Happy First 100 Years, Eagle Scouts!

It's a birthday! Michael Malone: "A Century of Eagle Scouts" at WSJ.com:

Out of the more than 115 million boys who have passed through the Boy Scouts of America in the last 102 years, approximately two million have become Eagle Scouts, a 2% rate that has climbed to about 4% of all scouts in recent years. Some may have excelled in outdoor challenges and troop leadership, or while earning merit badges for oceanography and entrepreneurship. Yet all have been changed by the experience of what has been come to be called "the Ph.D. of Boyhood." And these Eagles in turn have changed the face of American culture in ways both obvious and unexpected.

Leadership, planning, fore-handedness, teamwork, adventure, skills, exposure to many different people and views. Learning from mistakes in a relatively safe environment. Minimal cost, maximum benefit.

Both my sons took the road from Tiger Cub to Eagle Scout - and that path shaped them in ways far beyond the power of parental influence.

Thanks to their Scout leaders and the other adults who believe in Scouting and help make it work.

It's a good thing.

"Be prepared"

Here's to the BSA and its Eagles and the first 100 years!

Happy 100 years, Boy Scouts of America!

100 Years of Scouting.

As the proud father of two Eagle Scouts, both of whom rose from Tiger Cub to Eagle, I can attest to the value of this great organization.


Building confidence and self reliance, courage and a spirit of adventure - there is no other program like it and not one that costs so little to participate in.

As the Scouts say:

...BSA has helped build the future leaders of this country by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun. The Boy Scouts of America believes — and, through nearly a century of experience, knows — that helping youth is a key to building a more conscientious, responsible, and productive society.

Thanks to all the volunteers, the Tiger Cub parents, Den Leaders, Pack Leaders, Scoutmasters and all the many others who have made the program what it is.