Here's what people say about Scouting

From Scouts:

"Cub Scouts rock! We do some really cool stuff, like archery and camping. We even stayed overnight on the USS Pampanito submarine. I like all the fun stuff we do, and I like being with my friends."

Cub Scout, age 10

"I've been in scouting for nine years, since I was in first grade. Now that I'm a Boy Scout, I'm working on merit badges and hope to become an Eagle Scout some day. My troop goes camping every month. We also go rappelling, canoeing, orienteering, skiing, and much more. In 2001, I went to the National Scout Jamboree; it was one of the best experiences of my life. There were over 30,000 scouts there! I made lots of new friends. My troop is going to Philmont Scout Ranch for a 100-mile hike in 2004!"

Boy Scout, age 14

"Right now I'm working on my Eagle project. I'm organizing a team of people to fix the horse fences at a local historical park. Scouting has taught me organizational skills and leadership skills so I can get the job done. My scoutmasters have really helped me along the way, but in the end they I know that I have learned what it takes to complete this important project. These skills I'll be able to use my whole life."

Boy Scout, age 17

From Scout Leaders:

"I got 'recruited' to be a Tiger Cub leader when no one else would do it. I'd never even been in scouts myself! But I've been involved in scouts ever since (and that's been almost 10 years). Being an active part of my sons' growth through the years has been very special for both me and my sons, and scouting has helped to make it possible."

Cubmaster

"Being a leader has been a very rewarding experience. I enjoy seeing the boys accomplish things they never thought they could do beforewhether it be a 50-mile hike, or rappelling down a cliff, or even leading the troop in a project." Assistant Scoutmaster

From Parents:

"My sons are all grown. They all went through the scouting program and became Eagle Scouts, and I'm now proud to say they've all done well at college and have gone on to start their careers. The vast array of experiences they had while in scouting helped them become the men they are. They still are close to friends they made during their scouting years, and they enjoy getting together and reminiscing about all the great times they shared." Mother

From Community Leaders:

"The food collected by the local scout units each November is used to fill Thanksgiving food baskets, which is distributed to 250 families. Last year, area Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts collected over 2000 pounds of groceries--roughly 400 grocery bags full of food! This year the boys hope to collect more food to feed their needy neighbors."

Salvation Army Representative

"Boy Scouts represent the kind of values that epitomize this country."

Mike Kerns, Sonoma County Supervisor,

former Cub Scout and father of a scout

Scouting offers a "trail that leads to manhood by teaching teamwork, discipline, honesty, and service to others...training the next generation of American leaders."

President George W. Bush in address to

Scout leaders at annual meeting