As some know, I was in Boy Scouts growing up, and attained the rank of Eagle Scout, one of my parents' proudest moments. During college, I was unable to stay as involved as I would have liked to be, if involved at all. Now being out of college, I find myself wanting to get back involved in the program, and my Troop. Troop 72, the troop I was involved with, gave me a lot my 7 or so years I was there for. My Scoutmaster in particular was key in me getting Eagle. He, along with my parents, pushed me, and inspired me, and did everything he could to get me into the program as well as get my butt in gear when I was slacking off and really disinterested. I thank him, my parents, and of course all the leaders who were there helping me. I guess part of me wants to pay them, and the new scouts, back for everything they did for me...hell, not part, most if not all of me wants to.

I went up to one of the bigger events, Snowbound this past weekend, which is pretty much a big scouting competition the District runs. My brother, Eric's patrol placed first, as they did last year, and as the troop tends to do to begin with. I helped out, walked around, and I want to get back to being involved. I'm still a registerred leader there so I think I'm going to actually get involved as one.

Eagle Scout is not easy to achieve and the last number I counted was that 1 out of every 100 scouts attain the rank. Several US Presidents are Eagle Scouts, and one of my personal heroes, Jim Lovell also achieved the rank. Eagle Scout can show a lot about one's character and I would suggest the program to almost anyone.

Despite some of BSA's criticisms, the Boy Scouts teach young men many important life skills and is a great program. The most important of which I believe, is leadership. Leadership is actually the primary basis of the Eagle Project that is one of the bigger requirements for Eagle Scout. A good leader is not always the easiest thing to find nowadays and the program is set to help inspire young scouts to grow and gain leadership skills.

Tags: bsa, boyscouts, thoughts