This is an article from our local newspaper, The New Sunday Times, from last Sunday’s papers ( 6th December 2009 ). Article is written by Intan Maizura Ahmad Kamal.
‘Believe not each accusing tongue, As most weak persons do, But still believe that story wrong, Which ought not to be true…’
These wise words written on the back of an old black and white photo dated 1955, addressed to one Kong Ming, make me smile. Looking out from the photo is a handsome young lad in his prime, a beret jauntily perched on his head, and looking splendid in full scout gear. “That’s KC,” points out the aforementioned Kong Ming, now in his 60s, happily sharing his precious collection of pictures.
“I was very handsome, eh?” chuckles KC, or Liu Kwai Choong, the subject of the picture, now 72. The veteran scout master and icon of the 10th KL Air Scout Group, a group formed in 1915, looks on with interest as more memories unfurl in front of him, of the camaraderie between strapping young boys toiling over a tent, forming a human pyramid on a beach somewhere, and the formal pose together with their scout masters.
KC’s interest in scouting began early. The stories he read in books about scouting exploits captured his imagination. “I got the chance to become a boy scout when scouting was offered as a curricular activity.” When he got to Form Five, he was elected a scout master. “It’s a great responsibility,” says KC, the second of seven siblings. “You have to guide and build the characters of all these boys under your wing. It’s your duty to ensure they walk the correct path in life.”
Scouting, adds KC, whose parents were both Chinese school teachers, isn’t only about the great outdoors although it does form a vital part. It’s the eventful years when a boy becomes a man, guided by the 10 Scout Laws and promise. It’s the character-building leading to independence yet within a brotherhood, and subsequently into a responsible citizen in the community
“What I’ve inculcated in them is that as they grow older, they must always look out for each other and continue to exemplify the spirit of brotherhood. They share and sleep in the same tent. They have to eat the same rice.
There is no rich or poor.”
Such were the wise words from the 72-year old idol.
Did his speech inspire you? Did it ignite the scouting spirit in you? Does it make your heart pump a thousand times faster with your head nodding in sheer agreement?
If it doesn’t, then ask yourself this question.
Why join scouts?
Lately, the response we’ve been getting from our latest activities, such as Maju Camp, Patrol Camp, Membership Drive and Break-thru Camp is disappointing. What has happened to everyone? Some teachers have also commented on this; why tuition instead of character building activities? They are as baffled as we are.
Do realize that you have only 5 years to spend in secondary school. 5 years to enjoy your carefree teenage life before you enter the working world. And when one joins scouts, they are trained to endure the harsh conditions of the real world where people don’t care about what you think of them and their actions.
Yes, scouts is meant to be fun but if you do not partake in the activities offered or work together with your fellow members, then no wonder you find scouts dull and unattractive. We, meaning anyone who is more experienced than yourself, are strict towards you to train you for the better good. Do not think we hand out punishments simply for our own amusement as I can assure you, we don’t.
Know that once you’ve graduated from secondary school, you will start to miss your scouting life and the new acquaintances you’ve made. You will be grateful with whatever you’ve accomplished either alone, with friends, physically and mentally. You will also regret things you did not try and will wish for a second chance to go back and accomplish it.
Compared to this man, we have a short span to spend our scouting life. Even so, quite a number become inactive or quit after their first year. If you think scouts is not your cup of tea, so why pass us your membership form instead of admitting it? Well, if its because you want to give it another try then be like this man. If he can endure this, so can we!
Now ask yourself again.
Why did I join scouts?
Dear readers, do not think I am lecturing you or nagging you or whatever bad impression you’re getting from this post. My reason is to get answers to why few members are joining our events. Furthermore, I want you ( 10th Petaling members ) to realize what scouts is all about and whether its what you want as a part of your life.
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