I grew up with three sisters and not a brother in the bunch. Surprise, surprise – I ended up having three sons, and it’s been an adventure trying to figure out what to do with them. This last December when my oldest boy turned eight, I was asked to serve as the Wolf Scout leader. I figured this would come eventually – with three boys, what are the odds – but the call still caught me off-guard.
“I’ve never done anything like this,” I stammered to the member of the Bishopric who asked me to fill the call.
“You’ll learn,” he said, and I was off and rolling.
I went into it with some trepidation, but I have to say, it has been a lot more fun than I ever would have expected. Sure, it’s challenging to get the boys where they’re supposed to be and when, but we’ve also had a lot of fun, too. We’ve made cookies, we’ve had a treasure hunt, we went up the canyon to collect litter, and we’ve done a whole ton of great activities that have earned the boys their badges, arrow points, and belt loops.
One thing that concerns me is that there seems to be a lack of individuals willing to accept the call to work with the Scouts. For years, the focus of the Church has been on building up the youth, so that when they go out into the world, their foundations are sure. Much emphasis has been placed on the Young Men and Young Women’s programs for this very reason. But aren’t Scouts going to become Young Men? Isn’t the Scouting program every bit as important as Young Men’s?
Scouting gives boys the tremendous opportunity to reach beyond their own boundaries and do things they never thought they were capable of doing. It builds their self-esteem, teaches them respect, they learn about America and what it means to be patriotic, and they learn survival skills. They are taught how to use common sense and good judgment, and how to work well together. I have seen my son grow by leaps and bounds since he entered the program. He loves it, and I love that he’s in it.
If you’re asked to accept a call in Scouts, please accept. You will find yourself amazed at these bright young spirits, at their vitality and love of life, and how connected they still are to Heavenly Father. You will have more fun than you ever thought you would, and you will come away from the experience richer and very, very blessed.
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