Make a Difference to One

In Scouting, we often talk about making a difference. Sometimes, people think this means doing something big or impressive. But small actions can be powerful too. A simple act of kindness or support can make a big impact on one person. This idea is the heart of the “Make a Difference to One” story.

The story reminds us that we don’t have to solve every problem or help everyone at once. In the story, a man walks along the beach, throwing stranded starfish back into the ocean. When told he can’t save them all, he replies, “I made a difference to that one.” This message is important in Scouting, where small actions can change someone’s day or even their life.

Scouting programs encourage leaders, Scouts, and families to look for these small moments to help. Whether it’s teaching a skill, lending a hand, or just listening, each small act can lift someone up. Scouts learn that good citizenship means helping one person at a time, whenever they have the chance.

As we work together in Scouting, it’s important to remember that every small effort matters. Each leader, Scout, and committee member has the power to make a difference in their community. By focusing on one person at a time, we can build a strong and supportive Scouting family.

When people think of citizenship, they often imagine big roles, like being a politician or serving in the military. But citizenship is much more than that. It’s about caring for others and doing our part to make our community a better place. This is what the “Make a Difference to One” Scoutmaster Minute teaches us—anyone can make a difference, even in small ways.

In Scouting, we practice good citizenship by helping others whenever we can. This might be as simple as lending a hand to a fellow Scout or volunteering in a local park cleanup. These small acts of service are part of being a good citizen. They show that we care about our community and the people in it.

Scouts can make a difference every day. For example, helping a friend with a task, giving a kind word, or standing up for someone who feels left out are all ways Scouts practice citizenship. Community service projects, like collecting food for a food bank or planting trees, are also great examples. Each time Scouts do something like this, they are helping their community in a real way.

Good citizenship doesn’t have to be big or complicated. The important thing is to take action, even if it’s just for one person. By helping others in small ways, we are making a difference, one person at a time. And when everyone in the community does the same, those small actions create a stronger, kinder world.

The “Make a Difference to One” Scoutmaster Minute teaches us that small actions can have a big impact. In Scouting, this lesson can guide us every day. Leaders and Scouts don’t need to solve every problem or fix every challenge. Sometimes, just helping one person can make all the difference.

Leaders can make a difference by spending a few extra minutes with a Scout who needs encouragement. For example, if a Scout is struggling with a new skill or feeling left out, a leader’s kind words or patience can help that Scout feel more confident. By focusing on the needs of one Scout at a time, leaders show that every person in the troop matters.

Scouts can also make a difference with simple actions. Welcoming a new Scout, helping someone carry their gear, or even sharing a laugh can make someone feel included and valued. When Scouts look out for each other, everyone feels like they belong.

These small acts may seem simple, but they add up. We don’t need to make a huge impact all at once. If each Scout and leader focuses on helping just one person, the whole troop will become stronger. Remember, helping one person can be enough to make a difference in someone’s life. This is how we build a supportive and caring Scouting community, one Scout at a time.

The “Make a Difference to One” Scoutmaster Minute is not just for Scouts and leaders. Parents and committee members can make a difference too. You don’t have to be an expert in Scouting to help. Small actions from adults can have a big impact on Scouts.

Each adult has unique talents to share. Maybe you’re good at organizing, have outdoor skills, or are just a good listener. When adults use their talents to help, even in small ways, they are helping Scouts grow. For example, a parent might teach a skill during a meeting or simply listen to a Scout who needs advice. These actions, though small, can mean a lot.

By getting involved, adults show Scouts that they are valued. A simple conversation or some friendly encouragement can give a Scout the confidence they need to keep trying. When Scouts see that adults care about them, they feel supported and motivated. This feeling of support can make a lasting impact on a Scout’s journey.

Adults don’t need to make a huge time commitment to be helpful. Just being there when you can, even if it’s for one Scout, helps build a strong Scouting community. Each small action makes a difference, one Scout at a time.

A man was walking along a beach after a big storm. Thousands of starfish had been washed ashore and were now stranded on the sand. As he walked, the man began picking up starfish one by one and throwing them back into the ocean.

