Boy Scouts, East Texas Area Council

As a parent I can tell you the difference that scouting has made in the life of my son, but as a scouting volunteer I can tell you the difference that scouting has made in the lives of many boys. Scouting is not just about camping, hiking and the outdoors, although these are all major components of the scouting program. The main purpose of scouting is to instill character and leadership skills in the young men and women of today.

The young men that I have seen grow up in scouting are the true leaders of tomorrow. One young man in particular comes to mind. Not more than two weeks ago one of the members of my son's troop was instrumental in saving the life of a small child. The child had fallen into the pool at a weekend family gathering. This scout jumped into the pool without hesitation and pulled the child to safety before any of the adults around him even had an opportunity to react. I was so proud of this young man. Had he not been in scouts, I wonder if he would have had the presence of mind to act as quickly as he did.

My own son has more compassion for others, is better able to communicate in front of a group of his peers, can take charge of a meeting...the list goes on. I have seen boys learn how to act with character according to the Scout Law. The Scout Law truly becomes a guiding light for those involved in scouting. A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. It doesn't happen overnight and, yes, there are some growing pains; but my son would not be the person he is today without scouts.