Pow Wow

A few weeks ago we talked about single stories. When you hear the words "boy scout," what do you think of? Maybe you picture a dorky little white boy who tucks his shirt in, wears his socks pulled up to his knees, loves nature and races pinewood cars. But scouting is quite diverse. I want to show that scouting doesn't try to pour boys into one mold. Instead, it helps them find themselves.

I chose to photograph the Scout Pow Wow on BYU campus on Saturday, Nov. 2. What exactly is a Pow Wow? Essentially, scouts from all over the area come together to work on earning merit badges. Merit badges help scouts to learn specific skills. Some of  the merit badge classes offered on Saturday were First Aid, Astronomy, Crime Prevention and Mammal Study. The boys were allowed to choose the classes they wanted to attend. BYU has hosted one of the largest Pow Wows in the United States for over 55 years. Last year, more than 7,000 scouts participated in the spring and fall Pow Wows. (ce.byu.edu/cw/powwow)

That many scouts in one place at one time drew my attention. I did my best to capture the diversity of the scouting program. Seven thousand possible subjects would be a good place to start.

I tried to employ the Rule of Thirds. Horizontal and orthogonal lines bring 

a nice balance to the piece as well as the contrasting textures of grass and

cement.

This photo is by far my favorite. If they didn't have scouting in common, would these two ever be seen walking together? The one on the right told the single story very well. He was pale white and freckly with gelled hair. His shirt was tucked in and he even wore a handmade neckerchief slide. The boy on the left walked slightly behind with a swagger. He wore Vans and baggy jeans; his scout shirt untucked and unbuttoned. A flat brimmed Salt Lake Bees cap crowned his shaggy head. I overheard them say they were going opposite directions but the Salt Lake boy walked almost all the way to the other boy's destination, finishing the conversation, before turning around. I was surprised these boys were actually friends.

The next photo shows two scouts geocaching; using GPS coordinates to find hidden trinkets. Yes, geocaching is one of the merit badges. Scouting offers a wide range of choices and possibilities.

Sunlight and shadow create an even greater contrast between the boys' ethnic backgrounds. The scouting program is racially diverse.

Rule of Thirds. Also asymmetrical balance in size, color and position.

I just happened to look up at the right time to capture this photo. I heard running and I managed to raise my camera and take the shot. If you'll notice, another boy is running up ahead. I think they're headed to the same place. My guess is that they're late. It would seem even scouts are late sometimes. They aren't always the goody-two-shoe, tightwad of the single story. Maybe "punctual" should be added the the 12 attributes of the Scout Law.

Besides the Rule of Thirds and a nice contrast between the dark stairs and the bright sky, the photo also employs Gestalt principles of proximity and similarity. Three other people appear in the photo, but this boy stands alone.

A lone scout is framed by a window of light. His small stature is emphasized by a wide angle. His large backpack hits him behind the knees. He is just out of  focus. A step or two down and he would be in the camera's shallow depth.

Where is his chaperon?  Aren't all scouts supposed to follow the buddy system? The other two scouts are with their leader and/or father. Is he breaking the rules or did he just fall behind?

Space exploration was another merit badge option. And yes, the scouts got to build rockets. I suppose I might have added "pyromaniac" to the single story. But here, I wish to show that scouts come in all shapes and sizes. The boy on the left seems to have just finished an impressive growth spurt. His shadow stretches for quite awhile before it disappears behind the other boy. Yet, we only see the legs.

He seems slightly uncomfortable. Perhaps he is still getting used to his body, maybe he is still figuring out who he is. He stands awkwardly to the side, not sure if he should be in the picture or not. The other boy stares directly into the camera, arms spread wide as if to say "Here I am!"

Conclusion: Scouting brings boys of all different personalities, backgrounds, interests, and attitudes together. It helps them set goals and build character. It doesn't try to change who they are as a person. It helps them to find themselves and contribute to society.