Joni, Santi, Serli and Farhan are 9th grade students of Singajaya State Middle School who were selected as participants to take part in the joint Scout training for the entire Regency. In the WhatsApp group, one of the members who served as the head of the joint training announced that the training would be held on Saturday at 09.00 WIB in the multipurpose building.
In his speech, he also announced several materials that must be read in the scout pocket book by all participants, the completeness of the scout uniform equipment and additional games that will be carried out in the joint training.
In the morning, the sun began to rise with its soft rays. Dew falling from the tips of the leaves, the chirping of birds and the chirping of insects that began to appear, enlivened the atmosphere on that bright morning. From behind a thick blanket, Joni was seen stretching his body while yawning. The rain that fell last night made Joni fall asleep soundly.
"Good morning Joni" A voice greeted him friendly. Joni rolled his eyes. The figure was standing in front of his bedroom door, "Come on, get up quickly or you'll oversleep and be late for the joint scout training" said his mother.
“Morning too, Ma’am.” Joni answered with a smile but his expression looked anxious.
Long story short, after Joni finished taking a shower, then having breakfast and preparing the equipment and tools that had to be brought for scout training, Joni said goodbye to his mother to leave. Joni went alone on his bicycle. After Joni arrived at the training location, his friends called him to join the gathering.
The multipurpose building was already starting to be filled with training participants. Some participants seemed focused on reading the material, some participants seemed to be holding sticks while learning to march, and some others seemed to be just chatting with their friends.
“All participants who are already in the location are expected to immediately enter and sit on the chairs according to the name of your school” The announcement echoed.
All participants neatly entered the room including Joni and his three friends. After the opening of the training event, all participants were asked to come forward to introduce themselves and the names of their respective schools. After the introductions were complete, the event continued with the provision of material to the scouts about the theory of marching and Morse code.
After the provision of material was complete, all participants were invited to rest and eat together with food supplies brought from home.
“Later after finishing eating and resting for a while, the next event is a game to train group cooperation. Now, please eat first,” said one of the scout leaders.
The bell rang accompanied by the announcement “Eating and resting time is over. Please tidy up your eating places, it must be clean, don't let there be any leftover food scattered on the floor”.
“That's how Scouts teach us to live clean and disciplined” said Serli.
“Yes, I agree. This is provision for our future life” Farhan also chimed in.
“Come on, now let's go into the room and get ready to play” invited Santi.
"Wait a minute. From the opening ceremony to resting and eating, you look dazed. What's wrong with you, Joni?” asked Serli.
"I'm fine," Joni answered briefly.
"Don't lie," said Serli.
"To be honest, I'm scared," said Joni.
"Scared? What are you afraid of?" asked Farhan.
"I'm afraid that I will only embarrass you. I am one of the students at school who is considered late in understanding all the lessons. I am always behind in everything including memorizing lessons and scout games. I am afraid that you will be disappointed in me. I am afraid that by joining me as a participant, you will be disappointed. That is why I used to say that I am reluctant to work in a group. I am more comfortable working alone, not because I am selfish but just afraid of disappointing you," said Joni explaining his anxiety.
Unbeknownst to them, Joni's conversation with his friends was heard and noticed by one of the scout leaders.
"You don't need to worry. The games that we will provide are not looking for who wins and who loses. We designed this game to see how far the scout training participants can work together as a team. So don't worry, especially you Joni. Do you understand?" Said the scoutmaster in a relaxed tone.
"Ready. We understand" said Joni and his friends in unison.
"And for you Joni. Remember my message, being left behind does not mean failure. If you feel like you are always behind in memorizing lessons and always behind in games, that does not mean failure. Every student has their own uniqueness. Don't be discouraged. Don't see yourself only from your shortcomings. Stay enthusiastic. Remember once again that being left behind does not mean failure. Do you understand, Joni?" asked the main scoutmaster
"Okay, I understand," Joni replied firmly.
"Now, you go inside the room and get ready to play. Stay enthusiastic and maintain cooperation with your team," said the Chief Scoutmaster while clenching his fist.
After getting motivation from the Chief Scoutmaster, Joni looked enthusiastic and finally they went inside happily to play.
Image source: Personal documents during a study tour with scout members
