We belonged to a troop and had a number sewn on one of our sleeves. And every Monday, we carried the flag, wearing white gloves and were the marching “stars” of the flag ceremony. We took turns learning how to carry the flag and had many activities even outside campus.
Boys and girl scouts share the motto “be prepared” and I think this is the best preparation for our youth to face the real world. Having girl scouts may be key in addressing our issues on teenage pregnancies, violence against women and the seeming lack of role models in the community for young women to emulate. While it may not be the only solution to these problems, adopting the program could help teachers mold our young men and women to be responsible leaders of society.
Girls, on the other hand, look for mentors in leadership a little later in life – like when they start a business or join organizations to be with women leaders, or join a professional club so they can learn public speaking, leadership and network with like-minded women. They should have been girl scouts earlier in life – you are taught to be active in communities, busy yourself with outdoor affairs like camping and planting and are influenced to serve your community and your country.
If we start our kids on scouting earlier in life, they will grow up to be more responsible members of society, be accountable leaders of communities and be visionary leaders for the country. Just look at the who’s who in scouting around the world. One thing I remember about Angara – the father, Edgardo, not the son: there was no running water in the restrooms of the College of Arts and Sciences when I started my academic life at the University of the...