“There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing choices.” I’m not sure who the first person to make this observation was, but whoever it was, they have my endorsement. I see it as another way of saying, “Be Prepared,” which just happens to be the Scout Motto. The meaning is simple: Think about what might lie ahead and plan accordingly. Just as there is no crying in baseball, there should be no regrets in Scouting due to poor planning.

I could relate many stories about advising Scouts to pack rain gear when the forecast is sunny and dry, or a stocking cap and gloves, even when it’s not supposed to be cold. But the adventure that may best illustrate the need to be prepared is my two backpacking adventures at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.

Backpacking in the Sangre de Cristo mountains near Cimmaron, NM, is physically and mentally challenging for most Scouts and their adult leaders. Most have never done anything like it. But having the right gear and supplies — like good hiking boots, a well-fitted pack, hydration gear and nutritious trail food — makes it possible for anyone to be reasonably well prepared for the trek. That and some serious physical conditioning.

When you get to the Philmont base camp, they have you lay out all of your gear to make sure you have what you need (and nothing more). Don’t get me wrong, backpacking and trail camping for 10 days is still not easy, but planning and preparation are the difference between having a miserable time and having the adventure of a lifetime. The same is true every time you step out the door, whether you are going to school, leaving for work, or setting out to parts unknown.

People asked Sir Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scouting Movement, what the motto, Be Prepared, means. What was he asking young people to be prepared for? In Scouting for Boys, he wrote that to Be Prepared means “you are always in a state of readiness in mind and body to do your duty.”

In short, prepared for life.

Scouting doesn’t prepare you for everything, and it doesn’t have answers for all of life’s challenges, but I’m sure that “Be Prepared” is a motto everyone can embrace, whether you wear a Scout uniform or not. No one can know everything that lies ahead and there are always going to be surprises along the trail, but you will be better equipped to deal with them if you are mentally and physically prepared.

I used to ask my boys, “Is the Scout Motto ‘Be Wet?’ ‘Be Cold?’ or ‘Be Hungry?’ Of course not!” So make sure you are prepared to get all of the enjoyment you can out of every adventure, every challenge, every day. That’s good advice for everyone.

Scout On!

Scott Fishel wears several hats in Scouting, including a longtime association with Troop 178 in Morton. You can contact him at [email protected]. Find a Scout unit in your community at beascout.org.