Preparing young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
“On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.”
A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.
These, my friends are our values. They have not changed.
I know some are upset by the recent name change to Scouting America, which will become official on February 8, 2025. Many more have expressed appreciation for the change. All I can say is this. It’s just a name. A name that continues our great legacy and better prepares us for the future.
I remember growing up, there were several times that my dad called me out to help rotate the tires or change the oil on the car. Always willing to help, and still not sure what a 7/16 crescent wrench is, I remember fondly those “work afternoons.” Fast forward to today, I haven’t changed the oil or rotated the tires on my car in my entire adult life. I simply go to the tire store or the quick lube.
I haven’t watched a movie on VHS for over a decade. I cannot even tell you where my collection of CDs is which I was once so proud of.
The last time I framed a wall, I used a pneumatic nail gun, instead of a framing hammer. My two-man backpack tent weighs three pounds – an absurd thought when I started backpacking with the troop in the 80’s.
We live in a constant state of change. And this is no different.
So many people quickly jump on the wagon of “woke” or “politics.” I don’t believe this has anything to do with either. The organization has needed to change for a long time. We are finally getting around to doing it. We need a name demonstrating that girls are as welcome as boys (frankly all youth) and that we need more young people involved.
While our name is evolving, our core values, mission statement, the Scout Oath and Law, and commitment to teaching youth leadership and character remain steadfast. Through our programs, we are dedicated to positively impacting lives. This change further strengthens our efforts to grow and evolve across Montana.
I am also pleased to highlight some additional successes of the Montana Council that include female participants: We have 13 girl troops in the council, we had five female Eagle Scouts in 2023, and we have young female staff leaders and patrols in our youth leader training courses at NYLT.
As we move forward, the Montana Council continues to support your efforts in reaching and retaining more youth in our program. Your volunteer time and leadership are invaluable to our organization and the youth of Montana, and we extend our sincere gratitude for your ongoing dedication.
It is so easy to sit back, point fingers, and blame others. But I am often reminded of this quote by Theodore Roosevelt:
“The credit belongs to those who are actually in the arena, who strive valiantly; who know the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spend themselves in a worthy cause; who at best know the triumph of high achievement; and who, at worst, if they fail, fail while daring greatly, so that their place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”
Lastly, even if you disagree with everything I have just said, I remind you to practice the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Friendly, Courteous, and Kind make for a much more rewarding conversation.
I wish you a grand Scouting Summer and hope that it truly is one of your best yet. Thank you for all you do for the future youth of our world.
Yours in Scouting,
Jory Dellinger
Scout Executive & CEO
