[LWJ]

I really loved being a Boy Scout leader. I was there for my son. But there were at least three boys who didn't seem to have adult male role models around. I could feel their eyes studying me and the other male leaders in all we did. They were like sponges. They wanted to learn to be men.

It was humbling to realize that these boys so valued what I considered simply routine daily activities and behaviors.

Even worse? I dropped one of these boys off at his house after a camp out. His mom says "was my son horribly behaved?" It seems she expected him to be bad. I responded what a complete delight he had been. They boy was a little ADD and had some excessive energy but he was a great kid.

That was maybe 5 years ago and it saddens me that his mom automatically assumed he was a behavior problem.

Summary: kids need help and guidance. Don't give up.