The Leader

My son joined Scouting as a tiger. Now he is not only an Eagle Scout but also a member of the Air Force Reserves. My son was very shy. He didn’t make friends easily even though he was involved in various activities. Scouting shaped him as a leader, baseball as an athlete and Marching Band gave him the ear to listen. He was a youth participant until he turned 18 and received his Eagle a couple of months later. He did not understand why the new members of the Troop always went to him for guidance and direction. His Scoutmaster sat down with him and explained that he had absorbed all the trainings and lessons offered and coupled with his patience and ability to lead by example, demonstrate, guide and encourage without being condescending or rude makes him a great leader. In basic training for the Air Force he asked and was given the leadership role of Black Rope. He was in charge of physical training and marching. He helped any member of his squad practice and train to become better. Now he seeks a challenge, physically and mentally in everything he does. He has returned from his training and he was welcomed by the troop. He and another of our Scouts his age love the program and are assistant Scoutmasters. We have a couple of other youth coming up for Eagle and they all want to give back by returning as assistant Scoutmasters to help the youth in our community. Given the opportunity our troops and crew would rather spend time serving their community rather than going on an outing. My youngest is in a pack but also attends the troop meetings and he sees his brother and all the Scouts work hard and give back. All of this is now available to girls and I think it is worth saving so they can have the opportunity to shine and fly with the Eagles before them.

Submitted by: Maria Crosby of Las Vegas, NV