A True Scouting Story:
An 11 year old boy walked into a troop meeting one September evening with his parents.
The boy was shy, didn't have a lot of self-confidence and couldn't swim (you needed swimming and lifesaving merit badges in those days to attain Eagle).
An enthusiastic Scoutmaster greeted them, explained the program and helped them through the registration process. It was a big troop and there was activity everywhere. Before they left that evening, the Scoutmaster came over and said to the boy, "you're going to be an Eagle Scout".
At the next meeting the boy was assigned to the Eagle Patrol. The Eagle Patrol was not what you might expect. It had finished last in the patrol contest for several years. Its leadership wasn't very good.
The boy stuck it out and completed his Tenderfoot and Second Class ranks in the first year.
He attended his first summer camp with the troop. He took his swimming test and was designated a non-swimmer. His Scoutmaster said, "We're going to teach you to swim, you're going to be an Eagle Scout".
In his second year the boy was selected as Asst. PL of Eagle Patrol and completed his 1st Class Rank. His Scoutmaster said, "You are now beginning the road to Eagle".
In his 3rd year he became PL of Eagle Patrol and became a Star Scout. Eagle Patrol won the patrol contest. His Scoutmaster said, "You are on the road to Eagle".
The boy completed his Swimming Merit Badge and became a Life Scout. His Scoutmaster said, "Once a Life Scout, a Scout for life". One more step to Eagle.
The boy passed his Lifesaving Merit Badge and completed 21 merit badges. He planned and carried out his Eagle project. He was then recommended for the Eagle Board of Review and easily passed.
At his Eagle pinning ceremony that same Scoutmaster said, "I always knew that you would be an Eagle Scout".
That un-likely Eagle Scout serves as your Cubmaster. Scouting has had an impact on my life that goes so deep that it is hard for me to articulate. All I can say is I know first hand that Scouting will have a positive impact on your sons life in some way.
Throughout February the Cradle of Liberty Council will be holding our Friends of Scouting (FOS) drive. Please consider making a pledge to support Scouting in the Delaware Valley. I guarantee that your investment in Scouting will be money well spent.
