By: Melody Ann Wallace
When asked what notable men such as Neil Armstrong, Steven Spielberg, Bill Gates, and Dirty Job’s Mike Rowe have in common, one might suggest a particular college alma mater or hometown. When, in fact, these gentlemen have all earned the highest ranking that a Boy Scout can achieve, the honor of Eagle Scout. Many men that we hold in high esteem today, such as former astronauts, presidents, actors, and inventors, derived some of their leadership ability from the Boy Scouts. Established in 1910, the Boy Scouts organization is “still one of the premiere character development agencies out there.” However, a lot has changed in the last one hundred plus years, and so have the experiences that the Scouts have to offer.
Randy Mayfield is a professional scouter that oversees the Audubon Scouting District, encompassing Hancock, McLean, Henderson, Ohio, and Daviess counties. Mayfield says that, while there are 39 units and 1250 scouts in the entire district, Owensboro is by far the largest unit. Scout units are supported through charter partners, which are made up of local church and civic organizations. The charters own and support each scout unit, may provide and arrange transportation, as well as sponsor activities. The activities that charter partners sponsor in our area far surpass the traditional Cub Scout pack and Boy Scout troop. For high adventure enthusiasts, ages fourteen to twenty years old, there are venturing crews. These crews are co-ed and offer opportunities to go scuba diving, as well as visit northern locations in order to enjoy outdoor experiences such as ice fishing and sledding. Students of the same age, who have an interest in the sea and all things nautical, can join the Sea Scouts at Daviess County High School. Another amazing opportunity for this age group can be found through Explorer Posts. These are career-based groups that are offered through the police and fire departments, as well as Owensboro Medical Health System. Explorer posts offer exposure to skills needed for future careers and operate with the belief that our young people are “learning for life.”
Although much has evolved in what the Boy Scouts have to offer, the fundamental core of the Scouts remains the same: “Duty to God and country, duty to others, and duty to self.” The Scouts are still an organization that encourages parent involvement in activities and offers many “opportunities for fathers and sons outside of the home.” The ever popular Cub Scout Pinewood Derby is a “great opportunity for fathers and sons to build a car together.” There are, however, a growing number of children being raised by single parents or grandparents. For those boys without a father figure at home, the Scouts are an excellent resource for a positive role model and example of leadership. Not to mention that the weekly meetings can also offer a sense of stability and consistency in a young man’s life.
Probably the most powerful and redeeming quality about the scouts is that they welcome all boys to participate. Not all children are similarly-abled in development, athleticism, or intelligence. Regardless of a child’s level of development or skill set, all children are welcome and encouraged to do their personal best. Regardless of where their starting point is, all boys are offered new opportunities and experiences that they may not have otherwise. While pursuing higher ranks and earning badges, these boys are exposed to so many different nuances, such as art, home repair, and disability awareness. Marijane Sheldon has served in the capacity of Cub Scout mother and leader, and is now the Training Chairperson for adult leaders in our area. She has watched proudly as her son has gained a new sense of confidence and learned teambuilding skills that other boys might derive from sports. She truly believes that boys “learn a lot about the world around them” and that the Boy Scouts “truly does teach them to be a better citizen.” By performing acts of service in the community, scouts can take pride in the park bench or hospital gazebo they helped to build, and can also take pride in the leadership skills that they are able to take away from their experiences.
Scouting has its rewards far beyond the merit badges. Those scouts that do work hard enough to attain the rank of Eagle Scout can also earn additional scholarships to college as well as enter into the military at a higher rank. Most undoubtedly the greatest rewards that these young men take away from their time with the Boy Scouts are a stronger sense of pride and character in themselves and a wonderful array of experiences to reflect back upon. When asked what his most memorable moment was in all of his time with the Boy Scouts, Randy’s response could not have been more fitting, “Most every campout I’ve gone on with my son.”