Max Chow Everett, aged 16, American School of Dubai, is one of just four scouts from Dubai’s Troop 813 of the Boy Scouts of America to attain the rank of Eagle this year.
As Senior Patrol Leader of his Troop, Max shares lessons learned in Scouting which any business and team leader would do well to follow.
Shared experiences build bonds
The bond with other scouts and leaders can often be likened to that of a family. That bond is built through shared activities that test our determination and ability to adapt, which in turn create memorable experiences that bring us together.
For Scouts, that might be a thrilling outdoor activity like hiking, biking, boating, snorkeling, backpacking, rock climbing or camping, but equally it could be a quieter task, like tying knots or setting up a tent, and understanding how we can support one other during tough times.
We always make sure to remember that a Scout is also someone who just wants to have fun. We balance the hard work and effort with recognition ceremonies of what we have achieved.
Differences within a team make it stronger, not weaker
In any team, rather than trying to be the same, we should celebrate difference. Being unique is what allows us to bond as people.
In the Scouts, we do things as a group – but we bring our own unique experiences, thinking and skills with us when we work together.
It’s those unique abilities and approaches to a problem that make us function better together.
Learning this has allowed me to build a community and better understand my teammates and the people that I am a leader to in other parts of life.
Leadership is learnt by example
To become an Eagle, we are tested in our ability to persevere and achieve our goals despite the difficulty of the task set before us.
This helps us build our true characters as individuals. The process of becoming an Eagle has helped me to become calm, and logical in what I do – in scouting and in other situations. I believe these qualities are important for good leadership.
I have grown up in the Troop seeing others lead the Scouts, which has given me the ability to understand what it means to be a good leader.
I have watched and learned from people who demonstrate strong leadership and encourage teamwork.
I have also watched others take their duties and responsibilities less seriously, which has taught me what not to do.
Giving back to the community is a duty
To become an Eagle, you must earn a total of 21 merit badges which include skills such as leadership, athletics, first aid, personal development, citizenship, and more.
While you can choose which badges to work towards based on your own personal preferences and abilities, there is one other task that everyone must complete to earn Eagle.
We must work on a project that is beneficial to our community. It is our duty as Scouts and leaders to contribute to the communities that we come from and to help those who may not be as fortunate as we are.
Learning never stops
Becoming an Eagle is about self-development and demands long hours of commitment. Scouting allows us to expand our minds, be more active outdoors and just do things that kids should be able to do in our younger years.
The journey from first becoming a Scout to becoming an Eagle can take as long as ten years, if you entered as a Cub Scout.
During this time, we have to develop skills, try new things, learn about each other and learn about ourselves. Knowing I can always improve will help me be a better person and a better leader in the future.
Resilience is essential to success
The Covid-19 pandemic affected all of us, and Troop 813 was no exception. We had to show resilience to continue working towards our goals during the pandemic, as we were limited in our ability to meet, earn merit badges, or move ahead community projects.
It was a tough time, but it helped us to build resilience, learn to adapt and find new ways of working together to achieve our goals.
It also taught us the importance of having a supportive community and a team and leaders that always have our backs, no matter what challenges we may be facing.
Max Everett Chow is Senior Patrol Leader of BSA Troop 813, which has been chartered by The American School of Dubai since 1991.
The Troop is dedicated to empowering and equipping boys and young men to engage with society and build character, realise their potential, develop essential life skills, and build long-lasting memories in a significant period in their lives.
Max Chow Everett, Eagle Scout from American School of Dubai
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