The Singing Scoutmaster: Jack and the Bean Tree

Jack, who was known for his cleverness but also his laziness, decided one day that he wanted something grander than what he had. So, he planted a special bean—one of the beans from the magical beanstalk he had climbed before. The bean grew and grew until it was a tall tree, towering over the mountains and valleys.

At the top of the tree, Jack found a whole new world of wonders. There were golden eggs, talking animals, and a stream that flowed with sweet milk. Jack wandered through this enchanted land, picking up treasures and making friends with the magical creatures.

But Jack's luck took a turn when he encountered an enormous, grumpy owl who was the guardian of the tree. "No one takes from the Bean Tree without paying a price!" the owl screeched. Jack, quick on his feet, offered the owl a deal. "If I can answer your riddle, you'll let me take what I want. If not, I'll leave empty-handed."

The owl agreed and asked, "What is something that can fill a room but takes up no space?" Jack thought hard and then smiled. "Why, that would be light!" The owl blinked in surprise, then nodded. "You are wiser than you look, Jack. Take what you will, but never forget that wisdom is worth more than gold."

Jack returned down the tree with the treasures and the lesson. He never forgot the owl's words, and though he kept some of the magical items, he made sure to use his newfound wisdom to help others and make his life better in more meaningful ways.