Scoutmaster’s Minute: Invisible Backpack

Imagine for a moment that you’re wearing a backpack—not the kind you take on a camping trip, but an invisible, unseen one.

When you wake up each morning, you start putting things in it. Assignments for our church callings, local Scout responsibilities, scripture study, journal-writing, and family responsibilities—they all go in. As the day goes on, you add more expectations, worries, distractions, and maybe even stress about things that haven’t happened yet. By the time evening rolls around, that backpack is heavy.

Some days, it might feel like you’re carrying a mountain on your back. You think I don’t have time for one more thing!

But here’s the thing – just like when you go on a hike, carrying too much weight will slow you down and wear you out. That’s why good Scouters know how to pack smart. They take what’s necessary and leave behind what they actually don’t need.

Life is the same way. If your day feels too busy or overwhelming, ask yourself: What can I take out of my invisible backpack? Maybe it’s worrying about things you can’t control. Maybe it’s saying “yes” to too many things – something none of us are guilty of ; ) Maybe it’s remembering to take a deep breath and enjoy the moment or the accomplishment instead of rushing to the next thing.

As Scouts, we live by the Scout Oath and Law, which guide us to be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, and kind. But we can’t do those things well if that invisible backpack weighs us down. So tonight, before you fall asleep, think about what’s in YOUR backpack—and make sure you’re only carrying what really matters.

Stay light and, as always, Be Prepared.