[M.D. Holloway]

Our Son has been involved from the beginning as a Tiger Scout. He is now a Boy Scout and in 2 years will most likely achieve his Eagle rank. As a Cub it is a commitment by the parents more than the boys - they do learn stuff and have fun and ya its a littlew corny but harmless. As they get older and 'bridge over' to a Boy Scout troop it is really meant to be Scout Run Scout Lead - parents begin to step back. In the right troop a young man can flourish and learn things and develop confidence that he will take with him through life.

We have seen our son grow into a young man that has a work ethic unlike other kids his age, heck more so than most adults! He also has gained anamazing amount of confidence that only comes from having to organize and run meetings and camp outs.

There was a time he wanted out but I wouldn't allow it. I told him that the world is full of men who quit and regreted it but I never met a man that quit before becoming an Eagle and didn't regret it. So the question is, do you want to live a life of regret or fulfillment? He became a Senior Patrol Leader Shortly after that speech I gave him. He has earned over 29 MBs and needs only 3 more Eagle required to make rank (plus his project).

When he starts complaining about all the extra work he has to do for Scouts combined with his music, school work and sports I remind him that not many kids his age can show legit achievements. I ask him how many boys his age and even older have been able to acomplish what he has and run a lawn business and have over a few hundred cash in their wallets that THEY EARNED - not mommy daddy money.

My advice, stick with Scouts and if you don't like something about how the Pack is run, get involved and work to change it. Thats what I did back in the day. It makes a world of difference.

He (and you) won't regret it. I promise you that.