Scouting brings youth opportunities for learning, growth

Most of us have seen the events such as the Pinewood Derby, the Eagle Scout ceremony, the food drives, and the church and individual service projects. Likely too, most of us have bought Girl Scout cookies, especially this time of year.

Yet, what we may not see are the more subtle benefits of Scouting -- values such as hard work, teamwork, cooperation, and understanding of others.

From Brownies and Daisies to Cubs and Webelos at the earliest of ages, to older boys and girls, scouting impacts youth on the local, state, national and international level.

All those qualities, plus a huge dose of fun, are in evidence at each of these events.

I, too, have fond memories of my time as both a Scout and later as a leader for my children and others, from crafts, sports, campouts, hikes and the pursuit of the various merit badges that culminated for me in a trip to Philmont, N.M., to, as an adult, leading Scouts in these same activities.

Similar events play out across the region as each new generation of packs and troops go through the learning and growth process annually.

While the ceremonies and events may differ somewhat from state to state, Scouting includes older youth and adults helping the younger Scouts learn and move through the varying changes in life -- advancing from one step to the next that signifies the child's entrance to and acceptance in a group of older youth committed to those same common goals of all Scouting.

Some 34 million youth take part in either Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts and millions more volunteer adults help mentor these young people along the path of adolescence to adulthood.

Locally, there are a number of packs, troops and dens, chartered primarily through sponsoring churches or schools, serving thousands of youth.

Our pages have been full of recent Scout activity over the past weeks, ranging from various group activities to individual achievements.

We're proud of recognize those who take part and those who volunteer.

Scouting has offered generations of people a strong foundation of core values and beliefs built around personal growth and service to others.

If you have a child who might be interested, learn more about the programs, activities and leadership. There are a number of committed adults and volunteers who will be happy to help you with your questions. Scouting is for all ages.