PRAYERS AND POEMS FOR SCOUTS

Like His Dad
Trapper Trails Council

Well, what are you going to be my boy,
When you have reached manhood's years;
A doctor, a lawyer, or actor great,
Moving throngs to laughter and tears?
But he shook his head, as he gave his reply,
In a serious way he had;
I don't think I'd care to be any of them.
I want to be like my dad!

He wants to be like his dad! You men,
Did you ever think, as you pause,
That the boy who watches your every move
Is building a set of laws:
He's molding a life you're the model for,
And whether it's good or bad,
Depends on the kind of examples set
For the boy who'd be like his dad.

Would you have him go everywhere you go?
Have him do just the things you do?
And see everything that your eyes behold,
And woo all the gods you woo?
When you see the devotion that shines in the eyes
Of your lovable little lad,
Could you rest content if he gets his wish
And grows up to be like his dad?

It's a job that none but yourself can fill;
It's a charge you must answer for;
It's a duty to show him the road to tread
Ere he reaches manhood's door.
It's a debt you owe for the greatest joy
On this old earth to be had;
This pleasure of having a boy to raise
Who wants to be like his dad.

Author Unknown

Meditation: When Night Ends
Western Los Angeles County Council

"How can we determine the hour of dawn - when the night ends and the day begins? The rabbi asked of his students.

"When, from a distance, you can distinguish between a dog and a sheep?" one of his students suggested. "No", the rabbi answered. "Is it when you can distinguish between a fig tree and a grapevine?" another student asked. "No" he replied.

"Please tell us the answer, then" said the students. "It is when you can look into the face of a human being and have enough light to recognize in him your brother," the wise teacher replied. "Until then it is night, and the darkness is still with us."

Prayers for Den or Pack Meeting
Istrouma Council

Dear God, Bless all the Scouts around the world. Help us remember that we are working together to help make our world a better place. Guide our words and our actions so that we set the kind of example You would want us to set. Amen

Dear God, Give us thankful hearts and keep us from grumbling and having bad tempers in our homes. Help us to get along with each other. Keep us cheerful when things go wrong and our plans are upset. And may we grow in love and understanding of one another. Amen.

The Boy Scout's Mother Asked
Greater St. Louis Area Council

"Where has my little baby gone?"
The Cub Scout's Mother asked,
"He went by here awhile ago.
Did you not see him pass?"

He'd gone to be a Tiger Cub
And then a Wolf was he.
He learned to carve the pinewood car,
And sing songs with glee.

And after that he was a Bear,
And then a Webelos Scout.
He learned the Boy Scout Oath and Law,
And fun in full amount.
Crossed over to be a Boy Scout,
And shown what kindness meant.
His best is what he'd have to be
Everywhere he went.
"Where has my baby boy gone?"
The Boy Scout's Mother asked,
"He went by here awhile ago.
Did you not see him pass?"
To hike the trails and pitch a tent,
To swim the lakes and streams,
To kindle a fire under the stars,
These were his every day dreams.

Down the long trails to Eagle,
He smilingly went his way.
The many adventures that he had,
Shaped the man we see today.

Learned to be a citizen,
A helping hand to lend.
He learned what cheerful service means,
And how to be a friend.

"Where has my baby boy gone?"
The Boy Scout's Mother asked,
"He went to be a Boy Scout,
And he grew to be a man."