Other times it's all uphill - steep and rocky.

The Scout advancement trail is like that, too.  Some of the requirements for the skill awards and merit badges are easy for you.  Some are tough like an uphill climb with a 40 pound pack.

This month we're going to concentrate on  helping each other  up those steep , rocky hills to earn skill awards and badges.  Why bother? Because by mastering more skills we grow to be a better person, more independent, better able to  take our place as a responsible citizen.

Some of us may be slower to advance than others.  That's OK.  The important thing is that we're all doing our best to make progress.  Because if you're not progressing, you're really moving backwards - you're getting behind the rest.

Let's all make up our minds to take a step forward on the advancement trail this month by earning at least one  skill award or merit badge.  If you're close to finishing the requirements, make a special effort to complete it in time for the October court of honor.

And let's help at least one other guy over the tough spots on the Scout trail.