Your Chance for Greatness

By Jay Lucas
THE SUNSHINE REPORT
Opportunity Favors the Prepared Mind

There will be those rare precious moments in your life when everything suddenly breaks your way. The new job, the new opportunity – whatever it is. Perhaps you’ve dreamed about it all your life. You need to seize the moment. But the question is ‘will you be prepared?’ Will you have done the hard work, day after day, year after year, to put yourself into a position to capitalize on the great fortune that appears on your doorstep?

During a lecture in France in the mid 19th century, Louis Pasteur, the renowned French chemist and microbiologist once famously stated, “Chance favors the prepared mind.” Pasteur was speaking of Danish physicist Oersted and the “accidental” way in which he discovered the basic principles of electro-magnetism. The idea being, that when we practice or prepare for something, what may feel like luck or simple chance when we encounter something unexpected, is actually the result of our preparation or consistent practicing. In the world of scientific experimentation, half-knowns are very much the norm. A scientist will conduct a physical experiment in an attempt to prove a genuine hypothesis. When none of the experiments are accurate, the chance of making an accidental discovery tends to grow. However, it’s only with a prepared mind, to Pasteur’s point, that a scientist can not only understand what their experimentation may have accidentally yielded, but also integrate the new accidental discovery within their existing work.

While life may often feel like a game of chance, it’s the ‘prepared mind’ that enables us to have a greater chance of success than we would otherwise. Preparation increases the likelihood of success in any endeavor. It allows you to anticipate and overcome obstacles, identify potential risks, and develop strategies to navigate challenges effectively. Whether it’s studying for an exam, preparing for a presentation, or training for a sports event, thorough preparation enhances your aptitude and increases your chances of achieving your goals or in some cases going above and beyond them. There’s also something that should be said about how preparation improves our adaptability. Preparation gives us knowledge and awareness about a challenge we face or a task we aim to complete. It ultimately allows us to be pro-active about specific scenarios we may face and react accordingly. Rather than panic in the face of the unpredictable or unknown, it promotes composure.

Two years after Pasteur’s famous statement, saying that “chance favors the prepared mind,” he would happen across a discovery that would change his career. When approached by a colleague who was having difficulties with some fermentation experiments at his beetroot factory, Pasteur agreed to help him by visiting the factory and observe his samples with his microscope. At first, he thought he was only viewing a difference between filtered and un-filtered beetroot, but in fact what he was observing was the difference between healthy and failed fermentation. This discovery would not only lead to manufacturers being able to effectively observe the fermentation of their product, helping them avoid production failures and increase their production capacity, but introduce a whole new field of science: microbiology. And it all came through a little bit of chance and years and years and years — of preparation!

Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts in NH — “Be Prepared”

One of the most well-known phrases around the world is the Boy Scouts’ motto — Be Prepared!

In 1907, Robert Baden-Powell thought up the Scout Motto where it was then published in ‘Scouting for Boys’ in 1908, and in 1910 the Boy Scouts of America was founded. His idea was that Scouts should prepare themselves to become productive citizens and strong leaders and to bring joy to other people. He wanted each Scout to be ready in mind and body and to meet with a strong heart whatever challenges might await him.

I know that the Boy Scout experience was instrumental in my development. In my case, learning independence in the outdoors, forestry skills, hiking, first aid and even cooking. Critical life skills along with a comradery and code of conduct that instill honor and discipline.

Boy and Girl Scouting in New Hampshire have long been instrumental in fostering valuable skills and preparedness among young individuals. These organizations provide a structured and supportive environment where boys and girls can develop leadership qualities and build lasting friendships. Scout camps in New Hampshire play a crucial role in this process by offering immersive experiences that enhance these abilities and provide opportunities for personal growth.

One of the primary focuses of Boy and Girl Scouting in New Hampshire is skill development. Scouts are exposed to a wide range of activities that teach them practical skills such as camping, first aid, navigation, and outdoor survival. These skills not only empower scouts to navigate the wilderness but also instill a sense of self-reliance and confidence that can be applied in various aspects of life. Whether it’s building a fire, tying knots, or identifying edible plants, scouts gain hands-on experience that enhances their problem-solving abilities and resourcefulness.

Preparedness is another crucial aspect emphasized by Boy and Girl Scouting in New Hampshire. Scouts are taught how to be prepared for emergencies and unexpected situations. They learn about emergency procedures, basic first aid techniques, and how to stay calm under pressure. By developing these skills, scouts become more resilient and capable of responding effectively in challenging circumstances. This preparedness extends beyond wilderness scenarios and helps scouts navigate everyday life with a sense of readiness and composure.

Scout camps in New Hampshire provide an ideal setting for scouts to practice and apply their skills in a supportive and supervised environment. These camps offer a variety of programs and activities that promote personal growth and self-discovery. From hiking and canoeing to team-building exercises and leadership training, scouts have the opportunity to push their limits, overcome obstacles, and develop valuable life skills. Additionally, the camp experience fosters a sense of camaraderie and community among scouts as they work together to accomplish tasks and face challenges.

Today’s Scouts can earn more than 135 merit badges that cover the range from sports, crafts, science, trades, business and even future careers. And if you are working on the popular FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) program some elements of it can be applied towards the robotics merit badge.

On the Scouting website nhscouting.org/granite-base-camp you’ll find information on the various camps and programs offered including the exciting Base Camp program which is a network of outdoor adventure parks in New England that provide great outdoor adventures to youth and their families. These Base Camps provide unique outdoor adventures in a welcoming environment for families of all kinds to experience nature and create memories together through programs that introduce youth to careers, hobbies, and outdoor pursuits, develop valuable life skills, stimulate learning and build strong character.

Each Base Camp location offers unique activities and experiences. At New England Base Camp, you’ll find ice climbing, indoor swimming, and a ropes course. Experience BMX bikes, ax throwing, boating, and an outdoor pool at Adventure Base Camp, and at Granite Base Camp in Manchester, NH you’ll have fun with slingshots, fishing, ice fishing, and archery. You and your children are invited to attend one of the “Adventure Days” to try out the main activities, or you can sign your child up to participate in one of the many specialized program offerings.

Thanks to the Scouts for helping past, present, and future generations of young people “be prepared”!