A friend watched him and asked, “Why are you doing this? There are too many starfish here. You can’t possibly get them all back in the water. You won’t make a difference.”

The man listened, then bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it into the waves. He simply replied, “I made a difference to that one.”

For that single starfish, his action meant everything.

This story is a reminder that even small actions can matter. We don’t always see the results of our efforts right away, but they still make an impact. The man couldn’t help every starfish on the beach, but he helped the ones he could reach. In Scouting, it’s the same. We may not always see the full impact of each small kindness or each bit of guidance, but these moments add up.

In Scouting, every small action can make a big difference to someone. Whether it’s helping a Scout, guiding someone on a project, or showing encouragement, each small effort counts. When we focus on making a difference, one person at a time, we build a strong, caring community.

The purpose of the “Make a Difference to One” Scoutmaster Minute is to show that even small actions can have a big impact. The story of the man and the starfish reminds us that we don’t have to do something huge to make a difference. Helping just one person can matter more than we think. In Scouting, this lesson teaches us to focus on simple ways we can support each other.

One key lesson from this story is that every Scout and leader can help others, even in small ways. Sometimes, we might feel like we can’t make a real change because the challenges are too big. But “Make a Difference to One” shows us that small actions can add up. Each kind word, each bit of guidance, and each moment of support helps build a caring and supportive Scouting environment.

This message is important for everyone involved in Scouting. It encourages Scouts, leaders, and even parents to look for small moments to help. Whether it’s helping a friend or cheering someone on, each action shows that we care about one another. By focusing on these small acts, we create a positive space where everyone feels valued.

“Make a Difference to One” reminds us that we all have the power to help others. We don’t have to do it all at once. Sometimes, helping one person is more than enough.

Printable copy of the Make a Difference to One Scoutmaster Minute

The Power of Inspirational Minutes

More Scoutmaster Minutes

For more inspirational stories like the “Make a Difference to One” Scoutmaster Minute, visit my resource page featuring Scoutmaster minutes, Cubmaster minutes, and ideas for meaningful moments with Scouts. These stories can help leaders share important values with Scouts in a simple, memorable way. Find a variety of messages to encourage Scouts to do their best, help others, and make a positive impact. Check out this collection to bring new inspiration and purpose to your next meeting: Scoutmaster and Cubmaster Minutes Resource.

What is the main idea of the “Make a Difference to One” Scoutmaster Minute?

The main idea is that small actions can make a big difference. We don’t need to solve every problem to help someone. Even helping just one person matters.

How does this story connect to Scouting?

In Scouting, we focus on helping others and doing our best. This story shows that small acts of kindness and support can have a lasting impact, especially when we focus on helping one person at a time.

Who can benefit from this message?

This message is for everyone in Scouting—Scouts, leaders, parents, and committee members. It reminds all of us that we can make a difference, even with simple actions.

How can leaders use this story in their meetings?

Leaders can share this story as a Scoutmaster or Cubmaster Minute. It’s a quick way to inspire Scouts to look for small ways to help others. Leaders can also use it to encourage teamwork and kindness.

What can Scouts learn from the story?

Scouts learn that they don’t need to do something huge to be helpful. Small actions, like helping a friend or welcoming someone new, can make a big difference.

The “Make a Difference to One” Scoutmaster Minute tells a story about a man walking along a beach after a storm. Thousands of starfish are stranded on the sand. The man starts throwing them back into the ocean, one by one. When someone points out that he can’t save them all, the man replies, “I made a difference to that one.” This story teaches us that even small actions can have a big impact.

In Scouting, we focus on helping others. The lesson here is that we don’t need to do something huge to make a difference. Even helping one person is enough. Scouts can take this lesson into their own lives by doing simple acts of kindness. Helping a fellow Scout, welcoming a new member, or even just listening can make someone feel valued.

For leaders, this message is a reminder that each small effort counts. Spending a little extra time with a Scout who needs support or showing patience to a Scout struggling with a skill makes a big difference. This story encourages us to remember that we can all help, one Scout at a time.