May 24: ‘You revel in your own complacency, Ravi Kant Verma’, is what I was before I was given the duty to take 11 student scouts to Tara Devi for a State Level Bharat Guides and Scouts Camp in the first week of May. The three day camp has transformed me.
Teaching and training the student scouts to ‘Be Prepared’ for every moment, for all circumstances – favorable or adverse – has given me an insight as young boys and girls are innocent and impressionable and can be moulded if we, the mentors give them proper training and encouragement to move on.
My scout boys were ‘Prepared’ from day one – Each adapted so easily and quickly to the morning wake up – bells, setting of beds, cold water bath, physical drills, simple food and zero comfort of their homes. The BES values were practiced by the students during the 5km track, where in each of them contributed generously to serve and share with others. It was an amazing experience to see all the 700 student scouts make a human chain on the Shimla highway to cross it yet not create any chaos on the road despite the winding and dangerous road. Another amazing thing was that none of them complained or grumbled rather enjoyed the adventurous experience.
I came back with a set of eleven happy responsible boys who are prepared and determined to be independent and do all their work themselves at home.
The motivation from the principal to be the Scouts Master has taught me to ‘Be Prepared, for any challenge, any work and any moment.
Scouts Master: Ravi Kant Verma
Sacred Heart Convent School
Sarabha Nagar, Ludhiana
