The Singing Scoutmaster: Inclusion

Scouts, think about lunchtime at school. Most kids sit in the same spot every day with the same friends. It's comfortable. It's safe. But now picture the kid who just moved to your school last week. They walk into the cafeteria with their tray, and every table looks full. They stand there scanning the room, hoping someone - anyone - will wave them over. Have you ever been that kid?

Inclusion means being the person who waves. It means looking around and noticing who's on the outside, then making room for them on the inside. It doesn't require a grand gesture. Sometimes it's as simple as 'Hey, come sit with us' or 'Want to be in our patrol for this activity?'

In Scouting, we come from different neighborhoods, different schools, different backgrounds. Some of us are loud and some are quiet. Some learn fast and some need more time. Some have been Scouts for years and some just joined last week. Every single one of us belongs here. Not because we're all the same - because we're not, and that's what makes us better.

The strongest patrols aren't the ones where everyone is identical. They're the ones where different skills, different perspectives, and different personalities come together and make something none of them could make alone. But that only works if everyone feels welcome enough to contribute.

Here's your mission: at the next meeting, campout, or school day, look for the person who seems like they're on the outside. Be the one who opens the circle and says, 'There's room for you here.' That one small act can change someone's whole experience. All Scouts welcome - and that starts with each of us.