Scouting Impacts Your World
by Staff Writer
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Growing up in America in the 21st century can be complex for today’s youth — between the numerous moral and ethical gray areas, drugs, and peer pressure, children and teenagers face difficult decisions on a daily basis. Many programs have been instituted through various religious, community, and governmental programs to assist today’s young people with guidance, mentoring, and life skills to successfully work through and overcome the challenges of everyday life. In accordance with this idea, Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. were instituted to prepare youth for difficult decisions and situations in the present and future through activities, experiences, and mentoring.

Boy Scouts offers a myriad of opportunities for boys to learn new skills, visit new places, and become involved in the community. Scouting was founded by General Robert Baden-Powell in England in 1907, but was instituted in America in 1910 by Chicago publisher William Boyce. Both men recognized the importance of passing on the traditions of leadership, courage, and responsibility as they formed the organization and shaped the lives of young men in the early 20th century. Nearly 100 years later, the legacy continues through the dedication of modern Scoutmasters, Assistant Scoutmasters, and volunteers.

"I was a Boy Scout as a child, and I enjoyed learning new skill sets and earning merit badges," shared Ralph Clements, Scoutmaster of Troop 429 in Alpharetta. "Through the years, I noticed how my Scoutmaster, Mr. McKellar, set goals for self-assurance and confidence for the troop. After seeing his example, I decided that I wanted to be a Scoutmaster also." Although he participated as a child, Ralph became involved with the Boy Scouts again when his son, Steven, joined the Boy Scouts in the second grade. Now a growing seventh grader, Steven continues the legacy through his own participation and his aspiration to achieve Eagle Scout, the highest rank awarded to a Boy Scout.

Obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout is not an easy undertaking, as Kyle Eastis of Troop 429 will attest. After earning a number of merit badges, a Boy Scout must develop a proposal for an original community service project, without it being a solely fundraising or commercial project. Having visited Brazil on a mission trip, Kyle organized a clothing drive to provide clothing for needy children in Brazil. Kyle collaborated with his troop leaders, troop members, and church members to advertise and collect donations. "One of the main objectives of the Eagle Scout project is to draw upon everything learned as a Boy Scout and lead others in a community service project," explained Kyle. "By working with the community, we were able to provide a lot of clothes for the children in Brazil." Eagle Scouts are expected to set an example for other Boy Scouts as many become leaders in the business, political, and even military professions.

Girls are not excluded from scouting as Girl Scouts are prevalent throughout the metro Atlanta area as well as the U.S. Not only are they well known for their delectable cookies, but also for their sense of sorority and community involvement. As part of their creed, Girl Scouts are dedicated to "make the world a better place." The Girl Scouts were founded by Juliette "Daisy" Gordon Low in 1912 to give girls the opportunity to develop physically, mentally, and spiritually. Today’s Girl Scout troops keep the tradition alive by continuing to grow, change, and challenge the young women of the future.

"Girl Scouting is ever-changing to meet the needs of today’s girl while still living the words of the Girl Scout Law," commented Elizabeth Roberts, leader for Girl Scout Troop 22305 in Roswell. "That’s why on a typical weekend you might have girl scouts visiting a nursing home, riding horseback, or selling Girl Scout cookies. Every activity is seen as an opportunity to help girls grow into women of courage, character, and confidence." Troop 22305 has participated in activities such as completing a ropes course to encourage team-building, hosting a Manners Tea for younger scouts to develop leadership skills, while continuing to earn Girl Scout badges. Within the last year, Troop 22305 earned the Bronze Award, the highest award for Junior Girl Scouts, through service hours benefiting Georgia Canines for Independence. "I first became involved as a leader when these sixth graders were kindergartners because I thought it would be a fun way to spend time with my daughter, Madeleine," continued Elizabeth. "I had no idea it would be almost as valuable and fun for me as for Madeleine. We do this for the girls, but the girls keep us coming back as volunteers because we all have so much fun together."

Teenagers, both male and female, are also welcome to participate in scouting through co-ed programs such as Venturing (formerly known as Explorers). Venturing provides students age 14 through 20 with positive experiences to prepare them as responsible and caring adults. The relationships developed between young adults and leaders encourage youths to pursue their interests while developing leadership skills and becoming good citizens. Impact your community through scouting! An opportunity is waiting to happen — this is your chance to become involved as a scout or volunteer. For more information about the Boy Scouts of America or Venturing, please visit www.atlantabsa.org. For more information about the Girls Scouts of the U.S.A, please visit www.girlscoutsnwga.org.