The Spirit Scavenger Hunt is best used as a working outline for discussing Scout Spirit in a Scoutmaster Conference. The conversation can then result in the Scout reflecting on how his Scout Spirit is lived in his everyday life.
True Spirit is not like a square knot, which can be "demonstrated" at will. Some Troops ask for a note from a Scout's parents, teachers, or religious leaders. Other Troops count attendance, or simply use the requirement to block Advancement to "trouble-makers", both of which, of course, are inappropriate.
However, no method in which an adult passes judgment on a Scout's Spirit is as efficient a learning experience as making a game out of a Scout's reflection on his own behavior. The best Scouting is always done through indirect means, and in the form of a game, and in the great outdoors. This is best done on a campout, ideally summer camp.
Most worksheets come back to me about 1/4 blank. I transcribe additions to an additional 50% of the Scout's written worksheet during the SM Conference. His most unique, humorous or "from the heart" reply then becomes the one "definition" that this Scout recites when the twelve candles or twelve kerosene torches representing the Laws are lit during the next Court of Honor. This beats reading something from a piece of paper!
Anyway, here it is. If you plan to reproduce it for your Troop, please include the copyright notice at the end.
Yours in Scouting,
Spirit Scavenger Hunt
Name__________________________ For Rank:_________ Date___/___/_____
Instructions: Complete the following sentences using examples of your behavior from this campout. Try to give some special tiny detail for each answer. If you can't think of anything to write, leave it blank and I will write your answers down for you when we talk.
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A Scout tells the truth. He is honest, and he keeps his promises. People can depend on him.
I was TRUSTWORTHY when I ___________________________
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A Scout is true to the groups to which be belongs: his Patrol, family, friends, school, and nation.
I was LOYAL when I ___________________________________
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A Scout cares about other people. He willingly volunteers to help others without expecting payment or reward.
I was HELPFUL when I ___________________________________
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A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He offers his friendship to people of all races and nations, and respects them even if their beliefs and customs are different from his own. He is the first to speak to a newcomer.
I was FRIENDLY when I ___________________________________
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A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows that using good manners makes it easier for people to get along. A Scout can be polite even when the other person is wrong or angry.
I was COURTEOUS when I ___________________________________
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A Scout knows there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. Without good reason, he does not harm or kill any living thing.
I was KIND when I ___________________________________
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A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobeying them.
I was OBEDIENT when I ___________________________________
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A Scout looks for the bright side of life. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy when he is tired, or even when it is raining outside. Whistling counts!
I was CHEERFUL when I ___________________________________
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A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for the future. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.
I was THRIFTY when I ___________________________________
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A Scout can face danger although he is afraid. He has the courage to stand against peer pressure for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at him or threaten him.
I was BRAVE when I ___________________________________
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A Scout keeps his body and mind fit. He chooses the company of those who live by high standards. He helps keep his home and community clean.
I was CLEAN when I ___________________________________
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A Scout finds wonder all around him: in the tiny secrets of creation, in the great mysteries of the universe, and in the kindness of people. He sometimes feels a chill or sense of "awe" when he witnesses the beauty, the vastness, or the raw force of nature.
I was REVERENT when I ___________________________________
Spirit Scavenger Hunt © 2000 www.kudu.net: The work of Rick@Kudu.Net may be used freely by individuals for non-commercial, non-web-based activities, such as Scouting, research, teaching, and personal use so long as this copyright statement is included in the text. Updates of the Spirit Scavenger Hunt can be found at: http://www.kudu.net/personal_growth