Burma and China

I was talking to the Scouts last night about the cyclone that has recently hit Burma and the earthquake that has struck China. They all agreed that despite the fact they may have bad days at school and their parents can be annoying, they have very easy lives and are lucky that they will never have to suffer like the Burmese or Chinese.

I mentioned that there were problems getting aid into Burma and that the Burmese Government was being……. and I got stuck for a polite word. Then one of the Scouts piped up ‘Selfish’, which I thought summed things up perfectly. This came from a 12 year old! Now if a 12 year old child can spot this, why can’t the Burmese Government?

Anyway they all decided that we would donate £15 from the subs to each of the relief efforts.

Another of the Scouts came to me after the meeting to ask if we could collect door to door. Good idea, I said, but unhappily unsafe. At least it proves they were thinking of others less fortunate.

5 Replies to “Burma and China”

  1. You can not go door to door?
    Twice a year we go door to door, once asking for cnned food donations, and the other asking for clothing items.
    These donations all go to local charities and are given to the most needy.
    The BSA has done this for years.

    We make sure that we have enough Adults to take the boys around to ensure safety, but by and large the Scouts do most of it themselves. It is a great feeling to be able to take the Scouts out and help our neighbor.

    Last year after we collected the food, we helped count, sort and store it… then we came back and helped hand it out at the local food bank. This was a powerful demonstration of selfless service.
    And it really made an impression on the Scouts… and our community.

    You sound like you have a great group of Scouts over there…. Keep up the great work.

    Happy Scouting!

    Jerry

  2. I know, it's a shame, but it's a symptom of the day and age we live in.

    This is from a SA fact sheet from last year for the Comic Relief Red Nose Day charity appeal –

    'If you’re fundraising in a public place or door-to-door, you’ll need a licence from your local authority (please only make door-to-door collections from people you know). Where young people are involved, make sure they are properly supervised and have permission from a parent or guardian.'

    The other thing is that people don't always react too well to people calling at the door for donations. My Mum does a collection once a year for Christian Aid and people can be rude, ignore her, mean and downright generous!

    Looks like your community, and your Scouts, still have the right idea though Jerry!

  3. You are right..its a shame.

    Stuff like really reinforces the idea that now more than ever the world needs Scouts and Scouting.
    The Ideals found in the Scout Oath and Law should be common place in our communities and our populations.
    Baden Powell had a great vision, it is a shame that the world did not grab a hold of it and embrace it.

    Well.. if we have done our best..then we have done alright!

    Do a good turn daily is the Slogan of the Boy Scouts of America..
    And that is what we try to do.

    Happy Scouting!

  4. If we as Leaders do our best, at least there will be some young people out there across the world with a sense of community and a less selfish outlook on life!

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