A loon cries in the distance. An eagle heads toward home. It's the end of a day of adventure in the wilderness. As your canoes slip through the shiny, still waters, you notice the silence. Aside from the loon, all you hear is the dip, dip of the paddles. Every Scout is silent. Each lost in his own space in this beautiful world.

Tonight there will be hearty appetites, camaraderie, and songs around the campfire. But just now, there is silence. You take a little time for yourself. You listen.

You are suddenly more aware than ever, of the beautiful land through which your canoes travel. It must look the same as it did when the first traders and trappers traveled these waters to meet with Native Americans in these woods. What beauty! What design! Modern architecture could never produce this! Suddenly, in your mind - a voice.

"I am here", it says. "This place is of my making." You smile. You look around at your Scouts - and you silently realize what you, and many other Scoutmasters who make such wilderness treks, hope will happen.

Their busy lives are so involved in their world of school, and sports, and video games. Hopefully, by bringing your Scouts to the silence of this evening, the Voice of the Great Scout reaches their ears and, for a change, each has time to listen.

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