Last night, Dentist Husband and I were asked to be part of a board of review for several boys. Having held a scout calling for over 10 years, (most of it in cub scouts), I know many of the boys very well. I have seen them go from being excited, slightly scared, eight year old boys to obnoxious 10 year olds and beyond.
Many people don't know this, but years ago, when my son started in the scouting (cub scouts) program, I decided I needed to learn about the program and decide if it was something I really wanted him to do. Like most families, our lives are busy and full of many things and while I recognized the support of my church to the organization, I wanted to make sure it was a worthwhile program and something I thought was worth putting in the time and commit required. My conclusion was that if scouting is done as it is supposed to be done, it teaches wonderful principles and my son was going to learn some very good and valuable things. When my son was 10 1/2, I revisited my research and concluded the same about the scouting (11 years old and up) program.
Anyway, last night, as I sat in this board of review, I was almost moved to tears by these young men. When asked about the scout oath and law and how they are living it in their lives, these boys gave amazing answers of commitment to God and country. They spoke of prayer, service and fun. They gave examples of being kind, helpful, brave, cheerful and other aspects of the scout law. We laughed as they shared stories of favorite merit badges earned, camp outs and service rendered. We reviewed some of their successes and efforts toward earning their Eagle. It in many ways was a spiritual experience for me to see these young outstanding men living meaningful, thoughtful, and moral lives.
At the meeting's end and all of boys unanimously were voted to earn their rank advancements, I walked home with Dentist Husband and said, "This is why I love my Scout calling. I honestly love those boys."
1 comment:
I love this post Janice! We need to do everything we can to support boys in this culture that constantly berates and discourages them. Men were made to become heroes! When young men have good scout leaders, they learn about all the great things they can do and become. I am so impressed with the young men in my neighborhood, they have great scout leaders and they are learning to be heroes!
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