joy & happiness in BSA
The joy and happiness is evident on my sons face as he received his rank advancement.
From the time my son turned 8, WE had something that WE could do together. I served as a den leader figuring things out as I went along. I took all the training for all the different positions from Cubmaster to Pack committee Chair, just so I could learn more about the Program & organization. The more I learned about the program, the more fun it became.
Soon, I was inviting community members, like fireman to teach about safety, FAMILY disaster planning, and finding ways to encourage the boys to go home and get their family involved.
The Boy Scouts of America program is a FAMILY program. It's not a drop off and go babysitting program, or a wait until next meeting to do something program,
it's a do at home program, and come back, share, learn more, and repeat program.
As they get older, they build upon this and do much on their own, like belt loops, but now it's badges.
The merit badges develops communication skills, interpersonal social skills, follow through, and follow up skills. The weekly meetings are for leadership skills and service the the boys create.
The Boy Scout law is something they should strive to live every day. It builds strong character..."trustworthy,loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent." Also they should
do a good turn daily, be prepared always & do their best!
They need a lot do support to do this and this is where family and God come into the picture.
I am proud of my son and his accomplishments. I am glad to be part of this program, where a boy can look into the future, set goals, learn to be a leader and teach. The mothers receive a pin because Boy Scouts of America recognizes the work and effort it takes for these boys to advance to eagle. These pins are a "thanks mom! Pin".
This program has allowed me walk beside him, behind him, and sometimes in front of him.
As I write all these words, I realize I have a testimony of this program and how it's helped my son live gospel standards, stay close to his family and to The Lord.
It has built his confidence and relationships with us and The Lord.
He has become more independent, and relies more on his own choices and actions, as he chooses to keep the scout law. (...trustworthy, loyal, clean...he is developing Christlike attributes.)
He attended the National Youth Leadership Training camp this summer.
This taught him how to lead a Patrol. When a Patrol is led by the boys with adult leaders as a guide. They are encouraged to figure things out on their own and look for guidance. Sometimes this guidance is a turn to their leaders and sometimes to The Lord.
I'll give an example.
My son learned a very valuable lesson while over coming his fear of the water in order to rank to First Class. For most this was an easy task. For my son is was the hardest thing he's ever had to do.
It took 4 years of not giving up, having hope, doing his part and turning to The Lord for the rest.
Precept upon precept, the repetitive steps were taken. The patience of an assistant scoutmaster which will never be forgotten and many many prayers and support of others helped encourage him.
He had to learn to trust, and he had to learn to hope, because as year one, and two, and three, went by, he could have given up, OR taken an alternative route for his "disability.
But he wanted this bad.
The program which he has so highly esteemed since 8 could not be given up lightly. He wanted it, and with every baby steps, Hours and hours of practice, he pushed himself until finally even with his fear, he look a leap of faith.
When he was done, he felt like he could do anything!!! It will be something he will hold onto forever and will help guide him as he gets older, of this I am sure.
And an eagle he will be...
From me to you, my son,
with love, your Mommer.
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