So far this month, we've spent most of our time learning first aid. We've been trying to prepare ourselves to help other people when they're sick or injured.

But there's more to being prepared than knowing first aid. Real preparedness is many things - knowledge, confidence, and having the necessary equipment on hand when it's needed. We want to be ready for any emergency.

Next week we'll be testing ourselves on our readiness for emergency action. Our tests will not only require skill in first aid, but the ability to communicate well, to think through a problem, and to work together as a patrol.

Those are the kinds of skills that are useful in a disaster. If our town was hit by a tornado, we might be called out to help rescuers, but maybe we wouldn't be asked to do any first aid. We could be asked to serve as messengers, direct traffic , or cook and serve food.

That's why it's important that we prepare ourselves by learning more about our community and by practicing all sorts of Scout skills. And that's why it's important that you take full advantage of what Scouting has to offer by taking part in all our activities and doing your best to move up in rank. By the time you're a First Class scout, you'll be prepared for many kinds of service.