2009.03.04 00:32:53

Paul Beets

Young men today have so many responsibilities and commitments placed on them. We expect them to do the chores at home. We expect them to do their homework. They must attend school during the day and many times religious education commitments afterwards. These decisions are made by parents who believe it is in the best interest of the young man to take part in these activities and there isn't much discussion beyond that.

However, as parents you expect your children to grow up to be responsible leaders. Eventually you would like to see them take control of their own destiny and choose to do those things that you think is important. Going to college and going to work and being a good responsible citizen.

Scouting provides one of the few opportunities for young men at an early age to begin to taste that freedom and responsibility to choose their own destiny. The scouting leaders don't decide who will lead them. The scouts elect their own representation. The scouting leaders don't decide where they will go to camp or what they will do once they arrive. It is up to the scouts with some friendly guidance from the Scoutmaster.

With all the other things that they "have" to do... often times scouts don't even know how to handle or behave with their new found freedom.

You can only get out of scouting what you put into it. Be creative! Use your imagination! Make the very best of your experience in scouting.

Learning to be self-sufficent will serve them well long after the scouting meetings and weekend campouts.


Yours in Scouting,

Paul J. Beets - Eagle Scout
Scoutmaster, Boy Scout Troop 54
Novi, Michigan