Ten ways scouting outranks television

By Don Grillo

Wednesday, August 30, 2006 10:12 AM EDT

Any time of the year is a good time for parents to enroll their sons in Scouting. But most boys join Scouting in September and October. During this period, annual recruiting programs are conducted by Cub Scout Packs and Boy Scout Troops throughout the Cayuga County Council. Boys are attracted to Scouting for the obvious reasons #- camping, hiking, uniforms, pinewood derby races, earning badges and awards, making new friends, learning new things and having fun.
Parents want their sons to join Scouting because it is more than just a program. Scouting is a life changing experience that helps build character, values, community and family.

The 12 traits that make up the Scouts Law reads like every parent's wish for their children - “trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.”

Along with the motto of “be prepared” and the scout slogan “do a good turn daily,” scouting sets expectations of cooperation, respect and good will - all success factors in helping build lifelong personal and family values.

These days there is a great deal of competition for kids time and a family's time #- some good, some not so good. Take this example. What are the top 10 reasons why scouting beats TV, hands down?

10. No wires, no remote, no batteries required

9. Scouting burns more calories

8. Scouting is socially interactive

7. Scouting doesn't have commercials

6. Scouting builds character

5. You can't build a campfire in the family room (The fireplace doesn't count)

4. Scouting builds families

3. Scouting provides positive reinforcement and creates positive change

2. Scouting has no place for violence

And the No. 1 reason why scouting beats TV, hands down: Scouting is the ultimate reality show!

For hundreds of local youth that reality show will start this fall. A new Boy Scout who joins in September can travel to Wellesley Island State Park at Thousand Islands with more than 150 local scouts and leaders to join 3,000 other scouts for a 2006 Brotherhood Camporee Weekend.

A new Cub Scout who joins during our county-wide school night on Sept. 21 can bring his family to Spook-O-Ree V, a Halloween themed adventure at Scout Camp Rotary on Saturday, Oct. 21. All new scouts can join more than 400 others in November for one of our communities' most rewarding service projects #- “Scouting for Food.” These events and activities are only highlights of the things that scouts do on a weekly basis.

Parental involvement is one of the strengths of scouting that makes it unique. Parents appreciate and enjoy having the ability to become involved at different times and levels in their child's scouting career. Siblings and extended family members can also benefit by participating in family-based activities and programs, not to mention the positive effect a scout can have as a role model, especially to younger family members.

Call 252-9579 or stop by the scout office at 7235 Mutton Hill Road, to find out how to begin your son's scouting experience.

Don Grillo is the scout executive for the Cayuga County Council Boy Scouts of America

The Citizens' Say

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There are 6 comment(s)

Dale wrote on Sep 6, 2006 7:50 AM:

" Brad - While I realize the right of people to say what they want (freedom of speech), your comments to Louise are off base in this forum. She has the right to teach her children the way she wants, and if that teaching doesn't fit your view of an ideal life, that's her choice. Louise - I respect your opinion. However, I would encourage you to at least pick up a Boy Scout Handbook and read it before turning your back on the organization. Yes, there are exclusions in the program - it is, after all, a private organization that can set its membership rules as it sees fit. I've been involved at various levels since I was 9 years old (35 years) and I must say Scouting is the reason I turned out as well as I did. The Scout Law made a huge impact on my life since the day I first learned it. In today's world where there are so many more bad things kids can be involved in, having something positive to hold on to is priceless. Give it a try. "

nick lenz wrote on Sep 1, 2006 3:43 PM:

" i like my scouting troop they are nice and they have lots of good ideas i am a tenderfoot so i am not that high in ranks i went to an eagle ceremony and i enjoyed that and was amazed on all the eagle scouts there where "

Nwosihhcae2 wrote on Sep 1, 2006 9:17 AM:

" Scouting is a program that teaches leadership and personal development. It promotes ideals and values such as Family, Citizenship and Reverence for God. That is at the core of Scouting and families who choose that program want those ideals taught by adults who exemplify that. Nowhere in scouting will you find an adult speaking negatively of any person or organization. They are positive and focus on topics that have nothing to do with sex. Atheists should not choose scouting, churches or prayer groups for affiliation. People are free to join groups they agree with, without being called a bigot. I choose scouting to associate my child with a positive group where people are not called names, where families are cherished and where God opens and closes each meeting. Academics, fitness, survival skills, citizenship and reverence to God are taught. You don't need scouting for that. Any family can teach their kids to spell, lead healthy lifestyles, take care of themselves, Pledge allegiance to God and Country and respect others. "

Brad wrote on Sep 1, 2006 9:14 AM:

" Response to Louise's comments: Why would you want your child to learn your hopeless and destructive "ideals" which you live with at home. How pathetic that you don't care or love your own child(ren) enough to teach them right from wrong! They will be the ones who suffer when they end up in jail because you never taught them how to obey authority and law enforcement. Then you can live your pathetic little life without concern or accountability. "

Linda wrote on Aug 31, 2006 5:31 PM:

" Don- Thank you for this terrific article! As a parent of an Eagle Scout your article is right on! I would like to add that Girl Scouts also provides the top ten reasons! Girl Scouts has made a world of difference in my daughters life! Also for older scouts check out the BSA Venturing Crews in your area! This is a coed program for older scouts! Also as a adult leader you have wonderful opportunties to make a difference! "

Louise wrote on Aug 31, 2006 12:32 PM:

" Am just curiou why i need you to do that for my child . He learns them at home not from stangers. An if is so wonderful why exclude gays and athiests which we have in our family. We promote all the ideals you do and with out you help and is free and always there. Guess wil stay with just school programs that do not promote bigots or exclude certain people "

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