The Weakest Link

You've heard the saying "A chain is only as strong as its weakest link". That's absolutely true. With a chain, I can pull a car or lift a heavy load - I can perform many tasks. But, if I try to lift something that is too heavy, one of the links will break - the weakest link will let down the rest of the chain.

In Scouting, each scout works on personal advancement to strengthen himself and improve his skills. Personal advancement increases the strength of each link in our chain so we can accomplish more.  That is the reason all of you are working on your Rank Advancements.

But, there will always be a weakest link. No matter what the task at hand, some person will be less skilled than the others. Someone will not be able to tie a certain knot, or kindle a fire, or hike as fast, or recite as well as the others. At some point, each of you will be a weakest link - I guarantee it! Being the weakest link is not a shameful thing - it is an opportunity for improvement.

When I was a kid growing up the neatest thing was the Schwinn Bicycle with the two headlights at the front and a book carrier at the back. My pals and I would ride to an empty lot for baseball. However, there was a problem, as I rode with my pals I would fall off my bike constantly and could not keep up. My nickname? 'Last batter up.'  I kept that name for about 2 weeks when I gained confidence.

One of the best things about Scouting is that our "chain" is better than a simple metal chain. When we have a task to do, we are not really limited by our weakest link. The other stronger or more skilled or more experienced links support the weaker links. They help them, they teach them, and they guide them. As a result, we accomplish much more than if we each just did our specific task and left the rest behind

Tenderfoot Michael is our Troop Scribe and will be keeping the minutes and roll call.  Will he make mistakes? Of course he will. Without mistakes learning cannot take place. Will Tomas our Troop Historian make mistakes in the troops history. Again of course he will as will Arik in learning the skills necessary for advancement in Rank.













Last week I felt that Tenderfoot Michael was a weak link. What did I do? I asked all to allow Michael to lead the discussion. Can any one tell me why? To allow Michael to learn and grow as a Scout.

Be a strong link for yourself and for your troop. If you feel unsure, ask your Troop Leaders or Adult Leaders. Take on skills and challenges that better yourself as a Boy Scout.