The lasting impact of the Boy Scout movement on my life

“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done ” – Proverbs 19:17

When I first stepped onto the grounds of Harrison College in Barbados in 1950 at the age of nine (there was no common entrance examination then), I could never have imagined how my introduction to the Boy Scout movement would shape my life. A new chapter began as I joined the Cub Scout programme under the guidance of Mrs. Beryl Sharpe. It was here that I first encountered the discipline, camaraderie and sense of purpose that would stay with me for the rest of my life.

At age 11, I transitioned to the scout movement under the leadership of Mr. Ralph Mann, a Scout leader from England and a teacher at Harrison College. Mr. Mann’s passion for Scouting and his commitment to fostering leadership skills in young boys had a profound impact on me. The diverse activities and leadership opportunities within the movement provided a solid foundation for personal growth, discipline, and a deep commitment to serving the community.

One of the highlights of my Scouting journey was my friendship with Trevor Austin Hassell, who enrolled at Harrison College on the same day as me, even though he was a year older. Together, we rose through the ranks, from Cubs to Scouts, and eventually became Queen’s Scouts. Alongside Trevor’s younger brother, the late Frank Hassell, I embarked on a memorable Venture Scout journey in 1958 that involved an overnight hike and camping trip along the old Barbados train line, the site of which has since emerged as The Barbados Trailway, a project of The Future Centre Trust.

Our adventures didn’t stop in Barbados. We participated in Scout camps both locally and internationally, including trips to St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and, as patrol leaders we were part of the eight member Barbados contingent to the 8th World Scout Jamboree at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada, in 1955. Captain Reuben Sealy led our contingent to this prestigious event, which was a defining moment in our Scouting careers.

On the way home we spent a memorable week in New York with my Aunt Iris. Though many years have passed, Trevor and I remain close friends. Our bond, formed through our shared experiences in Scouting, has only deepened over time. Now that I have returned to Barbados after many stints living abroad, our 70-year-old friendship continues to thrive, with lunch meetings every two months where we reflect on current events and the memories we created together. The lessons of the Boy Scout movement — discipline, leadership and service — continue to influence both our lives, leaving a legacy of friendship and community service.

Dr Basil Springer GCM is a corporate governance adviser. His email address is basilgf@marketplaceexcellence.com. His columns may be found at https://www.nothingbeatsbusiness.com.