Scouting believes that today's young people should have fun. To accomplish this the BSA offers camping, canoeing, boating, fishing and many other outdoor activities. Scouts are given a chance to play, laugh, mature and just have fun - things every child deserves.

Scouting believes that all children should have the opportunity for a good future. As a Scout, a child learns about ethics, decision making, the difference between right and wrong, and develops the self-esteem to carry him through life's difficult situations.

Scouting believes that youth should participate in their community. That's why chartered organizations include religious organizations, schools, businesses, and civic, social and fraternal groups.

Scouting believes in helping young men and women to develop the three principles that they will need to grow into responsible, caring adults: strength of character, physical and mental fitness and the presence of mind to make ethical decisions.

Scouting believes in young people. But moms and dads are the key, by realizing how important scouting can be in their son's life and for their entire family. They need to see scouting through their “sons eyes” as this verse I came across recently so aptly describes.

“I'd like to be a Cub Scout”...

(His eyes were clear and true)

“I'd like to learn, and play, and build,

Like Jim and Freddy do.“

“I know how to use a hammer,

I can drive a nail if I try ...

I'm eight years old, I'm big and strong

And hardly every cry.“

I gave him the application

And parent-participation sheet

(His eyes were filled with sunshine

As he left on dancing feet.)

Next day my friend was back again,

A dejected little lad.

“I guess I'll skip the Cub Scouts.”

(His eyes were dark and sad.)

“My Mom is awfully busy,

She has lots of friends, you see,

She'd never have time for a Den,

She hardly has time for me.“

“And Dad is always working...

He's hardly ever there;

to give them any more to do

Just wouldn't be quite fair.“

He handed me back the papers

With the dignity of eight years,

And smiling bravely, left me.

(His eyes were filled with tears.)

Do you see your own boy's eyes

As other people may?

How he looks when you're “too busy”

Or “just haven't time today?”

A boy is such a special gift...

Why won't you realize

It only takes a little time

to put sunshine in his eyes.

You say, “I'll start tomorrow”

But tomorrow is far away.

He's a boy for such a short time

So won't you start today?

Call the Cayuga County Council Service Center at 252-9579 and find out how easy it is for your son to join.

Don Grillo is the scout executive for the Cayuga County Council, Boy Scouts of America located at 7235 Mutton Hill Road, Auburn