The Open Notebook

Imagine an adult feeding a neighbor’s cat while the neighbor is away. Beside the food sits an open notebook, filled with personal thoughts. The cat crunches its supper. There is plenty of time to peek. Instead, the visitor turns toward the window and watches the birds.

The Scout Law point Loyal means being true to the people and groups that count on us. Sometimes that means showing up. Sometimes it means respecting a boundary, even when nobody would know we crossed it. Family, friends, Scout leaders, school, and nation deserve care, not just curiosity. We can protect someone’s privacy without keeping secrets about danger or harm. Loyalty helps people feel safe trusting us. It says that their trust matters more than our chance to snoop.

This week, practice loyalty by asking permission before opening someone else’s bag, notebook, or messages. Let the people around you discover that their boundaries are safe with you.