So as a mother of boys an advance-ment in scouting it is a BIG deal! I think it is because it is a means to an end and so much work. Last Wednesday, Austin recieved his Life rank in scouts so he is almost done and finally on Sunday night Camron passed his Eagle Rank board of review. So I now have 2 Eagles and 1 almost there. I have to say that I love the scouting program and how it helps these boys grow to be men. Camron did not like campouts so much when he first started scouts. It helped that Dad was the scout master and going too. But he learned to like it. Now when he has a campout it is no big deal. He comes home with great stories about the whole experience and what a good time he had with his leaders and friends. He has great leaders in the Varsity program. Camron is a great example to his friends, he works hard at everything he does and tries to do his best all the time. I am so proud of him for finishing through the Eagle Rank. He definetly earned this reward.
For all of you out there who struggle with the scouting program, I would just say get involved and learn the program and then you won't be so frustrated. If everyone got involved while their boys were there, it would be even more amazing. Our boys need to learn to be independent and learn how to survive and do hard things. The outings are not just for fun, but they are helping the boys learn more about themselves and just what they can do if they try. Sometimes it is going to be hard (or at least it should be) but they can do hard things - super hard things; and they will survive and be better because of it. It helps them be ready for missions and do their best as they serve the Lord. We have to raise strong men, because one of these days they are going to have to stand up for something and they might be standing alone. As you can tell I feel strongly about this, I have a testimony of the program and what it is designed to do if it is ran the way it is set up to run. As mothers we can be a huge support to both the scout and the leaders.
