The Advancement Trail

We remember when you took your first step upon the trail that leads upward. With your first step, you began to start living the Scout Oath and Law and became a Scout.

All the while you were on the trail, we watched you study and then we watched you learn by doing. First you were only a candidate, building yourself physically, mentally, and morally. Then your brother Scouts called you a Tenderfoot and they were right, you were indeed a tenderfoot.

But not for long, for soon you reached the next ledge and there you were greeted by Second Class scouts.

Some, like yourself, were stopping to catch their breaths before continuing along the trail. You began to study more, you worked harder, and almost before you knew it, you came to another ledge, the ledge where First Class Scouts dwell.

There you found a tempting green meadow by a crystal clear stream and bathed in sun. Here you were tempted to remain. Yes, you could have remained there to live in First Class glory, but your ambition stirred you on. We next remember your progress when you became a Star Scout.

You found that the trail from First Class had been an optical illusion. Not as difficult as it had seemed. This spurred you on, and again you climbed further.

Now the trail was steeper. Now it was less worn. Fewer Scouts seemed to be heading in your direction. You looked back and saw the crowds below you. You looked up and saw few above you, and with the same determination with which you started your climb, you continued on your trail.