"Be prepared for what?" someone once asked Baden-Powell, the founder of
Scouting,
"Why, for any old thing." said Baden-Powell.
The training you receive in your troop will help you live up to the Scout motto.
When someone has an accident, you are prepared because of your first aid instruction.
Because of lifesaving practice, you might be able to save a nonswimmer who has fallen into
deep water.
But Baden-Powell wasn't thinking just of being ready for emergencies. His idea was that
all Scouts should prepare themselves to become productive citizens and to give happiness
to other people. He wanted each Scout to be ready in mind and body for any struggles, and
to meet with a strong heart whatever challenges might lie ahead.
Be prepared for life - to live happily and without regret, knowing that you have
done your best. That's what the Scout motto means.