This month the troop will focus on programs that emphasize our role as citizens in our community, in our nation, and in the world. Given that the month begins with a national holiday – Labor Day – this is incredibly appropriate.
Part of being a good citizen is knowing and appreciating the rights of citizenship. Indeed, one of the great gifts of citizenship in the United States is the rights that such citizenship confers upon us.
(I know: I spent nearly twenty years living in a country that threw people in jail for no reason, kept them away from any contact with family and friends, and could take away anything you owned at any time and for no reason.)
But something that is not talked about as much is our responsibilities as citizens. In Scouts, more than anywhere else, we learn that being a good citizen is not only important, it is easier than we think and is deeply rewarding.
If you don’t believe me, ask a senior scout or the senior patrol leader. Each of these scouts have experienced many occasions when the service they give to their community and nation has changed their lives.
So enjoy this month – I would bet each of us is going to come out of this as better, happier citizens of the United States.
Troop 234, Boy Scouts of America 