Once upon a time there was a boy who wasn't much of a boy. He wasn't physically strong. He didn't care very much for games such as other boys played. Indeed, he didn't care very much for other boys. He lived mostly in a dream world of his own. Then one clear January day a good many years ago, he became a Scout because his father gave him the "Handbook for Boys" for a Christmas present. Little by little he became absorbed in the life of the Scouts, in the things that Scouts do, in the ideals of the Scout Movement. He was lucky enough to have a very wise Scoutmaster who understood the minds and moods and abilities of his boys and tried to give each one an opportunity to grow. And so, one day the Scout found himself appointed a Patrol Leader. And right then and there, a new life started for him. His responsibilities developed his character. His life with his Patrol in the open strengthened his body. The realness of the boys in his group made him into a real boy himself. For a long time he carried on his job. Slowly he learned its many phases. Slowly he made himself a leader somewhere near worthy of those wide-awake, very much alive boys of his, that Patrol group with its splendid spirit of loyalty, unity and "togetherness". And as he worked he came to wish that he might someday give to other Patrol Leaders the benefits of some of his experiences, to help them along on their path to successful leadership. This book which you boys now have in your hands is that other boy's dream come true.
– William Hillcourt, Handbook for Patrol Leaders, 1927
Some of you recall me speaking of William Hillcourt, better known as "Green Bar Bill." Writing from 1925 to 1980, he was one of BSA's most prolific writers, penning three editions of the Boy Scout Handbook, three editions of the Handbook for Patrol Leaders, two editions of the Scoutmaster Handbook, and the first Scout Fieldbook. His nickname, "Green Bar" came from the emblem of the Patrol Leader, and his signature was two green marker stripes with "Bill" marked over top. He is one of the Boy Scouts of America's most famous leaders. Yet, as he states, he started shy, somewhat awkward, and not very strong. Scouting was the outlet that let him develop and grow to be a leader and a mentor. We all have heroes; Green Bar is one of mine.
Do not let another's perception or your poor perception of yourself limit your dreams. Made in God's image, you are perfectly fine the way you are. Assess where you are, where you want to be and set your goals accordingly. Let the Scouting program and the opportunities of the outdoors uncover your potential. Be the best you.
A Scout is Brave.