rockogre

I too am an Eagle Scout. I started in scouts at the age of 8 and stayed with the program untill just a few years a go. Being from a small town the scout organization here was a big thing. I love the outdoors and like learning survival skills. This was also pretty much the only thing my father did with me.

In high school I changed troops when my dad pointed out that our troop was almost all white kids. We went to another troop that was much more integrated. I think that it did me some good to do that. I still have friends from that troop today.

This was in the 60's and so was a different world than todays. Most of us wouldn't know what "gay" meant exactly if someone had brought it up.

I think that scouting still has a lot to offer, but as eveyone knows they are having to wrestle with some things that were never thought of when the program was concieved.

For those of you that have a child in scouting, participate with your child. Pay attention to what it is that they are learning from the experience. Don't just assume that the adults involved are all "good guys", ask around, find out who is involved with your child. Also be sure to talk with your child about his or her experiences.

I had to participate in getting rid of a scoutmaster that was not providing a quality experience and it was not fun, but there are adults in the program that are willing to police it. Be one of them if your child is involved.

I'm still proud to be an Eagle Scout but I don't always agree with the way the program has been heading.

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Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you,
Jesus Christ and the American G. I.
One died for your soul, the other for your freedom