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From Sea to Sea: Scouting America in the 21st Century
The theme of the first National Jamboree in 1937 was: Scouting Marches On! Now, as we enter the third millenium and as Scouting approaches its one hundreth anniversary, this theme is needed more then
ever. Faced with diminishing public support Scouting must reassert its tremendous achievements and its perennial goals to a more and more cynical audience.
To aid in the promotion of a program we hold very dear, I, Chad Partain and David Muse, both Eagle Scouts, propose a march across the United States to demonstrate the effects and strengths of
the Scouting program on both a personal and national level.
Such a march, we believe, would have a two-fold effect. It would raise awareness, in a positive manner, of Scouting by demonstrating the enthusiasm that this program is still able
to engender in both young and old alike. Carrying a flag from coast to coast, this march would also be a living witness to the patriotism which lies at the heart of our program and which has
earned us a federal charter and the support of our past presidents. Secondly, such a march would be a vivid sign of the skills engendered in the Scouting program. For a nation interested
in 'survivors', this march would demonstrate the effectiveness of the training received in the Scouting program. At the same time, it would demonstrate to a new generation of Scouts that
adventure is not only possible but it is probable in the world of Scouting.
By this appeal to patriotism and adventure we are seeking a way to promote what is best in Scouting to another generation.
To make this idea a reality we have sought the support and endorsement of various organizations and programs as well as the support of Scouts and Scouters throughout the country. This
idea has been welcomed by them and we feel that it would receive the groundlevel support it must have to be a success.
The march itself would begin on January 13th 2001 at Jamestown in Virginia. This site was the first permenant English settlement in the New World. By beginning the march from this
site we would be setting the tone of the march by highligting its patriotic emphasis. We would then march northward towards Washington DC arriving in time for the taking of the President's Oath
on January 21st.
Beginning in Washington, we would then follow the American Discovery Trail, which will lead us to St. Louis, Denver and finally conclude in San Fransisco. The exact route of march and the
councils we will pass through are included in this presentation. The march itself should conclude in November or early December of 2001.
What we need in order to make this march is a letter of introduction form the National Office to the various councils we will be passing through. In order for this to be a Scouting event
that will have lasting impact we want as many scouts as possible to join us for five mile stretches along the way. In this way, they are showing their own patriotism and support of the program and
also completing a requirement for the first class rank.
To help in the organization of this plan we have asked the Order of the Arrow to help get boys and leaders to and from the trail. With the establishment of contact with the local councils
and lodges we think we can raise adequate awareness of this hike and its goals and thus drum up enough support and encouragment for it.
From the local councils we will be asking for food, shelter when needed and of course their active participation. It would be best to establish a coordinator in each council that we can be in
contact with as we pass through that area. We hope to establish that contact as soon as this presentation is mailed to each council and lodge.
To help in the funding of this task, we have asked for and received private endorsements and donations. These have been set aside in a fund to supply for emergencies and travel
expenses. Endorsements and encouragment have come from the American Hiking Association, The American Discovery trail, the American Legion, The Veterans of Foreign Wars and other organizations as well as
individuals.
We are seeking endorsements and supplies from various sources, particularly manufacturers of camping equipment and outdoor gear. We hope that these companies will donate equipment so that the
costs of outfitting this march will be kept low.
With the aid of the American Discovery Trail, the route and the support personal are in place. www.discoverytrail.org
Our hope in this endevor is to raise support for Scouting among the boys themselves, to help them see that Scouting is adventure and that adventure is not dead. We hope to help
ground the boys we meet with the idea that they are not alone and that Scouting will continue if they keep it alive and pass it on to those who follow after them. We hope that by showing our support
for the program others will do the same both locally and nationally.
By appealing to the historical and patriotic aspects of our movemnet we hope to remind our brother scouts that there is much to be proud of and still much to do. Our patriotism in the
past has led to millions of boy hours in service, many of them given in times of war and great need. This is a rich history and heritage that we hope to remind our entire country of in the years ahead.
Our primary goals are to give witness to the life of Scouting in this country and to give a vital witness that it is far from dead. WE want to give a witness to the adventure of Scouting to a
generation that is just coming to experience it. We hope in this way to spark a sense of patriotism and love for our country and our movement in the hearts of those who join us or even just read about this hike.
Adventure is not dead, rather, it is alive whereever Scouts are present. We hope to bear witness to this fact, a fact which changed our lives.
Personally, we hope to fulfill, in a small way, the oath we both took as Eagles Scouts. We want to give something back to the program which made our youth and early manhood
so special. We hope that this hike can raise a new enthusiasm for what we love and that others may come to see and taste the joy of those who love the woods and camping.
This proposal is submitted out of loyalty to Scouting and what it represents. We believe that such an endeavor can have a great impact on the imaginations of many in our country.
We remain,
Sincerely yours in Scouting,
Chad Partain and David Muse
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