The Advancement Trail

The ‘Scout’ Story ©

By: Dale Roos, Scoutmaster of 400

Rank advancement in Boy Scouting, is founded in much history.  The advancement trail that leads to the eagle rank is not unlike an old Native American story, that I would like to share with you.

In the day of the Delaware, Lenape, and Iroquois, young braves of the tribe who felt they were ready to contribute to the tribes well being, came forward to the chief and presented themselves.  They were varied in age from young braves to older more mature braves.  They came before the chief at the fire and were given their instructions.  The chief told each brave that they were to become ‘SCOUTS’ for the tribe.  That each brave would scout out a new trail into the wilderness. Each would begin a journey and complete an ordeal.  They were to travel to the land beyond the village and seek new experiences, learn to understand all that the Great Spirit had provided around them. 

He instructed them to travel as far as they could, reflect on every thing that they would encounter.  Learn what was to be known.  And to use what thy would need to survive. He warned them not to destroy mother earth but to care for her. She would provide all that they would need. Lastly he told them that they were to bring back items from the farthest point of their journey and to return with them to present to the chief. 

Seven braves set out on their individual journeys.  Only one day had passed when the youngest, and least experienced ‘scout‘ returned. He went to the chief and presented him with some branches from the shrubs he carried back.  The chief looked at the plant and said, “I see you have traveled to the open meadow by the edge of the forest.  But you have not been gone long.”  The young brave said this, “I traveled all day through the open meadow and reached the edge of the forest. When it became dark I did not have the skills to build a fire to keep warm.  I did not have the tools to hunt or fish, so I returned.”

The chief said him, “You were ‘BRAVE’ in your challenge also you were “OBEDIENT” and returned with your finding but you have much to learn. You are young and may  continue on your journey when you are ready.”

One week passed when the second brave returned.   He too sought out the Chief and presented himself. With him, he carried an oak leaf.  The chief said, “I see that you have made it passed the meadow to the deep forest.”  The scout replied, “I have traveled many days. I have experienced much. I traveled through the meadow, where I gathered berries and other plants to eat.  They lasted many days.  The forest gave me protection from the wind but I did not have the tools to make fire, to keep myself warm so I returned.”

The chief responded, “You have traveled far and learned much but you still have more to learn, you were “THRIFTY” with your food and it sustained you over many days.  Your journey however, is not yet finished -- you will continue when you are ready.”

One month passed when the third scout returned. He carried with him a bow and spear along with a pine branch.  He found the chief and presented him with his journeys tokens.  The chief said, “You have traveled far and been gone long.  I see from the pine branch that you have made it beyond the meadow into the forest and climbed to the higher plateau where the pine trees grow.”  The brave said, “I have traveled far, I used skills I learned to make a bow and spear from the trees in the forest I was able to fish for food.  I knew what berries and fruit to eat.  I did not waste or destroy my resources. But the climb became very steep I was not strong enough and I returned.”  

The chief replied, “You have traveled well you have learned much. You used your knowledge and skills to help you persevere. You should be proud of your accomplishments. But your journey is not finished. You too may continue when you are ready.”   

Three months had transpired when the fourth brave returned.  He was visibly stronger than when he had left on his journey. He came before the chief and handed him a stone.  The chief said, “I see that your ordeal has taken you far beyond the meadow and forest, beyond the Pine plateau, to the higher plateau above the trees.”  The brave replied, “Yes I have traveled far – I have watched the leaves fall and a season change.  I used my skills to obtain food. I used flint and steel to make fire to keep me warm during the cold nights.  From animal furs I made clothes to protect me from the weather.  The climb was steep but I grew stronger and climbed on. However,  I came to an overhanging ledge and there was no one to help – I could go no farther.”  The chief replied, “You have matured on your journey.  Your ordeal has offered you much in experience. You have been LOYAL to your goal, and your dedication has rewarded you with much skill and knowledge.  But your journey is not yet complete – you also, must continue when you are ready.”  

Six months later, the fifth scout came back to his tribal village.  He sought out the chief and upon finding him, presented the chief with an animal skin filled with water.  He said to the chief, “I have much to tell you of my journey.  I bring you water made from the melting snow high on the mountain. It is clear and cold like the air and the sky upon the mountain.  In the daytime you could see far into the valleys and out across the forest and meadows.  At night the heavens were filled with countless stars.  I used these stars to guide me on my way.  I have encountered many challenges.  I grew stronger and more skillful with time.  The seasons changed around me, and I delighted in all that mother earth had to bestow.  I felt that I should share my experiences with the younger braves, so I returned.”  The chief was pleased to hear of his adventure.  He said, “You have learned well.  You understand that CHEERFULNESS makes tiresome tasks easier.  You have come to appreciate the CLEANLINESS of nature and the environment.  Go and share your experiences with those who will benefit from your knowledge and skill.  But you too must continue on with your journey.  For even though you have traveled far, your journey is not yet complete.  Continue one when you are ready.”

At the end on one year the sixth scout returned from his long ordeal.  The chief came out to greet the well-developed youth.  The scout said, “It is good to be back among friends and family.  I have traveled far beyond the meadow and forest.  I climbed high on the mountain and beyond.  I used my knowledge of the wilderness, skills and strength to overcome many obstacles.  But I could not accomplish it all alone.  On the journey, I met scouts from other tribes traveling along the same trail.  We assisted each other on our steep climb.  We shared what we had and came to understand the value of FRIENDSHIP.  Enjoying the journey became the focus.  The adventure had become my LIFE .  Working together to accomplish tasks allowed us to develop a feeling of TRUST for our brother ‘Scouts’.  We traveled far up the trail.  I could see the peak just above us.  But the trail grew even steeper and more challenging. Some of the ‘Scouts’ decided to take different routes to the summit. Others decided to go no further.  I decided to return – so that I could encourage other braves to continue up on the trail and to climb the heights that I had climbed.”

The chief replied, “You have brought back with you what you carry in your HEART.  You have learned valuable character traits of TRUSTFULNESS, FRIENDSHIP, LOYALTY, and HELPFULLNESS.  These are great qualities to possess.  You have climbed the trail well and know the way to the summit.  You must continue and lead others up the trail you have encountered.”

Two years from the day he started on his journey, the seventh scout finally returned.  He had changed in physique and manner.  He was now a young man -- strong, determined and confident.  He exclaimed to the chief, “I have been gone for many seasons.  I have traveled far.  I have been to the summit of the great mountain range.  During my journey I had to overcome many challenges and obstacles.  I heeded your instructions to use the resources available to me.  I did not waste or destroy.  I greeted all that I met with a smile and helped others whenever I could.  I overcame pitfalls and problems with skill and knowledge that I learned from others and through experience.  The journey was difficult but it offered many rewards along the way.  I thanked the Great Spirit each day for all that was created and all that I could see, hear, taste, smell and touch.  At the Summit of the mountain I saw the Eagles Fly.”  He then presented the Chief with an eagle feather that he had brought back from the mountain.

The Chief told the brave proudly, “You may now say ‘I am the Eagle’ for you too have reached the heights where Eagles’ pay REVERENT homage to all that the Great Spirit created.  You bring honor to the Tribe. You, like the Eagle, are an inspiration to all who will come to know you and follow on the trail. Be proud of your accomplishments. Soar to new heights and greater challenges.