If you have watched a Disney-Pixar movie, chances are you have heard the works of composer Randy Newman. Of the nine films, I would guess you are familiar with his songs in the Toy Story series, two of the Cars movies, A Bug's Life and both of Monsters, Inc. For me, I guess the first time I heard Randy Newman was his 1977 song, "Short People." This song, meant as satire, contained the chorus of "short people got no reason to live." This was funny to six-year-old me, not because I understood it to be a joke, but because it became an immature playground taunt. As I grew older, and not as tall as my classmates, the taunts became less humorous. I have grown to find that there are some advantages to being short, and one's place in this world is not wholly defined by height.
We have always been a welcoming Troop. As we go into a weekend where we host Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts to our Troop's recruiting event, we are reminded to be kind. Many of these younger Scouts will become members of our Troop. Just like them, we used to be younger and shorter and just as hyperactive. Given my tenure as Scoutmaster, I think I can remember all of you at that age and believe it or not I was the tall one (yet look at you know). So too will these Scouts grow and thrive with the positive example you provide. To that end, let's remember a different Randy Newman song that we all know, "You've Got a Friend in Me" and cement that first impression so these Scouts know they are welcome in a Troop that values them at every height and age.
A Scout is Friendly.