A Little Inclusiveness Can Go a Long Way

One year, at Camp Shenandoah Boy Scout summer camp, it was finally our time to shine. Every year, a decathlon is held between all of the troops to see who will hold up the ultimate bragging rights trophy. Some of the events in the decathlon include a 5k run, a tug-of-war contest, a rowing competition, knot-tying, cooking, and many other activities. The entire week, the older scouts from my troop traveled around to many of the events and kept us in the race for first place. Within the last two days of the competition, we were estimated to be around second place out of nearly twenty troops competing.

The whole week, the leaders and older scouts were looking for ways to include us in the competition. I really wanted to be a part of one of the teams, but my knowledge of scouting skills was limited and my physical stature was less mature than others older than me. Regardless, I was chosen to be a part of the tug-of-war team. As I was the last team member allowed on the 5 man pull-team, I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to "pull my weight." I really wanted to prove that I could do my share and help us win.

As we progressed through the competition, we somehow reached the final competition stage where we got to face off against the strongest team. not only were they the strongest, but they had about 100 pounds more than us on their team. The struggle lasted over two minutes and the ref had to blow the whistle, instructing us to take a break. When we returned to the sandpit, the other team quickly pulled us over the line. We had lost.

Even though we placed second in the competition, I carried the memory of being included with me as I progressed through Scouting. We ended up placing second over all in the decathlon, we were not disappointed. We had grown closer as a troop and everyone had gotten to participate.

When I became a senior scout, it was finally my turn to compete for the troop in a lot of the decathlon events. I remembered that same feeling I experienced when I was included on that tug-of-war team, and so I took it upon myself to include as many younger scouts as possible. In the end, we placed third in the entire event. The entire outcome taught me the valuable life lesson of perspective. Not only was including others important, but having a good time while making friends and memories was something I will remember the rest of my life, not what place we got in the decathlon. I've truly learned that giving other people the same feeling I experienced when I was included on that tug-of-war team is the best way to spread positivity and future similar acts.

Image Credits:

Image provided by Robert Clemons