Thoughts on Scouts

As I begin my 3rd year in the cub scout program, I have thought a  lot on why the LDS church uses the scouting program. Why not create a program like they have for the girls? Why do we put our boys into a program that is often poorly run and can be so expensive? And what is scouting anyway? If you'd asked me 3 years ago I would have told you camping, messing around, something about merit badges, and getting your Eagle (whatever that is) was the end all and be all of the program. And seriously, what is this cub scout thing? And you are asking me to work with these boys in doing huh?

So, what have I learned in the last 2 years? TONS!

First of all, scouting is supposed to be fun. If it's boring, you are doing it WRONG! Scouting is fun with a purpose. Scouting is NOT school, and shouldn't be run that way. It's hands on learning, moving, building, creating.

I recently read a wonderful article in the Scouting Magazine. It was about scouts with ADHD. "Scouting gives them a place to have something other than constant messages of failure". My sweet son Riley has ADHD. School is HARD. Tests are things to dread. He was having a really difficult time and expressed feelings of being stupid, not good enough. The beautiful thing about scouts is you do your best. YOUR BEST! Not Johnny's best or Jack's best. Your Best!

Second, in order for me as a leader to do my best, I must be trained. There are tons of opportunities out there to help leaders of cubs and scouts. It was wonderful to know that I wasn't going to have to invent everything on my own. The resources are out there, if I'm willing to use them. I don't have to reinvent the wheel! When I follow the program, add my own twist, and a little bit of prayers things are fun. I have seen what happens when leaders are not trained to their positions, and it's not pretty!

Third, the scouting program makes leaders out of boys. We start small. In my den, we have what is called a denner. The denner is a one of the scouts who is a leader and helper. Each one of my boys gets a chance to hold this position. His duties are to help with any of the open exercises for the boys that are absent, help set up or take down our room, and making sure each of the scouts knows what his duties are.

 
As boys go up in the scouting program, their responsibilities increase. Boy scouting is supposed to be a scout run program. Boys learn what works and what doesn't work in a safe environment. Each boy is supposed to have a responsibility that will help all the boys in the troop. (I'll willing to admit that I still know very little about boy scouts, but this is what I have gleaned from hearing my hubby, bro in laws and father in law talk about scouts) 

Fourth, scouting allows boys to learn how to  be the best they can be. The core values taught in cubs are: positive attitude, compassion, cooperation, citizenship, courage, faith, health and fitness, perseverance, resourcefulness, respect, honesty, and compassion. Seriously, why wouldn't you want you little boys being taught these? Not only do they talk about them, they do activities promoting these values.

Fifth, scouting gives boys friends! A brotherhood with boys that have similar goals and values. It's been fun to see the boys I worked with grow into young men. When done right, scouts brings boys together as a team. A team working together to do good. Good for each other, good for the community, good for the country.

Sixth, having both instant recognition and long term goals works wonders! I have seen how my little wolves (8 year olds) are willing to do so much for just a little bead on their uniform shirt. Four beads, they have earned they advancement badge. They love having badges and beads, treasure box rewards, and special treats.

I have truly learned to love the cub scout program. More than I ever thought possible. The church supports the scouting program because when it is done right, it makes boys into strong, compassionate, competent men. I have seen my sweet boy bloom as he realizes that he can do things. That he is accepted for who is.

Yeah scouts!