Sir Robert Baden-Powell

Robert Baden-Powell, His Favorite Portrait

My hero is the Boy Scouts of America and its founder, Robert Baden-Powell. He first became famous in the British Army. Shortly after he left the army, he started the scouting program. Participating in scouting through their merit badge programs and outdoor activities has taught me leadership, obedience, thriftiness and to be reverent.

Robert Baden-Powell first became famous by his conduct at the battle of Mafeking, a strategic holding action during the South African War with the Dutch Boers in 1899. When the war was over, he wanted to help boys become better men while having fun at the same time. He invited a group of boys in 1907 to Brownsea Island off the coast of England. This was to be the world’s first Boy Scout camp. The camp was so successful that Baden-Powell wrote a book called Scouting for Boys. Thousands of boys read the book and the scouting program spread like wildfire.

Scouting has had a positive influence in my life. Scouting has taught me to be a leader by placing me in leadership positions such as Patrol Leader and Senior Patrol Leader. I have learned obedience in working with adult leadership. Being thrifty comes by earning the Personal Management Merit Badge and buying food for various campouts. We always show reverence before meals and on Sunday Vesper at each campout. I have learned first aid through merit badge work, guest speakers, and hands-on experience. I believe that all boys should be in the Scouting Organization because I have been the recipient of many memorable experiences. I am a better person and friend due to scouting and its founder Robert Baden-Powell.