How do you give back?

Don Cunningham, 2001 National OA Chief, wrote this letter regarding the vision of unity and common bond that Order of the Arrow represents:

"...when Dr. Goodman founded our great and honored Order, he glimpsed a vision. This vision was his dream of unity and a common bond that drew human beings together under the same purpose. The product of this dream is the reality of the Order of the Arrow today. It is an opportunity to aim for something higher. It gives Scouts and Scouters alike the chance to go beyond the routines of their units to gain special leadership experience and give back to those who elected them. The Order is an endless cycle and its possibilities are infinite. The root of it all lies with the brotherhood and fellowship that bring members together." Click here for the whole letter

I specifically want to point out the line where Don says, "give back to those who elected them." If you're an Arrowman right now, how are you giving back to the Scouts in your troop? What can you do today to change the way the OA is viewed in your troop, so that ALL KIDS want to join and become active? It's the spirit that the OA is given that makes a difference here. Some kids I talk to are totally anti-Order of the Arrow, and I just don't get it. It's a group of ELITE Scouts, who give back the best, who serve the most, who follow the Oath and Law the best, who are the BEST role-models.


I give back through teaching merit badges at my martial arts studio. I teach Sports, Athletics, and Personal Fitness Merit Badges, and GIVE AWAY 3 months of FREE classes. I give and give and give, and only except in return that the kids I help will reach Eagle Scout and take their own oath to give back to Scouting more than they received.


Are YOU ready to make that commitment?

If you are, then I'll see YOU at the TOP!


Sensei Brian