My Scout News

On February 6th, Scouts and Scouters from around Boston Minuteman Council gathered at historic Faneuil Hall to kick off Scout Week with an interfaith observance.

Several months of planning resulted in an inspirational evening that combined song, readings, and personal reflection. Scouts from diverse backgrounds took turns presenting readings from their respective faiths that illustrated each of the first eleven points of the Scout Law. Scouts representing  American Baptist, Jewish, Islamic, Roman Catholic, Buddhist and Eastern Nazarene faith communities were on stage to present the readings. For the twelfth point, “A Scout is Reverent” Scouts presented readings from Christian, Jewish and Islamic perspectives. In this picture, Scouts on stage eagerly await their turn at the podium as a Cub Scout from Westwood reads from Scripture reflective if “A Scout is Friendly”.

We were blessed to have the assistance of Saundra O’Malley of Westwood, who played piano during both the gathering and recessional periods and who also played one of the hymns that were interspersed between the points of the Scout Law. Also contributing to the music of the evening were the Merrimack Valley Ringers, a phenomenal bell choir whose performance resulted in hearty rounds of applause and a standing ovation at the conclusion of the event. The Merrimack Valley Ringers can be seen in this picture.

Scouts, leaders, and parents concluded that this was a wonderful event and that they were happy that they braved the cold weather that evening and were in attendance. Many remarked that they very much enjoyed the event. They were touched by the realization of how much people of faith all have in common regardless of their particular religion and how appropriate this celebration was of the respect that we Scouts have for the each others’ beliefs. A portion of the audience is shown here.

We would like to thank the volunteers who planned this gathering, those who arranged for Scout readers, Moswetuset Lodge Order of the Arrow for their support and for the clergy who advised us on texts to be included in the program.