5 daily habits that kids can learn from the military and scouting motto of "Always be Prepared":

5 daily habits that kids can learn from the military and scouting motto of "Always be Prepared":

1. Start your day with a plan. Just like soldiers map out missions and scouts plan adventures, make a to-do list to stay organized and focused. Know what you need to accomplish each day.

2. Pack wisely. Soldiers and scouts carefully select the gear they'll need. Make sure you have what you'll need for the day - homework, lunch, equipment for activities. Check your backpack in the morning.

3. Pay attention. Situational awareness is key for the military and scouts. Notice details in your surroundings and be alert. You'll pick up on things others miss.

4. Expect the unexpected. Missions and adventures can change suddenly. Be ready to think on your feet, adapt and improvise if your day doesn't go as planned. Flexibility is key.

5. Learn a new skill. Soldiers and scouts continually build new skills. Set aside time each day for learning. Read about an interesting topic, practice a musical instrument, look up how to do something new on YouTube. Keep growing your knowledge and talents!

Using the motto "Always be prepared" as inspiration, middle schoolers can adopt useful daily habits from the military and scouting. Starting your day with intention, staying observant, adapting when needed, and learning continuously will help you be ready for anything!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT! 

"Proper preparation prevents poor performance." - Charlie Batch

"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." - Benjamin Franklin 

"The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war." - Norman Schwarzkopf

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." - Benjamin Franklin

"Life is a continual exercise in creative problem solving." - Michael J. Gelb 

"It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog." - Mark Twain

“Adventure is worthwhile in itself.” - Amelia Earhart

"Scouting rises within you and inspires you to put forth your best." - Robert Baden-Powell

“You must train yourself if you wish to be prepared for the task.” ― Bear Grylls

“Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give.” - Eleanor Roosevelt

1. Be observant - Soldiers and scouts are constantly watching and listening to their surroundings. They stay focused and mindful, noticing details others would miss. You can practice this by paying close attention as you walk through the halls or hang out with friends. Notice sounds, sights, and smells. Observant people pick up on things going on around them.

2. Have a plan - Soldiers map out missions, while scouts plan adventures and earn merit badges. Like them, you should plan ahead - make to-do lists, track homework and deadlines, and set goals. Break big assignments down step-by-step. Planning prevents scrambling at the last minute. It will help you feel organized and in control.

3. Improvise and adapt - Missions and adventures can change suddenly. Soldiers and scouts practice thinking on their feet to adapt. You'll need flexibility too, whether a teacher is absent or a friend cancels plans. Try to adjust smoothly, improvise, and find creative solutions.

4. Learn new skills - Soldiers are trained in first aid, navigation and more. Scouts learn wilderness skills, crafts, and practical knowledge. Never stop learning! Take on new hobbies, study topics that interest you, and build skills like cooking, personal finance, or changing a tire. Knowledge and abilities will help you handle challenges.

5. Be self-reliant - Soldiers and scouts need to operate independently if required. Don't rely on others for everything. Take initiative to make your own decisions, speak up for yourself, and tackle problems. Self-reliance leads to increased confidence and capability.

Using military and scouting habits like preparedness, observance, adaptability and self-sufficiency will help you be ready for anything! By putting these ideas into practice, you'll build important life skills

Act 1

Student 1: Oh no, we're lost in these woods with nothing but the clothes on our backs. What are we going to do? 

Student 2: Try to stay calm. We learned so many wilderness survival skills back in school. Let's put those lessons to work. 

Act 2 

Student 1: You're right. First things first, we need to build a shelter. These branches and leaves should work for a simple lean-to. 

Student 2: Good thinking. I'll gather some fir branches to make a soft bed while you construct the frame. This will protect us for the night.

 Act 3 

Student 2: The lean-to kept us dry, but we need to find water soon. I'll search the area for any streams or pools while there's still sunlight. 

Student 1: Sounds smart. I'll stay and prep a fire pit. When you return, we can boil any water to purify it.

Student 2: Great plan! I remember our teacher said water flows downhill, so I'll head down this slope. 

Act 4 

Student 2: Success! I found a small stream coming down near those boulders. The water looks clear and cool.  

Student 1: Nice work! Bring some back and we'll get a fire going to boil it. We can drink and maybe even cook. 

Act 5 

Student 1: The fire kept us warm last night, but we need food. Any ideas? 

Student 2: I think I can identify some edible roots and berries around here. Let me grab my knife and forage. 

Student 1: Be careful! Bring back anything you know is safe. We can boil that too. 

Act 6 

Student 2: Check it out - I found some blackberries and dug up some yucca roots. They should be good eats! 

Student 1: Awesome, let's get these cooking! Things are looking up thanks to our skills. 

Act 7 

Student 1: We need to figure out which way to go for the best chance of rescue. I say we make a solar compass. 

Student 2: Good plan. I can build one with sticks and rocks to track the sun's movement. Then we'll know which way is north. 

Act 8 

Student 2: Okay, the compass indicates we should head northeast if we want to find a road or town. Let's go! 

Student 1:lead the way navigator! As long as we keep calm and use our training, we can survive this wilderness. 

Act 9 

Student 1: Wow, it feels like we've been walking for ages. How much farther you think? 

Student 2: Hmmm, let me use the rule of thumb to estimate. I'd say about 5 more miles based on the sun. 

Student 1: I hope you're right, my feet are aching! But I trust your judgment. 

Act 10 

Student 1: Do you hear that? I think it's a helicopter! Our smoke signal must've worked! 

Student 2: We did it! We made it through a week in the wilderness thanks to sticking together and using our skills. High five!