One of the first and most memorable lessons Scouting taught me came at my very first Scout camp at Uran, soon after I graduated from Cubs.

On the very first night, another newly invested Scout and I decided that we were simply too tired to take part in the night games. We protested, and to our delight, we were allowed to go to bed. Unfortunately for everyone else, the night games were cancelled because of us.

What a night followed! As we slept peacefully, our fellow Scouts transformed us into masterpieces—our faces artistically painted with black shoe polish and white toothpaste. Sometime later, we were rudely awakened in the middle of the night by a bright torch shining directly into our faces, with a mirror strategically placed in front of us. The sight that greeted us was enough to reduce both of us to tears!

Naturally, we ran upstairs to complain to the Scoutmaster. We knocked desperately on his locked door, only to be met with a calm voice from inside:   "Quiet... the Scoutmaster is sleeping."  That was the end of our appeal.

Looking back today, I cannot help but laugh at the entire episode. But the lesson stayed with me for life. I had learned, rather quickly, that Scouting is about putting the group before oneself. The very next night I joined everyone enthusiastically for the night games—and never tried to opt out again!

Scouting taught me countless lessons that have shaped the person I am today. It taught me to live together like brothers, even while competing fiercely against one another. It taught me to celebrate the achievements of others while constantly striving to improve myself. It instilled pride in wearing the Scout uniform and a determination to uphold its values and standards, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Above all, Scouting taught me discipline, teamwork, resilience, responsibility, and service—virtues that have guided me throughout my life. Looking back, I often wonder how differently my life might have turned out had I not been fortunate enough to grow up in Scouting. It gave me far more than camping skills or badges; it gave me a way of life.