I’m sure you’ve all seen a diamond. It’s very hard, very bright, and very beautiful. Most of you have probably seen coal, also. It’s dull, dirty, and crumbles easy.

Now a little chemistry lesson. Who can tell me how coal and diamonds are alike? Right - both are made from the element carbon. But a diamond has great value because it is rare. I compare the diamond to a person of sharp mind, strong body, and shining bright spirit. The coal might be compared to a person who is not mentally sharp, physically strong, or spiritually bright. Someone once said that a diamond is just a piece of coal that stuck to it when the going got tough. Over many millions of years, its brilliance was caused by the heat and pressure inside our earth.

My hope is that like that diamond, you will stick to it by following our Scouting ideals. To keep yourself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight. If you do, you will become an example to the world of what it means to be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.