As adults, many of us grew up as Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts…or maybe you stopped at the Cub Scout or Brownie level. For those who participated in these organizations, the “life skills” that you learned certainly had some value. You may even use some of those skills today. However, what our Remnant Youth are gaining carries a DOUBLE blessing! Not only are they learning about GOD’S Creation and how to live and manage themselves outdoors…not only are they learning about making their own crafts and clothing…but they are doing it for the PURPOSE of connecting with GOD and with each other even more. THAT PURPOSE is their highest goal, and it makes the “skills training” have MEANING. Yes, they are creating lasting memories of fun, fellowship, and learning together, but more than anything, they are discovering more and more about GOD’S Creation, His personality, how to look to Him for their provisions in life, and how to PRAY to Him for protection and guidance…no matter WHAT situation they may find themselves in – indoors, outdoors, rain or shine, sleet or snow, in safety and in challenging situations. That FOCUS presents a huge difference in what these precious young people glean…versus what we as adults were focusing on as young people.
For the past few months, our Scouts have learned so much – including this list and much more:
- How to camp out (tents, sleeping bags, food, campfires, safety, protection, weather preparation, attire, awareness of their surroundings, etc.)
- Knife safety
- Basic first aid training
- Various types of rope knots…for practical use in numerous situations
- OLDER Scouts have learned how to “lash” (binding and fastening), how to use an axe and saw, fire building, and some basic outdoor cooking
- Girls have learned some sewing and knitting
Also, the Scouts have hosted TWO large-scale events in recent weeks, with BOTH of them turning out to be great successes:
- A “BIKE RODEO,” which focused on bicycle safety, training, rules of the road, and a fun bike course for young riders to navigate through
- A “PINEWOOD DERBY,” featuring cars that the Scouts made and raced themselves.
The PINEWOOD DERBY featured 90 cars built by our Scouts, and they raced in four different groups – older boys, younger boys, older girls, and younger girls. Bill Scott reported that there was lots of help from Chris Smith (“pit crew”) and other generous volunteers. Everyone had a great time, and everyone displayed GREAT SPORTSMANSHIP!