[Don Plumley]

I'm an Eagle Scout. Earned it in mid 1976, less than a month after my 14th birthday. Such an over-achiever. Stayed in Scouts until I was 18. Went backpacking almost once a month - went into the backcountry of Yosemite for almost two weeks with just another friend when we were both 15. Went to two national Jamborees. Was a canoe instructor in Mission Bay. Scouting helped teach me to lead - to stand in front a room of younger and older kids and get them to organize and execute.

Scouting is really dependent upon the quality of the troop and the parental involvement. With the preponderance of other activities so readily available to kids today, it's hard to compete. My own son was in Scouting but sadly did not persevere beyond 2nd Class.