It doesn't take long for one to realize that Scouting in today's world is still relevant to the life we live and the global nature of our economy and social interactions.  The principles upon which Scouting was founded are being taught and lived daily by many who represent all generations including the next generation of young people coming behind us.

Although, I must tell you that the next generation of boys and girls are immersed in a world that is far more complex than many of us have ever experienced.  For instance, at the Jamboree this year there are kiosks and areas staged with IPODs and Cell phone charging stations, internet Wi-Fi throughout the camp and a computerized Merit Badge system that accounts for each requirement completed (or partially completed) to record the progress of the boys achievements while here.  Broadcast throughout many venues across the campus is the sound of QBSA radio station that features Scouts as the radio personnel spinnin' the vinyl (Oops!, I mean CD's!).  And don't think your boys are being out-done, because we have had four of our Scouts from the Blue Ridge Council "Live, On the Air!  On Scouting's most exciting radio station of the Century!"

So, living in tents, with no electricity, makeshift showers and latrines, sweltering heat (no air conditioning), and the best transportation system is your own two feet, has not hampered the spirit of the contingent!  Why, I would even say that the spirit of the boys has been enhanced by the experiences of the week.  This environment has bolstered the ideals of Scouting to a place higher than you could imagine.  And in the midst of all of the excitement and activity, one realizes that these kids are really all the same.  They have similar needs, desires, wants, fears and experiences.  I have had the opportunity to talk to Scouts and Scouters from all over the world this week getting to know where they are from and what their likes, dislikes, favorite things, backgrounds, and current struggles are.  I have met Scouts from Sweden, Texas, California, Canada, Egypt and many other states and countries.  And what I have discovered is that kids are kids.  Regardless of their backgrounds, experiences, beliefs, or situation, they want someone to care in what they are doing.  They want someone to listen to their story.  They don't have the barriers of prejudice or intolerance.  They thrive on someone who takes interest in them.  From my son, to the kid from Alabama that got his patches stolen, to one of our boys that traded a shirt off his back with the kid from Bangladesh as a souvenir, they each have a story to tell.  And if we listen, we find that their plight is the same.  No matter what state, what country, what continent, they need that connection and input so that they recognize that although we are different, we are the same.  Scouting provides a vehicle we can use to connect to our young people.  It gives us an open door to their world; a place to encourage, to challenge, to direct.  It also provides a set of principles that are known and understood world-wide.  The Scout Oath and Scout Law are universal tenants that ground us and bind us together.  Regardless of your religion, race or creed, we speak a common language of Character, Citizenship and Fitness.  Achievement, Encouragement, Hard Work, Integrity, Values, Respect, Pride, and LIFE!  Whether in Scouting or not, we each have an opportunity to connect to this generation.  We are the link, the example, the mentors and teachers.  No matter what your background, experience, or pre-conceptions, we have one reality we face.  Every one of us will leave a legacy behind.  We get to choose whether that legacy is filled with good or bad.  We get to choose now whether our legacy will have an impact or not.  Yes, no matter which you choose, your legacy will be left behind and when we are done, we are done.