Scouting

The Boys Scouts of America is over 100 years old and is one of the largest youth development organization in the country. The Boy Scouts of America seeks to instill in boys (and girls) the value of personal responsibility, self esteem, and citizenship through fun, educational activities. I was a boy scout as youth and now that my sons are a part of the organization I am a Scout leader. I particularly love camping and the outdoor aspect of the Scouts.

As a child I was very active in the Boy Scouts though a friend. Though the Scouting program aims to teach many life skills, I admit I really joined to go camping and fortunately my troop went frequently!

Now I’m an adult with kids of my own, I want that experience for them. As a trained Scout Leader I get to do a ton of camping — the downside is finding a balance between satisfying my urge to camp and giving my boys enough space to grow and experience things on their own. 

As an adult leader, I often reflect back on my time as a child in Scouts and think about the adults that volunteered their time. I think of how little I appreciated them at the time, but in retrospect, how influential they have been in my life. Particularly when it comes to civics. I feel many of todays problems (lack of engagement, respect, contempt of rule, etc…) are a result of lack of civics. While we may tech young people the importance of voting, we don't teach them the more important lesson of civics. I think the Scouting program makes a noble effort in that area.