Scouters

Give them clear mountain lakes, And kid-friendly swimming holes, Rafts, rowboats, and canoes; Dads and sons with fishing poles. Give them clear night skies, Filled with just enough moonlight To find shadowy paths-- Navigating by starlight. Give them old patch jackets To remind them of their tales: Camporees, jamborees, And famous historic trails Give them some traditions From American folklore; Ashes saved from campfires, To teach them who went before. Give them Boy Scout handbooks, Lengths of rope with knots to tie, Multi-tool pocket knives, And young Scouts wanting to try. Give them trails to follow, Maps and compasses to read. Stories around a fire, Patrols of Boy Scouts to lead. All Scouts want is just a chance To watch wildlife and touch native plants, Go snipe hunting and backpacking, And earn merit badges for everything. All Scouts want is just somewhere To swim and hike and breathe fresh air, And to cook and laugh around a campfire. There’s just not much more for a Scout to desire.