Yesterday we were out on a lake with 20 Scouts aged 10 to 16. Nobody capsized. Nobody went for an unplanned swim.Some of the men and older boys got busy proving who could paddle fastest and straightest. Very important business, of course. Others took it very, very easy. And I felt so proud watching how much fun they were having. I helped make those experiences happen.
Three leaders from our group, plus two borrowed from neighbouring groups. Because when you ask for help in our Scout district, you actually get it. Together we showed the kids how to paddle a canoe safely.
Then the canoe trailer had to go home.
We’d brought along a slightly cheeky leader from a neighbouring group. He started teasing me because I was about to get one of the dads to drive the trailer back. “I can’t reverse with a trailer, you see.” I usually say I have people for that.
“I’ll show you how,” he said. But I had to do it myself. Learning by doing.
I was really unsure. I’ve had my driving licence for almost 25 years, and I had never once pulled this off. Reverse with a trailer? No. Reverse with a canoe trailer? No, no… well… yes. Yep. Because with A LOT of guidance, I actually backed that canoe trailer neatly into place. Right next to the other one.
So I’ve decided to take it on as the Challenge for Scout leaders. You set yourself a personal goal and work on it for at least four months. My goal is to learn to reverse with a canoe trailer. Properly, without anyone talking me through it. On my own. By the district assembly in March, I’ll be able to do it.
And since I know I follow through when I say things out loud, I’m saying it to you now.
Have you thought about taking the Challenge for Scout leaders? Or just a challenge for your own stretch? Go for it! A little friendly shove from someone who won’t let you off the hook helps too.