Boys and young men are underestimated...but not in Scouts

[Laurie]

Today my husband and I saw our sons off to school just as we do every day. We pray for their safety throughout the day after seeing that they have eaten well, and then we great them at the end of the day, glad to see them (until the homework battles begin, but life would be so dull without that!). One of their greatest responsibilities is school work as they are still rather young. We encourage this, applaud their efforts and praise their accomplishments, and challenge them to keep doing even better still. Scouting encourages academics, even enhances them by bringing much of what is learned in the classroom to life in ways too numerous to mention. When our sons head out to school, or even when visiting friends or exploring the wood and creek on our property, we know there is always the potential for them to meet someone who intends harm to them, youth or adult. We know they may meet up with those who use and sell drugs or those who carry/use weapons illegally. We teach them at home to look out for themselves, to protect each other, to be on the alert while still having fun, learning new things, and making friends. Scouting encourages independence while teaching how to use it properly, teaches values that guide boys as they grow into men how to make good solid choices in a world full of challenges, teaches them how to prepare for greater challenges ahead. Our children each have different personalities, characteristics, and strengths. We teach them to use to them to the best of their ability. We teach them and sometimes even push them to try new things that they aren't too keen on, that they aren't sure they can do, but they know they can "fail safely" at home. Scouting does this: provides many opportunies for young boys and young men to excel in what they do well and do learn to overcome weakness/more challenging areas. We teach our children what we believe about God, and we want them to have a firm foundation on which to base decisions, goals, values, their very lives. Scouting promotes religious beliefs; in fact, without a belief in God, one can't be part of Scouting--it's that important. We take our sons to the polls with us when we vote, talk about current issues, keep the lines of communication open to address all issues, and we teach them to respect all authority (though not to blindly accept it--but that's another thread), and we take part with them or support them in striking out on their own for service to the community. Scouting does this too. Scouting provides a safe haven for boys to learn skills and values that will stay them their entire lives. It does help shape who they are, what kind of men they will be. It is one part of their lives though. My hope is that it is a significant part which provides a positive influence on their lives while at the same time being a safe place. For many boys, this is the only time they will feel safe or will find support. Not all have family supporting them, and though Scouting does not and cannot take the place of the family (it promotes family, does not replace it), it often fills a void that many boys and young men have as they grow--that of regular daily support in a safe and loving environment. This is not an easy world. Our youth are criticized for not doing enough to contribute to society, for just hanging out on street corners, and on it goes. Scouting provides them an opportunity to do more, to set goals--high goals, and then to reach them. In Scouting, the adult leadership understands the challenges boys and young men face, and the adult leadership commits to helping them to make it. Make it to what? To being boys and young men trained in character, citizenship, and fitness. The BSA does not do this alone, but the BSA does care enough about the boys it serves to know not to underestimate what these boys and young men can do and what they can become. For the boys and young men who might read this, we (I am one of many) do believe in you and will continue to support you, for we know what a tough road you have ahead of you, and we want to see you succeed...and regardless of rank to also see you soar as though on the wings of an eagle!(This message has been edited by Laurie)

[VentureScoutNY]

All I can say is very well said! I agree totally, the values of Scouting are timeless.

[firstpusk]

Gee, someone starting positive a thread about the BSA. Bumps. THANK YOU.

[Eamonn]

Thanks for a great posting Laurie. I would say "Way to Go" But ....

I know that you have sons and really did mean youth not just boys???

One of the reasons that I remain in Scouting other then the for what I see as the good we can do and offer too our youth. Is because of adults like you who share the values that I do.

I enjoy almost any gathering of Scouters because of this. It is of no never mind if they are rich, poor. Black or white and dare I say it if they are hard line left wingers or right wingers.I don't pay too much attention to what patches are on their uniform or even if they are all in the right place. While many of us tell "War stories" about our kids, there are a good many that have no kids of their own and still do outstanding work and works for the youth in their community. For all these people I feel really blessed that we as adults have each other.

Eamonn

[Laurie]

Actually, I did mean boys. I felt compelled to address how young boys grow into men with the assistance of Scouting. Yes, we have sons, and though our sons are young and just beginning in Scouting, I have a brother who is an Eagle Scout and a father who has been in Scouting for 25 or so years now, so I have witnessed Scouting first-hand, but only in the lives of boys to date. We also have been blessed with a daughter. We do teach our sons a bit differently in some respects than our daughter, but in the original post, I could put girl or young woman in place of boy or young man, and the message would still be the same. I have worked with youth for over 20 years, and it saddens me how hard life is for many youth and how often they have little help or hope. In Scouting, they get both. At the Venturing level, both young men and young women benefit from Scouting. Of that I've no doubt; I simply have not yet experienced that

 

As for those who do not have children but are active in Scouting, I am so glad these people (several names come to mind) actively serving to help youth. They are a blessing indeed!

 

Eamonn, you are a good man, and I thank you for your kind words. I know you don't flatter anyone, that you do understand and care deeply about Scouting, and being thought well of by you means a lot to me. I too enjoy working with fellow leaders...usually (This message has been edited by Laurie)