June 20, 2006 7:36 AM
Boy Scouts of America
A few months ago we had Boy Scouts at our church. Jonny fell in love with the uniform and decided he wanted to join. Now he goes to meetings every Monday with the troop and he's made some new friends (I am so grateful that we live in a time and place where most people are kind and accepting of those with Down syndrome).
In reading up on Boy Scouts, Tripp regretted that we had never gotten our other boys interested in the Scouts. One of the things about your kids getting older is facing the fact that there was more you could have done, but I take some comfort in knowing that I can share that honestly and perhaps encourage others to avoid mistakes I've made and to seize opportunities I didn't.
Here is some of the information Tripp found:
SCOUTING'S BOTTOM LINE
What happens to a Scout? For every 100 boys who join Scouting, records indicate that:
- RARELY will on be brought before the juvenile court system
- 2 will become Eagle Scouts
- 17 will become future Scout volunteers
- 12 will have their first contact with a church
- 1 will enter the clergy
- 5 will earn their church award
- 18 will develop a hobby that will last through their adult life
- 8 will enter a vocation that was learned through the merit badge system
- 1 will use his Scouting skills to his own life
- 1 will use his Scouting skills to save the life of another person
Scouting's alumni record is equally impressive. A recent nation-wide survey of high schools revealed the following information:
- 85% of student council presidents were Scouts
- 89% of senior class presidents were Scouts
- 80% of junior class presidents were Scouts
- 75% of school publication editors were Scouts
- 71% of football captains were Scouts
Scouts also account for:
- 64% of Air Force Academy graduates
- 68% of West Point graduates
- 70% of Annapolis graduates
- 72% of Rhodes Scholars
- 85% of F.B.I. agents
- 26 of the first 29 astronauts
That's very impressive. Enough so that some parents might put their kids in Scouts simply for the achievement benefits. But those achivements are a reflection of character and integrity which naturally comes from the training boys get in the Boy Scouts.
Looking at this list, I am grateful for the contribution they have made to the nation. And close to home, I am grateful they are willing to learn more about people like Jonny.
Comments
Thank you for this great posts on a great organization. My son is completing his Life Scout requirements right now. Scouting has done a lot of good for him; we're always encouraging parents of boys we know to get them involved.
Posted by: Barb Szyszkiewicz, sfo | June 20, 2006 9:13 AM
My dh and I plan on getting our son involved in scouts when he is old enough. I think it is wonderful and teaches so many great things.
Posted by: Kelli | June 20, 2006 10:06 AM
My Eagle Scout nephew is heading to Iraq in August as a wonderful Marine.
Posted by: floorplan | June 20, 2006 11:57 AM
I'll add my endorsement to the Scouts. All three of my sons are in a Troop; my oldest just made Eagle. They learn a great deal, have lots of fun, and get great experiences that I alone could not give them. Scouting fits in particularly well with home schooling, I should add.
Posted by: Marie | June 20, 2006 12:43 PM
that is where my oldest son is as I read this... boy scout camp. it is wonderful. yesteday he came home super excited because he caught a fish. Now, we may live in the mountains of MD but I have never fished a day in my life. Now, maybe my oldest will teach the rest of us! I'm with you, it is wonderful!
Posted by: janet | June 20, 2006 2:53 PM
Our oldest son just completed his first year as a Tiger Cub Scout (1st grade). He is eagerly looking forward to next year. My husband was involved in scouting until high school and has so many great memories---in fact, he was the den leader of our son's troop.
With three more little boys waiting in the wings, I have the feeling scouting will be a huge part of our lives before long.
Posted by: mopsy | June 20, 2006 2:54 PM
We have not gotten our boys involved in scouts, although briefly attempted to participate in our church's "Christian" alternative, which is Royal Rangers. I do like both programs.
I am very impressed with the Boy Scouts that they have NOT CAVED to the homosexual onslaught that the Girl Scouts have given in to.
The Boy Scouts have held strong and refused to alter their policies, as I understand, and that is to be greatly commended!!!!!
Posted by: Tara | June 20, 2006 3:49 PM
Our boys all do scouting, too. We love the organization so much... :) Thanks for sharing all the stats and such.
Posted by: Leann | June 20, 2006 5:46 PM
Another plus we have found with our 13 yo who is a Boy Scout is that it allows them a place to be a boy! wth all that entails. he lives in a family of 3 sisters and one little boy so he and Dad can do Scouts and be as dirty, loud, and rambunctious as they want to. It has also been a terrific bonding activity for dh and ds. He does so many things with mom as a homeschooler; it's good to be with Dad, too. Thanks for the ringing endorsement.
Posted by: Kim | June 21, 2006 9:59 AM
Thank you for your wonderful post. My boys (1 in Boy Scouts 2 in Cubs and 1 in the wings) all love Scouting. You have discovered that the mission of Scouting is to train our boys to be effective leaders. My wish is that all parents embrace and remember this goal. Thanks for the wonderful endorsement. Scouting is a journey... Enjoy yours!
Posted by: NAM | June 21, 2006 2:28 PM
My husband is an Eagle Scout. I cannot speak for other scouts but he is a wonderful, Godly, husband and father to soon to be 7 children. There is simply no substitute for training a young man to have character whether parents do this alone or with the augmentation of worthwhile programs. I hope you son has a wonderful scouting experience.
Posted by: Melissa | June 21, 2006 3:50 PM
I've seen some of this information scattered around the internet before, but it is so nice to see it from a Mom point of view.
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Cubmaster Chris
An Hour A Week? Cub Scout Podcast
http://www.cubmasterchris.com
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Posted by: Cubmaster Chris | July 1, 2006 2:25 PM
